A Loss We All Feel *Updated*
We are at a great loss today. Jock Oubichon, one of our most beloved members, has bid us and this world goodbye. He was one of the biggest hearted and kind individuals I have ever known. There has never been anyone that worked so hard at using a grizzly shield to hide the most gentle teddy bear. Originally from New Orleans, I insisted that he come to San Diego and he and I both agreed that was one of the best decisions he ever made. He loved San Diego and all it had to offer: biking, hiking, fast cars and yes table tennis even though he didn’t get to play as often.
Jock, more than most people I’ve met, enjoyed helping and taking care of people, all kinds of people: young, old, physically disabled and mentally challenged. When I first met him he was a physical therapy tech at Tulane hospital in New Orleans and he loved his job. He worked with injured and elderly persons most of the time. But he also worked with the mentally challenged, teaching basic life skills in addition to volunteering at the children’s hospital aiding kids with cancer. Many in terminal situations where the main goal was to make them laugh one more time. That’s something I could never have the strength to do. He did ask me to go once, the other tech could not make it that day, I declined. Partially joking, I told him “that’s why God put strong people like you on this planet, that’s your job.” And he excelled at it.
When it came to table tennis coaching, Jock was an expert at game and player analysis, stats and strategies. He could see strengths and weakness far better than I could. As a table tennis player, the fastest first step, the heaviest top spin, and next to an Umel he simply had the most powerful forehand I have ever seen of any level. He enjoyed coaching kids, seniors and any adult with a passion for learning table tennis. Many might not know he was one of the original co-founders of the San Diego Jr Table Tennis Team. That first year Jock, Sungill Kim, and Tom Plaisted really helped me get that off the ground with amazing time and effort. He enjoyed every minute. As I have enjoyed every minute of time I have known with him.
To everyone that has had their lives enriched and blessed to have known Jock, please don’t repay that with sadness and regret of what is lost. Rather pay that due forward. Help a person in need, soothe someones pain, make a kid laugh, teach a person brand new to the table tennis how to hold a paddle the correct way. This is what Jock would do, this is what Jock did, every day in all of his social groups.
And that, will be his legacy.
Rest in peace good friend,
Ron Spencer
*** Update about the remembrance ***
We will have a memorial for Jock at the club very soon. When the date is set, I will post it.
James
What a beautiful tribute. You have captured Jock’s life and legacy perfectly. He will be missed by many.
Ron:
You summed him up beautifully. I was fortunate enough to have worked closely with Jock at the Current Periodicals, Newspapers, and Microforms Unit and the Information Desk at the Geisel Library at UCSD as his supervisor, although he never needed much supervision. He was always helping of all folks without a noticeable prejudice bone in his body. He was upbeat and intelligent and defined compassionate. I regret having never played table tennis with him; truth is that while I would tease him how I would kick his arse I knew that he would have done so to me, yet taking pity and constructively teaching me at the same time. There’s a huge emptiness with Jock gone but yes pay it forward as you suggest.
Thanks for sharing, Ron. It is very nice to know the wonderful things that Jock had done besides Table Tennis. Jock is one of the nicest person, mentor and player, me and Emeline have ever known. We will always remember his smile and positive demeanor. Gonna miss him a lot!
Rodel and Emeline
Jock is a simple man with a big heart. His low profile personality is an indicative of a good human being. When I met him first time playing table tennis at Mira Mesa Rec., Center and also at Balboa Park, I can see his big grind and smiling face. Surely, will miss him. May he rest in peace.
Great job Ron for a very difficult task and tribute, couldn’t have said it better. I’ve shared many a practice, doubles match, tournament, food-fest, laugh-a-thon, etc. with Jock. I was the lucky one to always get a big bear hug from him, and to say I have a hole in my heart due to his leaving is a huge understatement. I completely agree with not repaying him with sadness, but I can’t help but breakdown sometimes when I think of my time and friendship with him. God Bless you my friend.