skyydiva2000

After seeing everyone from the DZ last night in Ypsi, it reminded me that no matter who you are or where youre from, or how long it's been between your skydives... (mine has been awhile but that's changin' now!) -skydivers are true "family". We were kind of all Pops' kids. He made everyone feel loved and cared about. I have been crying off and on for a few days, but last night, it just felt for the first time that he was really gone. My thoughts and prayers are with my DZ "family" and with Frank's family. He will always be loved, and his memory cherished. Hopefully someone from our DZ will post more details, but the Celebration of Life party for Pops will be this Friday night at Skydive Tecumseh. Anyone from the DZ, if there is any other info, please post.

I just wanted to say that I've known Pops since he started coming out to the DZ. Words cannot tell you what an impact he and David have had on me. As skydivers, they were cool, and as a father and son, they were inspirational. I don't think I talked to my Whuffo friends about any other skydivers more than I did about Pops and Dave. Their passion for jumping and love of life was infectious to anyone who jumped with them. Pops just always exuded pure happiness to me whenever I saw him at the DZ. When we got the news, I was in shock. It's taken me about two or three days to really grieve because knowing him, and having been in the B license water training class with he and Dave, as well as on many jump planes with them, I couldn't believe it. He was so safe, level-headed, and in control whenever I saw him. I know that whatever happened last week was a total fluke, and I find it hard to accept that it was an error on his part. He was just too smart. The only way I personally have to explain it is that somewhere God said, "hey, this guy is one of a kind, I need him up here helping me out." I know everyone who knew Pops loved having him around. To me personally, he was like a big teddy bear. He was always one of the first to run and give me a big hug when I'd come out to the DZ, and he made everyone he knew feel loved. He had a big heart, I guess, too big for this world. Please know that every time I do a jump or look up at a clear blue sky, your brother will never be forgotton. He was truly a one of a kind man, and one of my inspirations as a person. I know that no words can help in a time of loss such as this, but I just wanted you to know that I hope it helps you to learn that Frank touched the lives of so many people that he never even met, just through his reputation. Our prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family. He will never be forgotton and will always be missed.

Words aren't enough at a time like this. As hard as I try, nothing I can think of expresses the loss of this man. He was truly one of a kind, and an inspiration to many people, and not just skydivers. Pops and David were in my water training class for our B license requirement. It was a really small class, and we had such a great time. There wasn't a time at the DZ that I saw Pops and he didn't give me a big bear hug. I will always remember him as smiling, giving, caring, and a truly joyful human being. The world has lost a wonderful person. He was a rare individual and I will never forget him, and I will never stop missing his smile. We love you, Pops. Blue Skies Forever.