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Published on 03/09/1998 All articles from this issue

Letter to a friend: Britt Irvine

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By Tim Hanley

EDITOR'S NOTE: Britt Irvine, a 1976 graduate of Los Altos High School, was one of two California Highway Patrol officers killed Feb. 24 when a portion of Highway 166 near Santa Maria was swept away by a raging river. The following is a tribute to Irvine, best remembered as a star athlete and an engaging personality.

Rest in peace. I think we can omit the "rest" part, for Britt you never stood still!

When I was a skinny, freckled-faced kid, you allowed me into your circle. A circle of legends, really. At night, illuminated by the tennis court lights, we played soccer on the grass fields at Los Altos High School. Mike Vanneman had learned from Don Clark, and now Mike was showing you the ropes. I had no business being there, but you allowed me in the games.

A few years later you would become my mentor. You were already my hero. Your goalkeeping displays amazed us all. As Mike had done, you were the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League player of the year, two years running. At Foothill College, the honors included a state championship.

Between the sticks was not enough though as you stretched that goal from 27 feet across to hundreds of California highway miles. And instead of brilliant soccer saves, you began saving lives across three or four counties.

It was clear, however, that the laws of this Earth were not meant for you, Britt.

Be it in goals, on the trampoline in your back yard, water-skiing barefoot, flying a plane or on a CHP motorcycle, you continued to fly. Britt, you were our Peter Pan. That smile so etched in our memory could light up an entire room. The boyhood charm that made being mad at you impossible!

Britt, I guess the three or four counties was not enough ground to cover.

Sainthood? No. Those of us who knew you can attest, you were no saint. But all of us have no doubt that we were in the presence of an angel. I suppose an angel can cover a lot more area and help even more people. Congrats on the promotion.

In George Avakian's Foothill office 20 years ago, I said to him: "I hope that someday I possess the courage, strength and magic of those who came before me."

Britt, I haven't found the magic yet. With that, I have a favor to ask. Britt, when my two boys of 5 and 8 each get to be about 14, can you help them find a mentor and a hero as I found in you?

Thanks my friend.

Hanley , a Los Altos resident, is currently goalkeeper coach with the San Jose Clash.