In celebration of National Mentoring Month, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado is highlighting a remarkable match — Little Brother Tom Googin and his Big Brother Bob Johnson. Tom is grateful for his mentoring relationship with Bob that spanned nearly 60 years.
Bob passed away last month and Tom reflected on the incredible impact Bob had on his life.
Tom and Bob were matched in the Big Brothers program in 1963 and went to nearly every promotion that was offered. Tom remembers going to a DU hockey game, going on his first jet plane ride to Colorado Springs and back, earning ribbons from Big Brothers and getting runner up for a citizen trophy.
“We went to so many gatherings and did so many things together,” Tom said. “We built a sailboat and raced it going to nationals once. When we built the boat the Rocky Mountain News did an article on us, the boat and Big Brothers.”
After building a special relationship throughout Tom’s childhood, Tom and Bob continued their friendship into adulthood and remained close friends.
“He helped me through so many things. He was my best man at my wedding,” Tom said. “We played senior softball together and spent many lunches and dinners together with our wives. We did so many things from start to the end.”
This month as we celebrate all of our mentors and their dedication to helping their Littles reach their full potential, Tom and Bob’s lifelong friendship is a great reminder of the power of mentoring and the long lasting impacts it provides.
“He was the epitome of Big Brothers Big Sisters,” Tom said. “I cannot express how much he meant to not just me but so many people. A great Big Brother for almost 60 years.”