Loss of B.A.D coach Skip Brooks

[Barry Bonzack]

I first met Skip in 2008 at a 1902 demo at Chick-Fil-a. He was wide-eyed, and eager to learn how to run his own FRC team. Bacon worked closely with 2757 their rookie year, a friendship that has continued every year since. It has been astonishing to watch Skip go from a humble rookie mentor, to a equally humble mentoring powerhouse in central Florida. Since mentoring an FRC team wasn't too much on his plate, he started the B.A.D. FTC team....then he dual coached the G.O.O.D. FTC team. He joked if he ever created a 3rd team, they would figure out an an acronym for UGLY.

In 2009 he told me he planned on hosting an FTC competition at Lyman High School, and needed an emcee. Thrilled to finally have an FTC competition in Orlando, I committed immediately. I sent him an e-mail just a few weeks ago asking for the date of this year's competition at Lyman high school, and he responded with "I love proactived people" and gave me the date. I replied letting him know that it wasn't on a UCF gameday, and so I bought my season tickets that day. He sent a reply e-mail "I once again find myself humbled."

I learned at the celebration of his life this weekend that Skip served his country in the marines, his community through his mentoring, and his family by being the absolute role model father and husband. He was truly a man all men should try to emulate.

The other thing I joyfully learned about Skip is that he believed working with students was his niche in life. He was a devout Christian, and like many of us, believe FIRST is our mission from God. While there are not many opportunities to share our beliefs with others during our activities and competition, they way he led his life was more than enough to show he put his beliefs in action. He loved God, and his neighbor as he loved himself.

I am absolutely confident Skip is in heaven, and God is using his many talents. I can't wait for the day I meet him again so he can tell me about what fantastic projects he's been up to for the last 75 years (okay, I can wait a little). I'm sure he'll then ask me to get involved, and once again partner with him in his endeavors. In the mean time, my prayers are with Skips family, and many many friends.

[Dancin103]

From myself, and all of team 103, our thoughts and prayers are with Skips family and community.