Written with love by Brian Ritacco, Gracie Goddard, Kristin Preston, Brian Parrott & Monique Lance
The Tualatin Hills Barracudas (THB) celebrated and honored fellow swimmer, 85-year-old, Dave Radcliff on Saturday, September 14th, during the annual team BBQ. Standing before family, friends, and fellow swimmers, Dave shared, “your friendship, your encouragement, your kidding, and just being part of my life has been the greatest gift of Masters Swimming.”
The feeling is mutual. Dave was presented with a book of individual stories, photos, and memories from over 100 friends and swimmers. The book captures how much Dave means to us and the positive impact he has had on the people around him.
In addition to the memory book, Dave was surprised when family and long-time friends came up to congratulate him! Special out of town guests included: Jill Marie Asch (OR), Grace Spore (CA), Bill Spore (CA), Katie Reardon Sellon, Dave’s granddaughter, her husband and young child (OR), Scott Schulze (CA), Dan Kirkland (OR), Karen Andrus-Hughes (OR).
After hugs and stories, Dave thanked the planning committee. “You really got the old man! What a surprise to see so many people from my past and four generations of my family. These tears in my eyes show how meaningful this evening was, thank you.”
Ever humble, gracious, generous, and true he thanked those gathered.
“Love you all and thanks for being part of my life.” To which we all replied, “thank you for being part of our lives, Dave!”
This was by no means a retirement party – not at all! In fact, Dave is still setting records! As Dave would say, “looking forward to the next workout with you!”
(Insert photos from Gracie)
KGW News
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- Dave Radcliff
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- Karla, Grace Spore, Bill Spore, Scott Schulze (Former water polo player that Dave coached), and Nancy with her back to the camera
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- Family who surprised him, from left: Dave Spore; grandson, Ben married to his granddaughter Katie Reardon Sellon, who is next in line with the microphone in her hand; Karla Reardon, Dave’s daughter, then Dave
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- Recognition Committee, left to right: Kristin Preston, Jeanne Teisher, Gracie Goddard, The Rad, Monique Lance, Brian Ritacco
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- Dave was inducted into the Masters International Swimming Hall of Fame in 2015. Of course, Nancy was by his side!
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- Dave with Dan Kirkland
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- The large group at the party
recently ran a story that highlighted Dave’s remarkable career complete with being a member of the 1956 USA Olympic Swim Team in Melbourne, Australia. Click on this link to watch the story.
Meet an Oregon Olympian still swimming competitively at age 85