Gordon Smith

Sutty · 12th January 2006, 19:02

Awful news. I never met Gordon but am terribly saddened by the news of his death. My heart goes out to Kim, deepest condolences to her, family and friends. The world has lost a pioneer and a great man.

Neil

julie · 12th January 2006, 19:42

I never met Gordon, but i have heard so much about him, from Steve Ron and many more,.. he sounded like a wonderful person,

my condolences to Kim, family and Jetsam staff

God speed

Julie

RZEP17 · 12th January 2006, 20:20

I never knew Gordon personally.... Sad,....very sad news!
My condolences to Kim!

Tomek Rzepecki

EVLanelli · 12th January 2006, 20:32

I met Gordon and Kim at DEMA-Las Vegas. He was so incredibly patient answering my newbie questions I thought he must be a very well-informed employee. Imagine my surprise upon discovering that the patient answerer was non-other than the inventor! Such a kind man with such genius--not just in technology but in humanity. My sincerest condolences to Kim. In sympathy, Yvonne Lanelli

Jason Blackwell · 12th January 2006, 20:56

I know we all have to die. But why is it that it is always the good that go first?

Kim and the staff at Jetsam, our heart goes out to you.

From your friends at Dive Dive Dive: - Jason, Damon, our family and staff.

Janos · 12th January 2006, 21:29

I spoke with Gordon both before and after buying a KISS, and went to the Birmingham show to talk with him. I had many questions, but he always had the time and was never patronising or condesending to this rebreather newbie.

In the rebreathers he designed he has left a legacy that is admired by engineers and rebreather designers everywhere. And he was a nice bloke to boot.

Deepest sympathies,
Janos

John Rawlings · 12th January 2006, 23:08

Years ago I was an instructor for a week long course through the "EDGE Learning Institute" entitled "Increasing Human Effectiveness". One of the exercises that students went through was to spend some time writing out, in detail, what you would want your friends, co-workers and loved ones to say about you at your memorial service.....and then do your absolute best to live your life in such a way that similar statements would actually be said when that time finally came.

From all the comments that I have read above it is obvious to me that Gordon lived his life well. As he was my friend, I knew what a special man he was.....even in these tragic circumstances it does my heart good to read the kind things that others have to say about him.

I hope that Kim is able to take some comfort in what each of you has said.

- John

Janwillem Bech · 12th January 2006, 23:28

Kim;

It is really sad to hear this news.

I never had the chance to meet, but I hope you will find strength in all the encouraging messages on this and other websites! It is very sad he went so fast. I will leave your message on the frontpage of my website for all people to be informed about your and our loss.

Be sure that even in cold Holland all Jetsam effords and kind help is highly appreciated!

I wish you and your family all strength in these dark days.

Regards;

Janwillem, Caroline, Wies

Http://www.therebreathersite.nl

shell-back · 12th January 2006, 23:54

Its with great regret that I write this post as I had hopes to visit the Jetsam shop later this year, and had not made plans earlier.
The few moments that I have spoken with Gordon at shows or on the phone have always been memorable in terms of his ability to answer my questions by redirecting them back at me to find the answer as if I had the answers all along. (this is a gifted talent)

This sad news comes on the eve of our trip to Roatan with the wife after a 3 year hiatus from diving for her while raising the babies. In the late nights before the trip as all of you I have, I’ve been reconfiguring gear or packing or hunting for that one item or spare part. This news makes it every bit more difficult.

I wish the very best for Kim and can assure our support in any way. Behind any great man you will always find an even greater women. Late last year we set up our dealership with Jetsam , for several reasons but most importantly because of the people behind the product. You will never find a better match of product ,service and personality.

peace be with you all,

Billy Beal
www.bigoscuba.com

koputai · 13th January 2006, 00:02

Truly sad news.
Having enjoyed Gordon's wit and sincerity from the early days of the Rebreather list, then finally meeting him for the first time last year, the world is a lesser place without him.
We've lost one of the few real thinkers in this industry, and a great bloke.

Jason McHattan.

12th January 2006, 19:02	#51 (permalink)
Sutty Classic Kiss diver Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Glossop, Derbyshire, UK Posts: 798	Re: Gordon Smith Awful news. I never met Gordon but am terribly saddened by the news of his death. My heart goes out to Kim, deepest condolences to her, family and friends. The world has lost a pioneer and a great man. Neil
(Offline)

12th January 2006, 19:42	#52 (permalink)
julie Mega Tiggerlodon Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Dolphin Other Rebreather/s: Dolphin Join Date: May 2005 Location: hoddesdon, Herts,UK Posts: 76	Re: Gordon Smith I never met Gordon, but i have heard so much about him, from Steve Ron and many more,.. he sounded like a wonderful person, my condolences to Kim, family and Jetsam staff God speed Julie __________________ Bouncin's what TIGGERS do best !
(Offline)

12th January 2006, 20:20	#53 (permalink)
RZEP17 New Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Connecticut, USA Posts: 77	Re: Gordon Smith I never knew Gordon personally.... Sad,....very sad news! My condolences to Kim! Tomek Rzepecki
(Online)

12th January 2006, 20:32	#54 (permalink)
EVLanelli New Member Current Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: New Mexico Posts: 1	Re: Gordon Smith I met Gordon and Kim at DEMA-Las Vegas. He was so incredibly patient answering my newbie questions I thought he must be a very well-informed employee. Imagine my surprise upon discovering that the patient answerer was non-other than the inventor! Such a kind man with such genius--not just in technology but in humanity. My sincerest condolences to Kim. In sympathy, Yvonne Lanelli
(Offline)

12th January 2006, 20:56	#55 (permalink)
Jason Blackwell Bloody Rebreathers! Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Sport Kiss Optima Dolphin Ray Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Inspiration Vision Evolution Classic Kiss Dolphin Ray Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Brisbane, Queensland, AUSTRALIA Posts: 361	Re: Gordon Smith I know we all have to die. But why is it that it is always the good that go first? Kim and the staff at Jetsam, our heart goes out to you. From your friends at Dive Dive Dive: - Jason, Damon, our family and staff.
(Offline)

12th January 2006, 21:29	#56 (permalink)
Janos "Two Sheds" Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: East Surrey Posts: 600	Re: Gordon Smith I spoke with Gordon both before and after buying a KISS, and went to the Birmingham show to talk with him. I had many questions, but he always had the time and was never patronising or condesending to this rebreather newbie. In the rebreathers he designed he has left a legacy that is admired by engineers and rebreather designers everywhere. And he was a nice bloke to boot. Deepest sympathies, Janos __________________ You can lead a horse to water but you can't climb a ladder with a large bell in both hands - Vic Reeves www.hellfins.com/shed
(Offline)

12th January 2006, 23:08	#57 (permalink)
John Rawlings New Member Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Pacific Northwest USA Posts: 92	Re: Gordon Smith Years ago I was an instructor for a week long course through the "EDGE Learning Institute" entitled "Increasing Human Effectiveness". One of the exercises that students went through was to spend some time writing out, in detail, what you would want your friends, co-workers and loved ones to say about you at your memorial service.....and then do your absolute best to live your life in such a way that similar statements would actually be said when that time finally came. From all the comments that I have read above it is obvious to me that Gordon lived his life well. As he was my friend, I knew what a special man he was.....even in these tragic circumstances it does my heart good to read the kind things that others have to say about him. I hope that Kim is able to take some comfort in what each of you has said. - John
(Offline)

12th January 2006, 23:28	#58 (permalink)
Janwillem Bech New Member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other CCR Other SCR Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other SCR Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Netherlands Posts: 90	Re: Gordon Smith Kim; It is really sad to hear this news. I never had the chance to meet, but I hope you will find strength in all the encouraging messages on this and other websites! It is very sad he went so fast. I will leave your message on the frontpage of my website for all people to be informed about your and our loss. Be sure that even in cold Holland all Jetsam effords and kind help is highly appreciated! I wish you and your family all strength in these dark days. Regards; Janwillem, Caroline, Wies Http://www.therebreathersite.nl Last edited by EBT : 12th January 2006 at 23:48. Reason: minor typo correction.
(Offline)

12th January 2006, 23:54	#59 (permalink)
shell-back I do all my own stunts Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Dolphin Ray Azimuth Other SCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Dolphin Ray Azimuth Other SCR Home Build Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: middle of US Posts: 481	Re: Gordon Smith Its with great regret that I write this post as I had hopes to visit the Jetsam shop later this year, and had not made plans earlier. The few moments that I have spoken with Gordon at shows or on the phone have always been memorable in terms of his ability to answer my questions by redirecting them back at me to find the answer as if I had the answers all along. (this is a gifted talent) This sad news comes on the eve of our trip to Roatan with the wife after a 3 year hiatus from diving for her while raising the babies. In the late nights before the trip as all of you I have, I’ve been reconfiguring gear or packing or hunting for that one item or spare part. This news makes it every bit more difficult. I wish the very best for Kim and can assure our support in any way. Behind any great man you will always find an even greater women. Late last year we set up our dealership with Jetsam , for several reasons but most importantly because of the people behind the product. You will never find a better match of product ,service and personality. peace be with you all, Billy Beal www.bigoscuba.com Last edited by shell-back : 12th January 2006 at 23:59.
(Offline)

13th January 2006, 00:02	#60 (permalink)
koputai Subsea Systems Current Rebreather/s: MK 15.X Other CCR Other SCR Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Other CCR Other SCR Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 333	Re: Gordon Smith Truly sad news. Having enjoyed Gordon's wit and sincerity from the early days of the Rebreather list, then finally meeting him for the first time last year, the world is a lesser place without him. We've lost one of the few real thinkers in this industry, and a great bloke. Jason McHattan.
(Offline)

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