SUBMARINEMUSEUMS.ORG Forum
General Boards => Museum Submarine Discussion => Topic started by: Paul Farace on January 05, 2009, 02:02:55 AM
-
Just got the news that Captain Don Gairing, the man who deserves the most credit for saving USS COD from the scrappers and who set up the very successful management organization we currently employ, passed away a few days ago from cancer in his home in Jacksonville, Fla. Capt. Gairing retired from USS COD in 1992, but was one of three who got the "Save the COD" program off the ground. His two shipmates, Capt. Marvin Schatz and Admiral Richard Freundlich, passed away in the last few years. Capt. Gairing met his wife Jan when she joined the "Save the COD" committee. My prayers are with her tonight.
Capt. Gairing was an academy grad (not sure of the year, but maybe 1946) and served aboard USS SENNET.
Working for Don gave me a deep appreciation of what makes a man a leader. He was tough, but honest and fair. He delegated authority and encouraged his junior staff. He will be missed.
COD is a tribute to his foresight.
Rest easy Captain... we have the watch.
-
Paul,
I am sorry to hear the loss of your friend and one of the saviors of the COD, he sounded like a good man and a better friend.
-
too many passings in this year. they need to stop...... :(