It is a deep sorrow that we at Big Brothers Big Sisters of SLO County (BBBS) feel after the recent passing of Bryan Gingg, a longtime agency volunteer, board member, fundraiser, advocate and Big Brother. I met Bryan about 21 years ago when I first became involved with BBBS, initially as a board advisor then as its first paid executive director. I learned that Bryan's life changed dramatically when a tragic accident while attending Cal Poly left him a quadriplegic. The Bryan I knew expressed no bitterness, and through the help of family and friends carved out a life that I truly feel was heroic.

Over the years, I never saw Bryan with less than a smile on his face and a gleam in his eyes. His life was far from easy, but he made more than the best of the situation. Bryan served as a role model for the young people he mentored and the adults who were privileged to work with and be his friend. As a current BBBS colleague of mine said, "a light has gone from our agency." Thank you, Bryan. I know that you are now in a place enabling you to roam free for the first time in many years. Rest in peace my friend.

Rick Cohen

Avila Beach