JimmyMac 0 #1 June 8, 2003 Roger Nelson saw in others potential they did not know they had and then helped them achieve it. That is a legacy for us all to carry forward. Jim McCormick Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billbooth 10 #2 June 8, 2003 Roger was a real visionary and a great guy. I am going to miss him. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ThighMan 5 #3 June 8, 2003 Will there be a "World Jump" in memory of Roger? I never had the pleasure of meeting him but have heard a lot. I remember a jump for Sandy that was to have all the people in the air at a time from one coast to the other. My condolence to the family and to the skydiving community. AirborneAirborne Blue Skies, No Wind Feet and Knees Together Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
carbonezone 0 #4 June 8, 2003 All our heart-felt sympathy and condolences go to Rook, Missy and the entire Nelson family. Roger was ONE OF A KIND and will truly be missed by many… Bluer Skies Brother, Scotty Carbone Freak-brother 124 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #5 June 8, 2003 QuoteRoger Nelson saw in others potential they did not know they had and then helped them achieve it. That is a legacy for us all to carry forward. Jim McCormick Very, Very well said... I've been sitting out back on the deck for hours, just stayin' away from the family...thinking about what happened. I started jumping about the same time Roger and Carl did, and became friends way back then as we all had a lot in common. I was in college at Southern Illinois when I got a call from Rog inviting my up for the "Big Foot" Freak Brothers Convention... He had really gone out of his way to reach me, 'hunt me down' as he put it. Explaining that I was a broke college student, and though I'd love to be there... He told me, Just get here...we'll work the rest out. I did, and he did... We were 'friends' but not what I would have considered "close". Roger Nelson showed me that since we shared something that was "truly-- truly" important in each of our lives, that yes we were indeed Very Close Friends! As people do, we moved on with our lives. I kept track of Rogers exploits...rather hard NOT to if your at all involved with this sport. And I would run into him, from time to time, here and there... When possible, I'd reintroduce my self and extend my polite greetings... It may have been 4 years since we'd spoken last, but he always made me feel in the few moments we could share, as much of a part of ' his world ' as he did so many years ago with that phone call. He changed this thing we all love called skydiving, for the better. It was his dream, his ambition, it was his life. I am honored to have known him...and proud he considered me, as he did ALL of us. His Friend. " Rest easy old friend...and Thanks" -Jim Twardowski ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
whocares 0 #6 June 9, 2003 Great words. I meet Roger, Rook, Missy and the SDC family in April, 2000 for my first jump. With in 6 months I had over 180 jumps. Roger became a friend, mentor and spiritual advisor to me. My world was in a crazy state. I lost a business, went back to drinking and drug use, had 1 more kids and Roger was always there to give advice and not judge. I had a long talk with Roger and he offered me a gift, it was a gift of hope and willingness to be a good father, friend and person with out all the chaos in my life. Well after our meeting he gave me a bible and asked me to try to give my life another shot, as he did. I never read the bible to much but I will cherish the gift from Roger and I am 11 months sober today too. Skydive Chicago is a family oriented facility. The rolling hills along the fox river, horses walking across the property, the sandy beach for the kids to play in at the pond, the great facility, food, people and all around great vibes. Rogers’s dreams of building a world class skydiving center were achieved. Roger will be missed but we can all learn from such a great person. Spread The Love Tim Ryan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diverdriver 5 #7 June 9, 2003 QuoteRoger Nelson saw in others potential they did not know they had and then helped them achieve it. That is a legacy for us all to carry forward. Jim McCormick You are exactly correct Jim. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freakyrat 1 #8 June 9, 2003 I'm sitting here with my Freak Brother membership card. It was from 8/7/84 at Freeport, Il. I think it was my first Freak Brother Convention. I was on a 14-way dive that Roger and some of his friends organized. What a fun dive it was. I also remember Roger demonstrating how to exit a DC-3 and cover the most ground with the least amount of effort. I remember the first time I tried this exit and found out it worked and thanked Roger for demonstrating it at the Convention. Just a few of my thoughts here. I would just like to express my deepest sympathy and my condolences to Missy, Rook, and other members of the Nelson family. I pray that God will give you the strength to carry on as I know you will. Calen C. Chrzan Freak Brother 1783 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freakbrother173 0 #9 April 8, 2011 Roger was a friend who I think about often.I remember being in the clouds & in the dark skydiving High with both Carl & Roger. Drawing straws on El Cap with Roger & Jim Handbury to see who went first.When we got down I found out all my things were stolen including money. Roger bought me clothes.food.& gave me money.The kind of person he was.I hope I fly with him in heaven. Bobby Gray10 Man Speed- No Show Exits Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
