My friend, colleague and SCUBA buddy, Dr. Colin Bateman was killed Tuesday morning at around 8:30 while riding his bicycle just outside of gate 3 at the Kennedy Space Center. The woman that ran him over, "looked away for just a moment" while passing another car. Colin was wearing a helmet at the time. He was an extremely talented teacher of physics and chemistry at Gulliver Prep here in Miami and had just moved back to the space coast to be closer to his and his wife's family. He and his wife had just completed their Advanced and Nitrox ratings with me last month, sharing a wonderful weekend together in Key Largo, staying at Marina Del Mar and diving with the fine folks at Ocean Divers. He leaves behind his wife, not quite 4 year old son and 9 year old daughter. I've only had the pleasure of his friendship the past two years, but it has felt like I've known him forever. He was an inspiration to his students that he taught, and those he coached in the pool, both here and in the space coast community. Colin also helped me with the SCUBA club at the prep, going on reef cleanups and work trips with the Coral Restoration Foundation in Key Largo. In life I find that you have acquaintances, colleagues, people you encounter in every day life, and then your friends and family. To me, there is no rating system when it comes to friendship, a friend may not be a blood tie, but they are family none the less. My heart aches for the loss of my friend, but is broken for the loss of a father to two beautiful children and husband to a wonderful wife.
Rest in peace my friend, you are loved and missed.
Rest in peace my friend, you are loved and missed.
