chuteless 1 #1 September 1, 2004 A couple of days ago, I made the decision to retire from active jumping. I've been at it for 42 years, and have had a great time, and have absolutely no regrets except I didn't start earlier. I lived on the air show circuit, did stunt jumps for television and other films, including many television commercials, both filming them and jumping for the cameras.I've managed many high altitude jumps, and whether CSPA says so or not, I still hold the Canadian High Alt record after more than 30 years. Its been a continuous party since Aug 5th 1962. I have really enjoyed this sport . The real good days are long gone, the sport has changed in many ways, and not all for the better. Although I like the new equipment, it is well beyond my ability to own it, and I must say, I liked the older equipment more, like the Para-Commander,and the Delta II Parawing. I loved doing openings between the ground and 700 ft, but would not do them with today's equipment. Dumping out of the bi-plane in a loop at 1200 ft during an air show was the most thrilling of all jumps. Things have changed, and so is my ability to heal from crash and burn landings. I ended my jumping career with such a landing in Missouri on June 5th. I broke my left heel, ankle, and other footbones, and the foot is still swollen after more than 12 weeks. . I recently had more Xrays taken to see if in fact, the spine is damaged. Next is an ultrasound, to determine what else was done to cause the intense pain in both sides and my back. I may monitor the "forums" once in awhile, but won't be taking an active part in them. Thanks to everyone who made it a good ride. I enjoyed meeting many of you this summer , but I am finished with the sport as of now. Stay safe, and enjoy all the sky has to offer....its limitless. Bill Cole D-41 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bbarnhouse 0 #2 September 1, 2004 Bill, It was my pleasure to have made your aquaintance in Eloy. I hope that you will continue to share your stories with us from time to time. All My Best, B2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 7 #3 September 1, 2004 Bill, All I can really say is thanks. You are a leader in the sport, and I looked up to you. I enjoyed your stories, and I appreciated your exploits. Blue Skies, Ron Him, Him......."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PrairieDoug 0 #4 September 1, 2004 What a great run you had! I've never met you, but have followed some of your exploits with interest and admiration. A lot of people have more jumps, but very few have pushed the limits like you did. You seem like a "character who has character", if that makes any sense. Best wishes for whatever is next. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunshine 2 #5 September 1, 2004 So glad i met you over Memorial Day at SGC. You are so awesome Bill. Thanks for sharing your scrapbooks and stories. You're one of a kind and will be missed. *Hugs* and heal well. ___________________________________________ meow I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpwally 0 #6 September 1, 2004 Hey, is there video of his chuteless jump anywhere? I didn't see it on skydivingmovies.com....wallysmile, be nice, enjoy life FB # - 1083 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diverdriver 5 #7 September 1, 2004 Not a bad run Bill. Good luck to you and everything you do. Sorry to see that the desision to leave is due to an injury but at least you have the choice to make. I know that jumpers such as yourself have had an influence well beyond what you may realize. Your presence is interwoven into everything that we are now and I thank you for your contribution.Chris Schindler www.diverdriver.com ATP/D-19012 FB #4125 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 6 #8 September 1, 2004 If any newbies don't know who Mr. Cole is... hometown.aol.com/pricesmoneypit/myhomepage/extreme.html Bill Cole~ Truly a man ahead of his time! Be well my brother!! & .....Blue Skies.... ~Twardo ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyangel2 2 #9 September 1, 2004 QuoteI know that jumpers such as yourself have had an influence well beyond what you may realize. Your presence is interwoven into everything that we are now and I thank you for your contribution. Couldn't have said it better. Bill, thanks for all you have done to lead the way in skydiving for us. Heal well.May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mjosparky 3 #10 September 1, 2004 Bill, It was my honor to have had the chance to meet you and spend some time, although far too short, talking with you. You are truly one of the Icons of our sport. God bless you always. SparkyMy idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FrogNog 1 #11 September 1, 2004 A round of applause for a guy who got in, got his, and got our before skydiving became too cool. That's the way to do it! And if things are different on "the other side," maybe we'll all be jumping with you again later. -=-=-=-=- Pull. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mjasantos 0 #12 September 1, 2004 Good luck Bill and heal fast! Blue Skies! ----------------------------- Mario Santos Portugal Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NickDG 23 #13 September 1, 2004 Something Bill said in 1972 . . . "During the interview he was asked to comment on whether it could be feasible to jump from the side of the Grand Canyon. Bill answered that it could be done. When CSPA heard his comments they were misconstrued and he was once again suspended for life." Bill, There's a whole generation of elder jumpers grappling with the same thoughts as you. When you wrap your entire life around parachutes it's very hard to walk away. But after living through the military stage, hippie stage, yuppie stage, and now whatever you want to call the current stage of skydiving, with all the recycled BS, we can certainly hold up our heads and say enough is enough. Collectively CSPA, BPA, and USPA – is like a king who looks out the window to see all their subjects running down the street and says, "There goes my people, I must find out where they are going so I can lead them." It's always amazed me that such a dynamic sport is overseen by such a stodgy bunch of conservative thinkers. I think you (and some others) deserve the USPA Lifetime Achievement Award. But, USPA will wait until our generation is dead and buried to realize that fact. This year's award reminds me of a refrain heard over and over again at Lake Elsinore many years ago, "Gee, another award for Al Krueger," Except for a couple of exceptions that award always goes to USPA insiders. Of course Al deserves it, but it's just so typically mainstream in a sport that's anything but. http://www.parachutehistory.com/skydive/uspa/achaward.html Anyways, there is life after skydiving, come to Bridge Day this year and we'll carry you around on our shoulders . . . Nick BASE 194 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VanillaSkyGirl 6 #14 September 1, 2004 Bill, you have my and many others' respect for what you have done in this sport. I am sad that my ankle was hurt, and I couldn't meet up with you when you were out here. I still hope that we can meet up at some point. Most importantly, I hope that you are able to eventually recover well from your injuries. You are in my prayers. 42 years of skydiving, esp. stunt work, is just AMAZING, Bill. This one's for you, my friend! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ladyskydiver 0 #15 September 1, 2004 Thank you for your contributions and all you have done for the sport. Hope you heal soon. Best of luck and make sure you hang out and chat around the Bonfire. Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mattjw916 2 #16 September 1, 2004 In the short time I have been here I have really enjoyed your posts and insight. Best wishes... Blue Skies!NSCR-2376, SCR-15080 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
argon 0 #17 September 1, 2004 You sir are an inspiration. A true class act. Many of your posts have been enlightening to me. Hope you heal well and wish you the best. A true pioneer-period,many alleged "skygods" that talk their shit today should pay homage.*********** Freedom isn't free. Don't forget: Mother Earth is waiting for you--there is a debt you have to pay...... POPS #9329 Commercial Pilot,Instrument MEL Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Reginald 0 #18 September 1, 2004 Bill, I was honored to meet you at SD Dallas over the summer. I can say nothing about your career in skydiving that would do it justice so I'll just say, "Thank You" Please do come back to dz.com often. While you might not be jumping anymore you can share some of your wisdom with us. Blue Skies, Ron"We've been looking for the enemy for some time now. We've finally found him. We're surrounded. That simplifies things." CP Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kramer 0 #19 September 1, 2004 Bill, I have a feeling that ten years from now (if I'm still jumping, God willing), I will look back and say that one of my favorite jumps was the jump I did with you at Skydive Greene County on my 28th jump. You're a good person. I hope that your retiring from skydiving does not include your disappearing from this message board, and dropzones around the world. God bless you and yours. -Kramer The FAKE KRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMER!!!!!!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kai2k1 0 #20 September 1, 2004 Bill, It was great having you stay with us, Jean and I will keep you in our prayers. I'm sorry your ankle isnt healed up any better, Blues... Rick There's no truer sense of flying than sky diving," Scott Cowan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vertifly 0 #21 September 2, 2004 Sad to see a legend retire but grateful for pioneers like you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Hazarrd 1 #22 September 2, 2004 peace bill! hope we cross paths again, had a great time on the 3 jumps we did in ohio, especially that raft dive theres not much else i can really say that hasnt been said. take care, and i hope you get better fast. .-. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites flyinchicken 0 #23 September 2, 2004 Well! What can I say? Bill you are a legend in the Canadian skydiving world. A thorn in the side of CSPA, and a hero to us newbies. Take care I wish you all the best. "Diligent observation leads to pure abstraction". Lari Pittman Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Michele 1 #24 September 2, 2004 Quote Bill, It was my honor to have had the chance to meet you and spend some time, although far too short, talking with you. You are truly one of the Icons of our sport. God bless you always. Yeah, what he said. May God keep you close to Him always. Blessed be. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Jib 0 #25 September 2, 2004 Thank you for moving our sport forward. Please do more than monitor the forums... Your experiences are something that we can all appreciate and learn from. Blues jib -------------------------------------------------- the depth of his depravity sickens me. -- Jerry Falwell, People v. Larry Flynt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0
Hazarrd 1 #22 September 2, 2004 peace bill! hope we cross paths again, had a great time on the 3 jumps we did in ohio, especially that raft dive theres not much else i can really say that hasnt been said. take care, and i hope you get better fast. .-. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyinchicken 0 #23 September 2, 2004 Well! What can I say? Bill you are a legend in the Canadian skydiving world. A thorn in the side of CSPA, and a hero to us newbies. Take care I wish you all the best. "Diligent observation leads to pure abstraction". Lari Pittman Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #24 September 2, 2004 Quote Bill, It was my honor to have had the chance to meet you and spend some time, although far too short, talking with you. You are truly one of the Icons of our sport. God bless you always. Yeah, what he said. May God keep you close to Him always. Blessed be. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jib 0 #25 September 2, 2004 Thank you for moving our sport forward. Please do more than monitor the forums... Your experiences are something that we can all appreciate and learn from. Blues jib -------------------------------------------------- the depth of his depravity sickens me. -- Jerry Falwell, People v. Larry Flynt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
