Carl Q. Christol
While I was attending UC Santa Barbara I worked a handful of part time jobs, many which involved wearing a bathing suit and standing by a pool. (If I only knew how lucky I was then). One of my jobs was at the Montecito YMCA where I worked as a lifeguard, swim coach, and swim instructor. The Y was one of those places where you knew everyone who was a member, and they seem like a part of your life or an extension of your family.
There are a number of people who left a lasting impression on me at the Y, but one of my favorites was Carl. When I first met Carl he was about 92, nearly everyday like clock work he would arrive at about noon for lap swim. I can still picture him shuffling in with his white bath robe and flip flops, in hand he would have his flippers which he wore throughout the majority of his swim. I don't think I ever took note of how far he swam, but he must have done at least 500 yards each day.
He would often chat with Edith (another one of my favorites at the YMCA) about current events and other happenings. Edith was the one who filled me in on who Carl was and what he did. Turns out he was a very well known Law Professor at USC, specializing in Space Law. I remember being in awe when she told me that he had recently finished writing another book. The last few months that I worked at the Y, Carl stopped coming in, Edith informed me that his family took away his car. I was relieved that he was alive and well but couldn't help but feel bad that he was no longer able to make his daily swims.
Since I moved to L.A. I have thought a lot about the members of the Y, particularly the older members. Earlier this week I was thinking about Carl and felt the urge to look him up. I didn't know his full name So I Googled, "Carl USC Law Professor" and I found Carl Q. Christol. There were links to his books, interviews, and several articles titled: In Memoriam. He had passed away February of this year.
Here are a few of the articles:
USC's Article
Palisadian Post
Through these articles I learned more about the accomplishments and life of Carl Quimby Christol. He was considered a pioneer in International Space Law, he was a Colonel in the Army during WWII, and a recipient of the Bronze Star. He had a number of degree's and had taught all over the world. He published a handful of books, and was highly respected in his field. It warmed my heart thinking about him and the long life he had lived. Carl will always be the story I tell when people say they are too old to do something. I often think that people see age as an easy excuse to give up or not be active. I only hope that I will be swimming laps everyday when I'm 94.