John Henry Gautsch was born in Connecticut at Yale New Haven Hospital on November 1, 1995. He entered this world the same way he left; with a smile on his face, strength and warmth in his heart, and giving light and hope to all those around him.
The water called to John early; he started competitive swimming around age 12 and evolved into a swim coach for the Clemson Aquatic Team during his college years. He also had a love for nature that was spurred by the many outings he made as a Boy Scout, where he worked his way through the ranks to Eagle Scout and became a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow. As an adult, he continued to enjoy the outdoors as an adult through hiking, mountain biking, and other sports. John had a deep passion for college and professional football and basketball. He was always listening to music and there wasn’t a genre he didn’t like.
John spent his life in the service of others. As a teen, John was a volunteer at camps for children with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. During college, John mentored youth swimmers as a swim coach and volunteered at camps for disabled veterans. After graduating from Clemson University with a degree in Recreational Therapy, he was employed as a Recreation Specialist at Lakeshore Foundation in Birmingham, Alabama. At Lakeshore, he was a swim coach and Head Power Soccer coach. He also coordinated wheelchair basketball and rugby tournaments and conducted training activities. Whether in the pool, on the playing field or trail, in the classroom or kitchen, John made others happy, energized, and empowered them to live their best possible lives.
Oftentimes, those who John coached, mentored, instructed, and worked with realized potential even they did not know they had. He was able to see abilities in people and help them develop those abilities to their fullest. He always listened with compassion and with intent to aid them in their journey. John had a life well lived, full of love and learning, both inward and out.
John is survived by his father Bob, mother Beth, and older brother William as well as a host of extended family and friends. John will be missed by all who knew him. His light and spirit will shine on forever.
A memorial gathering will be held at a future date. The family is asking that memorial contributions to honor John be made to either the Lakeshore Foundation (https://www.lakeshore.org/give/ or contact Leon Ryan [email protected]) or to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Foundation;
Online Donations: (https://support.teamusa.org/IMO)
Gifts by Mail:
United States Olympic & Paralympic Foundation
Attn: USOPC Development 1 Olympic Plaza Colorado Springs, CO. 80909
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