SkymonkeyONE 4 #1 April 1, 2002 I was informed this weekend that a very good friend and core member of the Skydive Opelika staff took his own life last Thursday night. I don't care to speculate on what caused the action; that doesn't matter at this point. Sandy Godwin was one of those very laid back dudes that you just loved being around. He was the chief videographer at my dad's DZ for as long as we have been operating out of the current location. If you have ever been to Quincy, you might have met him in the "Alabama Gang" enclave. Sandy loved to swoop and was having a good time getting into freeflying. He was up for any skydive and could always be counted on to get to his slot. We partied our asses off on many occasions and I will miss him terribly. He took many outstanding pictures of me, some of which can be seen on my website. More of his work can be seen on the http://www.skydiveopelika.com website. Small dropzones truly are "family." This, unfortunately, is the second major loss Skydive Opelika has had in the past year. One of the core Jumpmasters, Jim Preston, went in a while back due to a freak hard opening, spinner, cutaway to reserve entanglement. His wife Lori was standing right there when it happened and still never misses a day on the DZ. Such losses to the core cadre of a small DZ are devastating, so I would hope that you would all wish condolences onto Sandy's wife Laura and the DZ regulars. My dad is taking this very hard, as are many of the others. Sandy's viewing is today, Monday, April 1st right outside Montgomery, AL in Mitylene. He will be buried tomorrow. I, unfortunately, will not be able to attend because I fly out TDY again tomorrow morning. Blue Skies, Black Death!Chuck BlueD-12501"The Alabama Gang"My webpage HERE Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #2 April 1, 2002 Sorry to hear it Chuck. My best wishes to everyone at Opelika. "I'm a danger to myself and everyone around me!"-Clay Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkyDekker 1,465 #3 April 1, 2002 my condolences and best wishes to all involved..........SkyDekker"We cannot do great things, only small things with great love" Mother Theresa Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkydiveMonkey 0 #4 April 1, 2002 Same here. All the best to everyone who knew him. When you participate in sporting events, its not whether you win or loose, its how drunk you get. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheMarshMan1 0 #5 April 1, 2002 So sorry to hear that, Chuck. My thoughts are with you and all of Sandy's friends and family. Blue skies...."If I could be like that, I would give anything, just to live one day, in those shoes..." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #6 April 1, 2002 Chuck, I'm sorry to hear that man. My thoughts and prayers are out to yall."Homer Simpson, smiling politely." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hisgoofyness 0 #7 April 1, 2002 Sorry to hear that... My thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of the "Alabama Gang".hisgoofyness Need Tongue ??? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #8 April 1, 2002 Whoa. Sorry to hear that Chuck; my deepest condolences to you and all of your dz family. Having lost a friend to suicide I do know how bad you all are feeling right now. Hang in there bud.pull & flare,lisa"But our reality is in fact entire illusion!"-Gregory Benford Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyhi 24 #9 April 1, 2002 Such a loss is always tragic. And devastating for so many. My sympathies and condolences. flyhi"Marge, I'm coming to bed & I've been watching women's volleyball on ESPN." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ADRNALN 0 #10 April 1, 2002 Sorry to hear about your loss Chuck. All my condolences to all those whom have felt this loss. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #11 April 1, 2002 Many thoughts your way, Chuck, and mostly condolences to the family, and the extended family at Opilika. You and the rest are in my prayers.Ciels and Pinks-MicheleIf you really want to, you can seize the day; if you really want to, you can fly away...~enya~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zennie 0 #12 April 1, 2002 Condolences Chuck. "Zero Tolerance: the politically correct term for zero thought, zero common sense." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #13 April 1, 2002 Blue Skies Sandy...I wish you would step back from that ledge my friend... ~3EB Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jceman 1 #14 April 1, 2002 We send our sympathies to you and all who will miss him, Chuck. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hooked 0 #15 April 1, 2002 Such a loss. My deepest sympathy to everyone.J Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diverdriver 7 #16 April 2, 2002 How very unfortunate. Sorry to hear this. Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lazerq3 0 #17 April 2, 2002 Sorry to hear such a loss.......Blue skiesjason Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jumperpaula 0 #18 April 2, 2002 Deep emotion just struck me. Love and warmth for a Family, a Skydiver and an entire Dropzone. I pray for all of you - Your bonds are an inspiration. God Bless you all. Fly Your Slot ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rgoper 0 #19 April 2, 2002 Chuck:sorry to hear of the untimely passing of your friend. my thoughts and best wishes for his family and friends, and for you.RichardNo Clever Quip Will Be Inserted Here Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steve1 5 #20 April 2, 2002 Sorry for your loss Chuck. I don't care what anybody says. It takes a lot of balls to end your own life. It's too bad he couldn't have gotten some help before it happened. Sometimes there aren't many visible signs that people can notice beforehand. Steve Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
