In memory of my cousin Burbank “Bob” Colomy who passed away yesterday morning. He served as a US Marine fighting in Korea. He then had a long career as an abalone diver. He was a contemporary of Laddie Handelman ( one of the founders of Oceaneering and Caldive) as well as Dan Wilson (founder of SubSea International). He went on to do both oilfield and civil engineering underwater construction. He did one of the first tie ins for Occidental at Piper Alpha in the North Sea and worked on the large tunnel project in Chesapeake Virginia. He made a big impression on me as a youth and I followed him into the diving world. Later in life I would make a point of seeing him and enjoying the many stories from his remarkable life laced with family history. Kudos to his daughter SiriLynne for taking such good care of him in his later years. He is remembered for his toughness and persistence as well as his kindness and humor. Rest in peace, you are missed.
Thanks for all the kind birthday wishes. Had a great day with grandkids and kids. Thinking back to dive school where we were told we wouldn’t be diving past age 35. Now making income diving at twice that age and into my 50th year in this industry. Very thankful to have had this opportunity for such a rewarding career.
