It is with great sadness that I report the passing of one of the pioneers of scientific diving in our neck of the woods, Dr. Robert "Bob" Given.
Bob made some of the very earliest systematic SCUBA-based subtidal surveys of the waters off Santa Catalina Island in the mid 60's. His work was part of an effort that led to the formation of the Wrigley Marine Science Center here at Big Fisherman Cove. Bob also served as its director later. Much of his research work focused on diving physiology and he was active in pioneering a number of studies including some of the early deep air diving.
Bob was also instrumental in helping set up the Catalina Island Conservancy back in the early 1970's, an effort I had a much smaller part in as well. He was instrumental in the formation of the Catalina Conservancy Divers support group and in helping educate the divers of the group to conduct scientific data gathering. Bob served as a member of the Benefactor Members of the Conservancy until his passing.
More recently Bob taught biology classes at Marymount College in Palos Verdes.
Over the years he has inspired many to take both a professional and personal interest in the marine environment. I know Bob was a great help to me when I first started teaching marine biology using SCUBA here on Catalina back in 1969. He was also source of great council when I served as the Conservancy's Vice President in the 1990's.
The last time I spoke with Bob at length it was a sunny fall day. We were both sitting outside Antonio's Pizzeria admiring the scenery, and talking diving. Although Bob had already undergone a fair bit of treatment for a metastasized melanoma, he talked about wanting to don his gear and do one more dive. I told him I'd be proud to be his dive buddy. Unfortunately that never happened, but I hope Bob gets his chance now... in warmer waters!
My condolences to his family and his many friends. I'm sure a number of them will add their tribute here.
Bob made some of the very earliest systematic SCUBA-based subtidal surveys of the waters off Santa Catalina Island in the mid 60's. His work was part of an effort that led to the formation of the Wrigley Marine Science Center here at Big Fisherman Cove. Bob also served as its director later. Much of his research work focused on diving physiology and he was active in pioneering a number of studies including some of the early deep air diving.
Bob was also instrumental in helping set up the Catalina Island Conservancy back in the early 1970's, an effort I had a much smaller part in as well. He was instrumental in the formation of the Catalina Conservancy Divers support group and in helping educate the divers of the group to conduct scientific data gathering. Bob served as a member of the Benefactor Members of the Conservancy until his passing.
More recently Bob taught biology classes at Marymount College in Palos Verdes.
Over the years he has inspired many to take both a professional and personal interest in the marine environment. I know Bob was a great help to me when I first started teaching marine biology using SCUBA here on Catalina back in 1969. He was also source of great council when I served as the Conservancy's Vice President in the 1990's.
The last time I spoke with Bob at length it was a sunny fall day. We were both sitting outside Antonio's Pizzeria admiring the scenery, and talking diving. Although Bob had already undergone a fair bit of treatment for a metastasized melanoma, he talked about wanting to don his gear and do one more dive. I told him I'd be proud to be his dive buddy. Unfortunately that never happened, but I hope Bob gets his chance now... in warmer waters!
My condolences to his family and his many friends. I'm sure a number of them will add their tribute here.