I'm done

[dterrick 0]

Heya Derek,

Stepping away from the sport you still love must take as much courage as starting in the first place! Never having the privelege of jumping with you I can't gush over your wonderful coaching skills or any of that "Stuff". I CAN say, though, that you have been the leader of many stimulating informative discussions in your capacity as Moderator, and even bofore then. "Think" says it all and it hs inspired me on many occasions.


You are walking away from the sport in one piece and in good health with a very impressive jump career. May you be forever satisfied you made the decision to retire at the right time, but also know that you CAN chose to return if the spirit moves you. The most valuable attribute of skydiving, to me, is the absolute freedom it grants, retirement decision included.

Enjoy, visit your 'family' often, and share with us the spirit of freedom as you will now define it.


Dave

Life is very short and there's no time for fussing and fighting my friend (Lennon/McCartney)

[sunshine 2]

You will be missed. It's a shame the sport is losing someone as awesome as you. You've been quite helpful to me in my rigging questions and were always nice about explaining stuff. I'm honored to have met you, sad i never got to jump with you though. Rock on.

___________________________________________
meow

I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug!

[jumpinjackflash 0]

I've read so much here at this site from you.

I had you on my A list for people I want to jump with man. Your contributions and willingness to share your time and knowledge say all that can be said.

Skydivers such as yourself are what make coming into this sport an exciting thing for new jumpers. It's frightening and often mysterious, but you guys (and gals) always manage to help those of us along and bring us through the fog.


Blue Skies to you,




Jack

It's a gas, gas, gas...

[freeflir29 0]

Sorry to see you go. It's people like you I always like to send the newbies to when they ask me questions about swooping and such. It's a shame we are losing that kind of experience. Hope things go well for you and the sky WILL always be there if you want to come back. Blue Skies!

[diablopilot 2]

Hey keep in touch, and remember two things.

1) Never say never. (I know its cliche)

2) I got a rig for you anytime you need to "borrow one.

----------------------------------------------
You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously.

[Lee03 0]

Didn't know you that well from here. But sorry to see you go. I wish you luck for the future.

Blue skies.

--------
To put your life in danger from time to time ... breeds a saneness in dealing with day-to-day trivialities.

--Nevil Shute, Slide Rule

[Michele 1]

Derek, can I still pm you and ask you really stupid questions?

Miss ya, and wish you'd reconsider at least the moderating stuff. You've a wise wise head on your shoulders, and I have so much to learn...

Hugs to you, and hug Kelli for me!

Ciels-
Michele

~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek
While our hearts lie bleeding?~

[lewmonst 0]

peace out.






lew

[nacmacfeegle 0]

You take it easy out there Hook.
I'll miss ya.

--------------------

He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me. Thomas Jefferson

[Fast 0]

Good luck in everything that you may encounter in the future!

Have fun, was always great to read stuff that you wrote, or chat with ya!

-Dk

~D
Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me.
Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka

[Tonto 1]

Hey. Big move, and I know you've thought it through.
Thanks for all your input.

C ya,

t

It's the year of the Pig.

[ACMESkydiver 0]

You've always had great (and patient
...and if you ever do come back, I'm sure you'll be welcomed with open arms again!

~Jaye
Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action.

[fudd 0]

Good luck with whatever your going to do now.
You will always be welcommed back.

There are only 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.

[crwmike 0]

Quote

The Eloy boogie marked the end of my involvement in skydiving. I will still do rigging work, but I suspect that I won’t get much work since I don’t go to the DZ’s anymore. I am also stepping down as a Moderator here on DZ.com. I feel it is better to go out now than wait until I have outlived my usefulness. Thanks to everyone.

Take care all,

Derek

Peace out, brother.

Your leaving dilutes the moderator gene pool greatly.

Michael

• Quote

[slotperfect 7]

Farewell, Derek.. Thanks for all your contributions here in the forums and to those around you. Have a great life.

Arrive Safely

John

[kevin922 0]

I'm so glad I got to jump with you in Eloy.. i knew this day was coming, i was hoping however that you'd stay a moderator here, hopefully you'll at least continue to frequent here. Your opinions are highly respected (by me at least) and you are of great educational benefit to others.. it would be selfish to not share that knowledge!

Kevin

[Ron 10]

Well sorry to see you go....

We need more VOR's (Voices Of Reason) in this sport.

You have had a full jumping career, no one can say you didn't fully do it.

Truth is I have been thinking close to the same thing, for close to the same reasons.

Take care and peace be with you.

PS. When you find out what to do on a beautiful weekend that does not involve jumping...Let me know.

"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

[Pammi 0]

I'm so sorry to hear that Derek. I'm really glad I got the opportunity to meet you in the past and thank you for the help you've offered me as well, some really great advice. Good luck to you!

Pam

[Hooknswoop 19]

Thanks everyone for the kind words. I'd rather not get into my reasons in the Forum. Feel free to PM for the 'why'.

My rig is up for sale. I intend to lean into rock climbing with Kelli and snowboarding, with some BASE on the side.

Lastly, a big thank you to Sangiro for everything he has done.

[Oh ya, Cloudseeker2001- I don't know anythig about a blanket and Mercedes I do remember sleeping a lot in the back of the Cessna with no door]

Derek

[hmatousek 0]

Best of luck to you Derek!!! Thanks again for taking us rock climbing, I had a blast. Hope to see you one day on the rocks in CO.

Heather

Life doesn't have to be perfect in order to be beautiful!

[MochaSkyChick 0]

Cool meeting you in Eloy.

PMS #62
Zarza R[red

[TequilaGirl 0]

Maybe when I come visit in Feb/March we should go rock climbing instead of skiing - it sounds safer and maybe this time I won't break anything.....hehehe

[quatorze 1]

safe journey D, I hope that all your travels reach their destination and every destiantion opens a door to the next

I'm not afriad of dying, I'm afraid of never really living- Erin Engle

[wmw999 2,555]

Quote

I intend to lean into rock climbing with Kelli and snowboarding, with some BASE on the side

Have a great time with your next step. You'll be missed here -- I'd even let you step in front of me and check the spot

Wendy W.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[DALAILAMA 0]

Your educated responses will be missed on here,
I know I have stopped and reconsidered my train of thought due to your input on a subject.
I'm just sorry I never got to jump with you.
Peace Out!!!
DALAI LAMA
"I got something to say, It's better to burn out than fade away"

"Dropzone.com, where uneducated people measuring penises, has become an art form"