Remembering Gregg Stanton.

I first met Gregg Stanton during my cavern diving class back in 2010-2011. I thought I was going on a trip to florida to get my cavern cert, drive back to Texas and that would be it. Boy was I wrong.
The minute we walked in to Wakulla Dive Center my classmates and I were greeted with Gregg’s ear-to-ear grin with his unforgettable beard. You could tell the excitement in his voice as we toured the shop as he discussed each rebreather unit and his vision for the dive shop as a whole.
I quickly learned that Wakulla dive center and Gregg were not your typical dive shop. He would lend out equipment and help at no extra charge. At first, I thought this was a nice gesture to get more business. I quickly learned this was just Gregg’s personality. He wanted his students and friends to succed more than he cared about profit.
He always made everyone feel like family. After a long day of diving and training, most instructors would wave good bye to his students and say see ya tomorrow! Not Gregg. He would literally stay after class with his students, eat dinner with them, then go back to the shop to work more. Sometimes getting home at midnight or later. Again, showing how much he cared about other people. He couldn’t live with going home knowing that someone was in need of help.
I worked for Gregg at the dive shop for three years during summer break when I was off of school. I can say with certainty, my life would not be the same without his dedication and mentorship. I went on to meet people and gain skills in the dive industry that I still use today in my professional career.
Gregg caring about me and my time with him is unforgettable; however, the bigger picture is he did this for hundreds of people throughout his career. To think of all the mentorship and life’s he changed at FSU and Wakulla dive shop is mind blowing. He left a legacy that will never be forgotten. RIP Gregg.

By Justin Heath

Gregg really was an amazing person who helped a lot of people, including me. He’s the one who helped me get my captain’s license and taught me how to scuba dive. He was a true man of the sea. Just wanted to tell you how much meant to me. He was by far one of my favorite people in Wakulla.

By Cypress Rudloe

Losing Gregg is a hit to us as we always enjoyed his company and his expertise.
I was a cave diver and student of Gregg’s. He was absolutely amazing all around.  He came recommended as the best in the industry for rebreather training and it turned out to be so true. I also knew him through the diving community, hanging out with him and others at DEMA.
Gregg was just an all around great person. He had a great impact to both my life and my diving experience.  I can say that I am alive today because of his training. I also witnessed all the mentoring of others he had done.

By Suzanne Capener