2011: John Thomaides and Gaylord Bose

Perhaps no two persons are more deserving of the Friend of the River Awards than John Thomaides and Gaylord Bose. Not only have they shown their love for the San Marcos River and its importance to the San Marcos community, but they have time and again stood up for the river in council meetings, many times against fierce opposition. Many of the issues they pushed for will have long-lasting effects. Probably their most notable stance was on the relocation of the conference center that resulted in the Spring Lake Preserve. We will probably never again have two such devoted supporters of the river on the council at the same time. We can only hope that the vacancies they leave on the council will be filled in the future by leaders with as much devotion and vision as they have.