Former Los Angeles County Lifeguard Bob Hogan was remembered as “more than one person,” by lifelong friend and former fellow lifeguard Roy Bream during a memorial paddleout for Hogan at the Manhattan Beach pier on Saturday
“He was a lifeguard, sailor, artist and boat builder who led by example. He taught me to dream big and then commit, that once you commit heaven and earth will move obstacles out of your way,” Bream said.
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Hogan was a longtime Manhattan Beach resident, before moving to Hawaii and then Washington.
Other former lifeguard recalled Hogan as a fanatical competitor.
“I think he founded the Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race because he figured if a race was long enough, he could win it,” Jim Piper said.
Mike Bright, who won the 32-mile Catalina to Manhattan Beach race in 1956 and 1957, wrote in an email read at the memorial that Hogan inspired him to become a waterman.
“I was 10 years old when I saw him paddle like a man possessed in the Taplin Bell race. He inspired me to enter the enter the 10 and under surf mat competition the next day and I won it,” Bright recalled.
Don McPherson was Hogan’s next door neighbor in Manhattan Beach when they met 54 years ago. Hogan was spraying painting a boat he was building in his backyard and the overspray landed on McPherson’s Volkswagen.
“At least your bottom paint matches my rust,” McPherson told Hogan.
McPherson said Hogan taught him to challenge authority.
“I’d not be wearing this ponytail if I hadn’t met Bob,” McPherson said.
Hogan suffered from dementia at the end of his life, but never forgot his years in the South Bay.
“I’d ask him if he knew where he was and he’d say, ‘Sure. I’m at Pier Avenue,” his niece Holly said. ER
