Well over 100 surfers paddled out this morning (Sunday, May 1, 2011) in remembrance of legendary lifeguard and surfer Doug Tico. Tico died at the age of 82 on Sunday, December 12, 2010, from complications of a stroke he had in August 2010. According to his obituary:
He was born at home on Topeka Street, Oceanside, in 1928. He was one of Oceanside’s first lifeguards and graduated from Oceanside/Carlsbad High when the two were combined. He was employed by the U.S. Post Office as a mail carrier, Helm’s Bakery as a delivery man, and worked at the La Costa Spa for 20 years as a fitness instructor. Doug lived 82 wonderful years and surfed for over 70 of those. He holds the 2002 Waterman Award from the Longboard Surfing Club and is included in the Oceanside Surfing Museum. He held a great love and respect for the ocean, enjoyed paddling out with his surfing buddies and watching the sun set every evening with his wife and friends at the end of Tamarack in Carlsbad.
Doug’s daughter Teresa Tico, and brother Dennis spoke to the surfers in the water, while Oceanside lifeguards gave a tribute with lifeguards standing on the railing for a moment and thenall jumping in together. Flowers were thrown. Waves were caught. It was a worthy sendoff for a Carlsbad waterman.
We will always remember the smile he met us with each time we passed he and his wife Beverly as they walked the seawall.
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I met Doug in 1982. He was 27 years my senior but could surf circles around me. He was always the most joyous person. Most generous. Passionate about life.
I’ve kept in random contact with him over the years. If nothing else, I call him on May 1 to wish him Happy Birthday. This year I was late by a day – and more – calling his house on May 2. I then found out about his passing in December.
I’m sad.
My condolences to the family and other friends.
Our loss. Heaven’s gain.