dbattman 0 #1 November 20, 2003 We have all met, jumped, talked, and drank with other skydivers and heard later on about their deaths. Today is the day that I knew was inevitable, but always hoped would never come. Today I found out that I have lost not just another skydiver, but one that I truly considered to be a friend. Dave Flannell was my FJC S/L instructor upon my return to this wonderful sport five years after my real first jump. He was an excellent instructor and mentor full of wisdom, knowledge, passion, and love for the sport we enjoy. Mid-America has always had a special place in my heart and every time I passed through the area I booked an extra weekend to play and have fun at an excellent dropzone. I don't know why I kept going in this sport, but getting started with someone like Dave probably had a big influence. I keep hoping this was just a mistake and the grapevine messed up the info, but I know that just is not true. I'll probably keep hoping until I pass through Taylorville again and see the empty corner that was his 'equipment locker' and drive out to the airport in the evening to sit and talk with Dave and Mindy, but Dave will not be there. Perhaps you met him at a dropzone somewhere or shared a beer and a warm fire at the WFFC tent- but even if you never met him do a jump or raise a glass for a great skydiver, rigger, instructor, and one hell of a guy. A truly unique individual Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kramer 0 #2 November 20, 2003 I'm sorry for your loss, man. He looks like he was a great guy...he's in a better place now with unlimited flying time. Catch ya on the otherside Dave... -Kramer The FAKE KRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMER!!!!!!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kai2k1 0 #3 November 20, 2003 <<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>> BSBD There's no truer sense of flying than sky diving," Scott Cowan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ACMESkydiver 0 #4 November 21, 2003 This is the only thing that worries me about hanging on in this sport...I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I couldn't imagine what it would be like to lose a friend like that. -Long distance hugs.~Jaye Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheBachelor 5 #5 November 21, 2003 I guess it's only a matter of time before most skydivers lose someone they knew in the sport. I've known 3 people that have died so far, but I wasn't close to any of them. Maybe this is a wakeup call that we should tell people we appreciate them BEFORE they're gone. We had an "appreciation day" at Elsinore a few years ago for our S&TA that had put a lot into the sport. We had a great time saying thanks to him, and he was really touched. At a minimum, maybe we should use this as an opportunity to thank someone that has made a difference to us in this sport.There are battered women? I've been eating 'em plain all of these years... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #6 November 21, 2003 It sounds as though he truly gave a lot to not only you, but to the sport as a whole. The best homage you can give to him is to continue on his tradition. I never met him, but tonight he is in our thoughts and prayers. ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Casie 0 #7 November 21, 2003 I'm sorry for your loss **HUGZ**~Porn Kitty WARNING: Goldschlager causes extreme emotional outbursts! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
