Reminisces – Coach Charley Baker

As a coach and teacher Floyd LeBaron did a most excellent job, not only in knowing how to win but also in helping many exceed beyond their own expectations.

Floyd was a treasured and tremendous friend that I enjoyed spending time with, whether it was going steelhead fishing…one of the most favorite things to do for both of us…. traveling, or spending time with the entire family for all the six years we spent in Castle Rock.

Sue was a most gracious hostess and the welcome mat was out for everyone. Getting to meet Floyd’s mother and brother and most all of the clan, as well as getting to know Sue’s mother, was a sincere pleasure.

My many fond memories including watching Linda and Randy grow up from bright and fun children into productive adults, and raising two tremendous families that Floyd and Sue were extremely fond and proud of. Floyd was a kind and gentle person to all the people he met, but most of all to the members of his family.

For the outstanding community of Castle Rock, the sports fans will remember some tremendous competition under Floyd’s tutelage, with most of those heated battles turning out in favor of Castle Rock. If the Rockets did lose, which wasn’t very often, the opponents always knew they were fortunate to escape with a win and that it had taken their very best effort, as Floyd’s teams always put up a fierce battle to the very end of each game. Floyd was a competitor!

One of his favorite moments was winning the state basketball championship, which his team richly deserved and earned with a great deal of effort. But even better was the comraderie, which included those “roundballers” singing together. I indeed did hear them, and they could carry a tune very well and had great fun doing it. All this and they played a terrific game of basketball.

For each of you that will have a difficult time dealing with Floyd’s passing, you can be very proud of him as a husband, father, grandfather, friend, and coach.

Floyd was a most outstanding man and his time on this earth was spent with a great deal of effort and caring for others. I will always remember his terrific smile and the many good times together.