RkyMtnHigh 0 #1 May 9, 2005 This weekend was Freddie Brown's Memorial Service at Clewiston. I will never forget this experience. It was absolutely amazing! Jeanne did an awesome job with all of the planning. Saturday began business as usual until approx 1pm. Then the dz was "closed" to only friends and family of Freddie. Freddie's twin daughters and sister did tandems and released his ashes. We had 5 ash dive loads as his loved ones came from all over the state of Florida and the country. I was on his last ash dive close to sunset (load 15) with his daughter, Erica and the group from Flagler. I have goosebumps as I relive that jump. Round, snowflake, then missing man formation, then release of Freddie's ashes at 6K. This is the second time I've cried in freefall. It was beautiful. After we landed, there was a "toast" to Freddie with cans of Budweiser (his beer of choice), a eulogy, four private planes flew over in a missing man formation, and Carl jumped out with the US Flag. After the flyby, we released helium balloons with sentiments attached. Our balloons stayed together and drifted toward the beautiful sunset. We continued our celebration of Freddie's life and his impact on so many at Carl's farm. Watching videos from the day's jumps, sharing memories, music, dancing, home cookin Clewiston style, fireworks, boozin and smokin. It was ironic that this weekend was also "Brown Sugar Festival". Fly Free Freddie....Your Spirit Lives On Forever! _________________________________________ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
plowdirt 0 #2 May 9, 2005 I seen faces I see all the time, In seen faces I never seen. But all are a family there, now I know what Caleb means by this is a family oriented DZ. what a family. and that roasted ostredge, man that was some gooood chicken. It was a great day at my home DZ. Air Adventures, Clewiston, FL. Here's to you Freddy, Cheers. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RkyMtnHigh 0 #3 May 9, 2005 QuoteI seen faces I see all the time, In seen faces I never seen. But all are a family there, now I know what Caleb means by this is a family oriented DZ. what a family. and that roasted ostredge, man that was some gooood chicken. It was a great day at my home DZ. Air Adventures, Clewiston, FL. Here's to you Freddy, Cheers. Amen brothah Ed...that is some awesome family there. I've never felt that anywhere else. _________________________________________ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jceman 1 #4 May 9, 2005 Yes, it was a day to remember. We were even able to sleep well in the corner bedroom after the party settled out sometime after 0100, or 0200, or whatever. TLML and I didn't go on the Flagler jump as Lynn had not gotten home from work until 0330 Saturday morning -- getting up 4 hours later for a 4 1/2 hour drive didn't leave her feeling very safe getting into the air, so we just watched Bobby and Tara's daughter. Our thanks to all the Clewiston folk for their hospitality, especially to Jeannie Bankston, who organized the day's activities, and Carl for the evening's. Katee, I believe we owe each other hugs; can't believe we didn't recognize each other -- hell, we talked 3-4 times. Well, oh. Those of you who knew Freddie can be assured we sent him off in style; those of you who never met him -- all I can say is I feel sorry for you, Freddie would have been your friend. All in all, it's just another hole in our hearts. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RkyMtnHigh 0 #5 May 9, 2005 Jack, I was the one dancin my arse off with JB (the doc) to the 70s and 80s music at Carls. Lyle kicked me off the couch at some point and I woke up this morning on the floor with a hot cup of coffee in front of me. He said I snored and kicked his broken ankle twice. As far as Freddie's "sendoff"..it isn't over ya know Jeanne has arranged for a portion of his ashes to go up in the upcoming shuttle launch. How cool is THAT? JD suggested I rent a motorhome like what he had this weekend and make it a jumping/shuttle launch weekend. Now we have even more to celebrate! Freddie goes into space. _________________________________________ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jceman 1 #6 May 9, 2005 Katee, I was the guy who told you that Tara had returned and that the group would be getting ready to dirt dive. I KNEW you looked familiar -- just wasn't thinking dropzone.com yesterday. Faster horses, younger women, older whiskey, more money. Why do they call it "Tourist Season" if we can't shoot them? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sid 1 #7 May 9, 2005 There have been, and are, some fine fine people in this sport, and Freddie was simply one of the best of them. It was my priviledge and fun to pack for him at Flagler and he and Keith are two of the best people I've ever worked for. There are some who leave us and their memories fade away, but I feel pretty damned sure we'll be telling Freddie stories for a LONG time! (Like the time he offered me $100 to pulll.... oh never mind). I will miss you FreddiePete Draper, Just because my life plan is written on the back of a Hooter's Napkin, it's still a life plan.... right? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RkyMtnHigh 0 #8 May 9, 2005 QuoteKatee, I was the guy who told you that Tara had returned and that the group would be getting ready to dirt dive. I KNEW you looked familiar -- just wasn't thinking dropzone.com yesterday. Unbelievable how we talked at Sebastian and now Clewiston and never made the connection. Perhaps it's the blonde piggytails..seriously, my mind was elsewhere as well. Bobby did a terrific job organizing that jump. They were so nervous if they could pull it off, especially once Erica announced it was her last jump (added pressure) but it went off exactly as planned. _________________________________________ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
