I don’t know what to say. I’ve known Eric for about 4 years. He was my boss for a year and a half. He started skydiving about the same time I did, but went way beyond my level very quickly. In the two years of skydiving, he progressed through many areas of training, developing his skills and certifications as fast as he could. It really surprised me when a friend called and mentioned that Eric was in and accident. He is a great skydiver, and very safety conscious. Eric is also one of those guys that lived for skydiving. I mean – that’s what his life was about for the last two years. Before skydiving, Eric didn’t seem to be all that satisfied with life. He and his marriage had ended, and he would often spend all his time at work. I would often find him at the office until after midnight. He would spend many weekends at the office as well. His favorite thing to do at that time was to go to the bar and have a Jagermeister and a Guinness – then go back to work. I couldn’t believe it when I saw Eric at the dropzone. I thought – well here’s a guy who never leaves the office, and just lives for work. The amazing thing about Eric and skydiving: it was like he had found his calling. Eric found friendship, camaraderie, family and a sense of purpose in skydiving. He came to the dropzone every Saturday, and made it to many different boogies. When Eric first started skydiving, I would often see him involved with Mark Brown’s group doing different RW jumps and having a great time. It seemed that Eric just wanted to do more and more, and I respected his focus on what he loved to do. I wish I had that much time to do this sport. One thing that was most noticeable was Eric’s change of attitude. Eric could be a surly person sometimes – and let his attitude affect the way was he was around others (I should know – he was my boss for a while). After Eric began to skydive, it was like his whole attitude about life changed. He was more open, thoughtful, and he displayed a sense of confidence that was remarkable. Life for Eric while skydiving just seemed better. Eric also still drinks Jagger – with his skydiving friends – and he’ll always order a round for everyone – just to see the funny look on their faces when they drink it. Eric is a friend of mine, and I hope he pulls through. I think that Eric has many friendships at the dropzone in Perris and at Elsinore. We are all hoping for a swift recovery. Here is a guy who found something he loved and jumped right in. He has a strong spirit, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he comes through this experience. When you get a chance, and you find yourself in the bar after skydiving – have a shot of Jager and toast Eric – and hope for a strong recovery. I’m sure he’ll like the look on your face, knowing that he got one more person to drink that stuff!
