Surf Life Saving NSW is saddened to advise of the passing of Collaroy SLSC, Sydney Northern Beaches Branch and SLSNSW Life Member, Robert Langbein OAM. He was 95.
Bob first joined Collaroy in 1948, earning his Bronze Medallion in February the following year and held roles at the club from the very beginning of his Surf Life Saving journey.
Perhaps most appropriate to his endearing personality was his very first position at the club – that of the Social Convenor, bringing people together. This would lay the foundation for Bob to be a Patrol Captain in the early 50s and steer him into his love of beach sports.
For a period of more than three decades, Bob held the position of Junior Beach Coach at Collaroy however this role benefitted young beachies across the entire Branch. He was also the Interbranch Beach Coach for Sydney Northern Beaches between 1994 and 2010.
He was awarded Life Membership of his club in 2004 and Branch Life Membership swiftly followed the following year.
Notably, Robert’s impact was felt just as much by those helping to run the beach as those who competed on it.
“Bob was a great mentor. His area of speciality was running the beach sprint finish gates and he loved to show you how the system worked,” renowned beach official, Louis Tassone said.
“He brought me under his wing to get me across the setup and he was always willing to provide advice and encouragement.
“His love of coaching and developing athletes was a great asset to the sport. At any carnival he attended, no matter which club an athlete was from, Bob was always happy to give them tips and advice to help improve their performance. He had a great eye for seeing competitive talent and nurturing it.
“He helped me to become a better surf sports official and his good nature and camaraderie will be sorely missed.”
“Everyone always said you’d never meet a nicer bloke, whether on the golf course or the beach, he was a true gentleman,” added SNB Branch CEO, Tracey Hare-Boyd.
“Bobby gave himself so wholly to Surf Life Saving and the Sydney Northern Beaches Branch is very lucky to have been on the journey with him.
“He held down a variety of positions in his time and was invaluable in those roles, but particularly as a coach. I believe he was the Collaroy Beach Coach for more than 30 years which is an incredible achievement.
“People like him are integral to the grassroots of the movement and he’s going to be sorely missed not just at Collaroy but by the entire Northern Beaches community.”
Thursday 15 August 2024