diverdriver 5 #26 August 29, 2009 Eli our paths crossed but a few times. You are a light that shown twice as bright. And I'm glad to have seen it. God speed. CAVU. Fly west.Chris Schindler www.diverdriver.com ATP/D-19012 FB #4125 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eugeneskydiver 0 #27 August 29, 2009 Eli was one of the biggest influences to many in skydiving. I used to watch the flyboy's routine daily when I started. His style still inspires me to this day. A true pioneer, you will be missed. Gile Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ltdiver 3 #28 August 29, 2009 Eli and the Flyboyz was one of the first impressions I had of Perris when I ventured to that DZ back in 1997. His enthusiasm for the sport, and freeflying in general was contagious! How could anyone not smile when they were around him. One afternoon, a few months ago, I stopped by where Eli, Sarah, and their kids were lounging in the shade at the DZ. I'd stopped by to chat and to share an inspiration with Eli that had popped into my mind the week before. How would he like to be a contestant on "Dancing with the Stars"? He'd light up the room! He laughed, but enthusiastically agreed that if he got the call he'd be up for the fun. That was Eli. Always ready to enjoy the next adventure. Well Eli, you can dance with the -real- stars now. How's the view? Hugs to Sarah and the kids. You're in our prayers. ltdiver Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grimmie 186 #29 August 29, 2009 Always a warm smile and a genuine hello every time our paths crossed... Fly Free Eli Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vertifly 0 #30 August 29, 2009 You were the best. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skyflyer3 0 #31 August 29, 2009 It was so great to see you, when you came to Hawaii with Pat & O.B. now, I'm returning to Perris and can't look forward to talking to you again. You, Fritz and Mike Ortiz were a true inspiration for me to go straight to freeflying, after completing AFF. The loss of two friends, in two months is heart wrenching. Keep a slot open for me, in the eternal formation. -Greg Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreePhly 0 #32 August 29, 2009 Eli, thanks for the warm welcome into skydiving! I met Eli in 1998, when I first started at Perris. I just got off student status and wanted to work on this "freefly" stuff. Eli sees me one day and offers to jump with me. I don't really know him, but he already had thoudsands of jumps at that time. In addition, I'm 6'6 and about 245 pounds and I'm looking at this little guy thinking "he'll never match my fall rate" What an awesome flyer and what a giving person. He taught me so much and was always walking around with a tremendous smile. Sarah and the kids, you don't know me, but I am incredibly sorry for your loss. I wish wish you strength and love in this difficult time. Sam Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pylades 0 #33 August 29, 2009 I just pointed you out to a friend of mine at Summerfest...basically saying you were the best...you were. I'm upset by this news and will cry as a result. Life ain't fair. BSBD. RobThis is no dress rehearsal, we are professionals & this is the big time... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimmytavino 16 #34 August 29, 2009 5 or 6 years ago, The FlyBoyz came to our DZ . Marcel T. went waaay above and beyond to invite them arrange all the details for the visit and insure the success of the event. The local freefly community including the Badfish crew were in attendence.. WHAt a great weekend.. I stood back in awe of what all those freeflyers were doing... Eli and Fritz were both pleasant, approachable, and sooo willing to share... Didn't know him well, and for sure he didn't know me,,, but we all will remember him Fondly...Vertifly said it.... "Eli WAS the best." only nothing has changed "Eli still IS the best"... may those close to him, find peace jt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Peej 0 #35 August 29, 2009 Fly free my friend Advertisio Rodriguez / Sky Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chileman 0 #36 August 29, 2009 Eli represents the very best qualities of the skydiving community. That smile will live forever. Peace Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OlympiaStoica 0 #37 August 29, 2009 A memorial site has been created: http://web.me.com/sarahfarooqui/web.mac.com_sarahfarooqui/Memorial_Eli.html O Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bigbearfng 18 #38 August 30, 2009 Blue skies bro. You will be missed by many..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OlympiaStoica 0 #39 August 30, 2009 The date for a public memorial has been set for September 19th; details to follow as his family makes them available. O Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pierre3636 0 #40 August 30, 2009 fly free.... ~ time is ~ time was ~ times past ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KidWicked 0 #41 August 30, 2009 Quotefly free.... Fly free of what? What's that expression supposed to mean?Coreece: "You sound like some skinheads I know, but your prejudice is with Christians, not niggers..." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scotinus 0 #42 August 30, 2009 I was lucky enough to jump and party with Eli on a number of occasions and have yet to meet anyone as charismatic or welcoming. I can only imagine how many other lives he has touched in this way. You'll be sorely missed brother. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eman 0 #43 August 30, 2009 Would someome post a link to what happened ? And where ? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
patworks 5 #44 August 30, 2009 "The smallest guy on the team had the biggest presence in any room or any airplane. ... As one of the pioneers of freeflying he changed the perception of what it meant to be a skydiver. His ideas and his vision made him part of skydiving history and earned him multiple World Championships and World Records." from RedBull AirForce sitePat Works nee Madden Travis Works, Jr .B1575, C1798, D1813, Star Crest Solo#1, USPA#189, Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
patworks 5 #45 August 30, 2009 Me n Eli and several friends started freefly at Perris around 1993. Then, none of us could go head down, but our stand and sit routines were way hot. Later we competed on the ESSI ESPN X-Games Pro Freeflying Tour. Omar, Olav, Charles, Eli, Fritz, Mike, and yall kicked ass with the most "WOW" visuals seen. Today, there are no words than can express how this awfulness rends my soul and racks my body. Memories of a golden smile, thoughts of grand times, visuals of sky wonders live in my heart. Join me in donating: http://web.me.com/sarahfarooqui/web.mac.com_sarahfarooqui/Memorial_Eli.html Pat Works nee Madden Travis Works, Jr .B1575, C1798, D1813, Star Crest Solo#1, USPA#189, Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #46 August 30, 2009 Incident report. She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KidWicked 0 #47 August 30, 2009 QuoteMe n Eli and several friends started freefly at Perris around 1993. Self-aggrandize much?Coreece: "You sound like some skinheads I know, but your prejudice is with Christians, not niggers..." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OlympiaStoica 0 #48 August 31, 2009 QuoteWould someome post a link to what happened ? And where ? Check the "Incidents" forum for more information ... O Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MB38 0 #49 August 31, 2009 I still can't believe it. Blue skies, Eli.I really don't know what I'm talking about. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guinness_fr 0 #50 August 31, 2009 Terrible loss !!! Eli, you left so many fond memories of you everywhere in the world with your eternal smile and extraordinary enthusiasm in the plane before any kind of jump... Warm toughts from France to your family! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
