Lifeguard
When I first started going to Willard Beach, I always saw this guy in his hard, white safari-like hat. Mom said he was the lifeguard, and she left it at that. He walked the beach like he owned it, and I guess in a way he did. Back in those days, there were not multiple guards sitting in their raised lifeguard stands with their paddleboards nearby. There was just 'the guard'. He dressed all in white and hung around the snackbar and restrooms, keeping the peace and making sure that everyone behaved. To me he never had a name, just 'the lifeguard'. He walked the beach said hi to the ladies, all the while with his eyes on the water. He was a lifeguard, a cop and a friend when you walked on his sand. Today at Willard, this small stone with his photograph tells his story.
Meet "Chick" Wilder.
He was quite the beach character.
a neat tribute to him. :)
ReplyDeleteAn interesting piece, must have been a nice individual.
ReplyDeleteYes, good to hear about people like this.
ReplyDeleteI think to do this job, you need to be passionate about life, be courageous!
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful homage.
Léia
When I was a kid in Utah there was a similar guy named Jack Kimball. He ran the swimming pool, the city gym where the recreation program was and he was here there and everywhere making sure nobody got hurt and got along. Guys like Chick and Jack were what made the world go round.
ReplyDeleteAh, the good ol' days. Thanks for the memories!
ReplyDeleteSo interesting...I've have to come down to read the story. Was he employed by the city or police department. Willard, it is the apprent jewel of SoPo...and I liked it well enough, but not as much as the greenbelt trail that was built above it later on...and then there was the dog owner verses non dog owner conflicts around Willard...But it must have been nice for you when you were a kid. Wasn't there like a big clean up down there at one point?
ReplyDeleteIt is so nice that he is still remembered that way!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool character. Sounds like life and he were a perfect fit.
ReplyDeleteNice that he is getting some recognition.
ReplyDeleteAn outstanding citizen. Good thing he didn't rely on year-round work.
ReplyDeleteA good commemoration. One of my cousins did that job for several years.
ReplyDeleteSounds like Chick did a good job Birdman, love it that he was remembered this way!
ReplyDeleteSounds like Chick did a good job Birdman, love it that he was remembered this way!
ReplyDeleteA terrific chap, we need more like him.
ReplyDeleteA terrific chap, we need more like him.
ReplyDeleteA brave guy!
ReplyDeleteNoticed and obeyed in life and memorialized afterwards. Not a bad recognition and respect!
ReplyDelete