Remembering a Talented Florida Swimmer

Robert Edwin Lavanture died in Elkhart, Ind., on September 14, 2009 at the age of 87. He was last registered with the Florida Aquatic Swim Team (FACT) in 2005 and had many national Top Ten finishes in both breaststroke and freestyle.

Joannie Campbell writes "Bob was a fantastic salesman and was greatly responsible for the Clearwater Aquatic Team Master's success back in the 90s. He singlehandedly obtained sponsors for the Valentine Meet to cover expenses, cheered us all on at the meets, designed t-shirts and was a gift to all of us as a team member. After his dear wife of over 60 years died he became terribly depressed and lost a great deal of interest in swimming. He went to playing pool in the Senior Games and I understand was quite a champion. He was active as a youth teacher in that sport in his community and had a big, big heart for all the youngsters—swimmers and otherwise."

Bob had a distinguished military career and wrote his own biography in the early nineties.