Memoriam for a Man I Did Not Know

Chris Clarke's friend, Ben Cristoffel, wore the number that
Chris had been assigned for the Indy Aquatic Challenge

A week ago Sunday, I participated in my first ever 

open water swim competition. It was a race sponsored 

by my club, Indy Aquatic Masters.

The day was beautiful, the water warmer than

expected, and the people were cordial and happy.

I was slow and did not finish anywhere near

my expected time, mostly because I am slow, even

on a good day; I learned I need to swim with

my head up to navigate my way around the course.

The "usual suspects" won, of course,

the men and women who are always fast and strong.

But one of them was missing.

Chris Clarke, one of IAM's best, most competitive

swimmers died during the race. At this point,

no one knows what happened except that it was

totally unexpected. Personnel had reached him quickly,

but it was too late. A day that had started with

so much sunshine was suddenly dulled 
by dismay and sorrow.

Yesterday, a memorial practice was held

at Five Seasons health club.

Eighty-two people showed up to swim a practice

routine designed by Chris. While I had been at sessions

with him, I hadn't been a member long enough 

to know him personally, so I had some concerns 

about taking part in the session.

But, as I read about Chris in tributes written by his

friends and teammates, and in the news media,

I found that I did know Chris.

Words like "enthusiastic," "humorous," "passionate," 

and "compassionate" were common themes.

As I looked around yesterday at my fellow members,

I found those same characteristics are reflected 

in the people who are members of IAM. 

 To effectively remember Chris Clarke, all those 

folks need to do is to continue to be the same

enthusiastic, humorous, passionate, and

compassionate people I have come to respect and love.

Maybe one day those qualities will rub off on me,

just a bit, making me not just a better swimmer,

but a better person, as well.