NPJo

It seems that I've known John my whole skydiving career. (Almost) annual visits to Arizona since 2006 to my favorite away dropzone at Little Canada's Eden West [what I like to call it] are responsible for my greatest skydiving learning curves. I don't have the privilege of jumping at Eden North, so I gleen knowledge from the team at their organized Canadian Invasions. John was always someone that you just liked to stand back and watch. What a HUGE personality! It always seemed like he was looking for an 'experience'. He always seemed hungry for fun and adventure. He out jumped and out partied me at every turn. I was looking back at my jump images from the invasions I've been to, and there isn't a single big way jump that he was not on. He had a good eye for you when you had no idea he was watching, and he offered tips when he felt it would help. I've seen John walk (stomp) out on the field to berate a jumper that did a dangerous landing, and I admired him (and Lyal) for that. You can learn a lot by watching the best in the profession. I'm truly gutted by this. Although I didn't know John in my civilian (non-skydiving) world, he is HUGE in my jumping world. He is in a lot of memories. I had barely over 100 jumps when I first met him, and now I have over 700 jumps. Any of the big way jumps I've done in Eloy, he's been on. Bonfires, fire eating, topless contests, pool games, tequila chasing...the list goes on. I'm looking forward to reading more from others. A part of me will remain in denial that this even happened. Until I get to Eloy next January. The grief will be fresh for me there, I'm sure. To everyone at Eden North (and to John's relatives), I offer my most sincere condolences. No family should suffer like you have. I'm so sorry for that. Take care of each other, respect each other, have fun, and play safe. And like John always did, JUMP SMILING!! Be happy for this moment, for this moment is your life!

It really was an absolutely brilliant time! Yay for our new record! Be happy for this moment, for this moment is your life!

Are you for real? Did you really land in a wing suit? Got video? Be happy for this moment, for this moment is your life!

Tossled sunkissed hair, tanned face, a smile for everyone, big strong hands and a sense of humor. And no halitosis! Be happy for this moment, for this moment is your life!

DarkElf...what did you play? And what do you do in your down time when you can't jump? I watch movies, play pool, hope to get skiing soon....but mostly I just dream about skydiving. Be happy for this moment, for this moment is your life!

Come on...you're kidding me! BASE jumpers get laid! What's more sexy than waiting under the moonlight, listening to your favorite BASE jumper grunting over and over as he/she bungies higher and higher, hearing the animals feet crack branches nearby, breathing down your neck, wondering why you are standing on their path... What could be sexier than looking up and hearing that resounding 'ping' as your jumper hits air and the canopy swoops open, covering the big dipper you've been counting the stars in a moment before... Oh yea. Bring it on baby! Be happy for this moment, for this moment is your life!

Sometimes when I read in the safety forums I feel good to be a part of a sport where people share their knowledge and experience. In this particular forum, I think I'm feeling more nervous than reassured. Why would anyone balk at a safety issue like using a cypress? There should be no question that if it is available, it be used! What are you teaching the new jumpers? Getting your license is not a good enough reason for it to be 'up to them'. One is still inexperienced when they get their license, and we rely on the more experienced jumpers to mentor us and keep us safe--thus keeping YOU safe when you jump with us. People...listen to the pros and learn. Life is sweet! Be happy for this moment, for this moment is your life!

Serge and Louise are very keen on making everyone feel welcome to SkyDive Moncton! As a new jumper (July, 2003) I felt like family from day one. Always ready with a hug every time I come back, the regulars never miss an opportunity to teach and to share their knowledge. There's restaurants just down the road, or you can wait 'til nightfall to roast your weinie at the campfire! Hope to see you all in the spring!

Our dropzone group were trying to get tickets to the opening tonight but missed out!!! Sold Out!! But we'll get there by weeks end, if we have to hurt small children to do it! Just kidding...