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To contribute to the Chris Martin Memorial Fund click here.
CommentsChris was a well-respected and decent member of the skydiving community. You could always count on a straight answer, even if it was something you didn't want to hear- It was his DZ, and he called the shots. Chris also had a great sense of humor which I sometimes missed when he'd crack something off. We always had a good time when he was around. A couple of rememberances: I remember the last load flown on Mr. Douglas, when Chris comes back from the cockpit and said, "I guess we'll all have to get out a five grand". When someone asked why, he grinned as he pointed to the port window; the prop was sitting still.... then, at WFFC 2003, we were getting ready to try and junk that 17-way off the C130; Chris was on the back deck with his birdman suit on; it had rained earlier and the cloud cover at sunset was simply beautiful. I remember watching him look out the back deck, and thought, "I'll bet it's beautiful from his vantage point." We had a laugh later when he KNEW that they were going to put us out over Interstate 57! I think I've got a pic of that somewhere, and would like to communicate via email (skydivr@earthlink.net) with whomever did these pages to see if you'd like to post it. Melissa and I will miss Chris, and we offer our sincere condolences to his family. Blue skies our friend. Keith and Melissa Abner Nashville
Commentsgreat guy
CommentsHe has recived his new wings. God bless to him and his family.
Commentsyou gave me the gift of flight chris i cant thank you enough it i will always remember you god bless
CommentsIt was always a thrill to look up @ Chris just before leaving the plane and Thanking him for the ride. He'd just Grin. He was a great instructor. He kept his eyes open too. I remember once I had a low opening and hoped he didnt see it. Well I jumped several more times that day. Just before my last jump he approached me and asked how low I was on that one jump. He knew what I needed and he allowed me to learn the lesson. My life was changed by Tennessee Skydiving Center forever. Thanks Chris We'll all miis you. May God Bless his Loved ones and all that knew him and allow them to understand his Love for the sport that gave him his wings. David L. Murfreesboro
CommentsNo words, Sorry.
CommentsChris, I was so sad to hear this! You will be missed very much by skydivers and the rest of the community. God bless your family, friends and collegues. My deepest condolences to Chris' family and everyone at Precision for the loss. God bless you all during these very challenging times. Your spirit will live forever. Kevin Schafer Marketing Manager Performance Designs.
CommentsI had recently met Chris for the first time when I flew my Citabria over to Tullahoma to drop off my wife and my reserves 'chutes for a repack. My wife and I own Matthews Field (TN89) near Whitwell, TN and operate the Sequatchie Soaring Society , a sailplane club, from it. After dropping off the 'chutes in the office I returned to my plane and discovered I had a dead battery. I talked to the FBO and believe it or not they didn't have set of jumper cables! Shortly thereafter Chris returned from taking jumpers up in the Caravan. Although we had talked on the phone a couple of times regarding the repacks, I'd never met him in person. I introduced myself and told him of my predicament. Even though he was obviously busy with jumpers, without hesitation Chris offered to prop start my airplane, not an easy or safe task for a 150 hp engine. When that effort failed to get the engine running Chris immediately went over and got his van and jumper cables and gave me a jump so that I could head back home. Later that week he brought the repacked 'chutes to Precision in Dunlap in order to save me another trip over to Tullahoma. I remember driving back to my airport that day thinking "What a great guy". Although I barely knew him it was obvious to me that he was a super guy, the kind of guy that was more than willing to help a complete stranger in need. The world needs more folks like Chris Martin. I'm certain he'll be sorely missed. My condolences to his family and friends. John Lawton - Sequatchie Soaring Society
CommentsAs one of his pilots a few years back, I got to learn from Chris also. He not only was a true pro in skydiving, but was a precise pilot. He knew how to take care of the engine in hot/cold/power on/power off conditions, to make it last, and to get the jumpers to altitude quickly and efficiently. He knew how to run a business, too. You know TSC's top reputation. We can all take his many teachings and make them a legacy. Andy Shafer Murfreesboro
CommentsChris was a great friend during my years at Tennessee Tech. I attended his first wedding and remember many great years with him as a college "party animal". He also took me on a tandem jump for my 40th brithday, which I'll always remember. He will be greatly missed. Mike Wingo
CommentsYou never know where is the end :( great men - evil death :(
CommentsMy friend, My AFF Instructor, My Inspiration in Birdman and Skydiving. You are the Man in the Sport I so dearly love. Thanks for the years,the Compassion,the Knowledge and Kindness you always showed me. N5542B will always be my friend with you there as the Bus Driver. PEACE Bro, Fly on Forever. Doug Wilson-DougJumper
CommentsIn memory of Chris Martin. All you Russian friends remember you and we mourn together with all who has known you. We will remember you, as great partner and friend. We are sorry so much of your tragic death. We know, you will live in the hearts of your friends in all over the world God bless you and your family. Our deepest condolences Yours sincerely Russian friends Blue sky... K.Makarenko
CommentsI knew Chris for years during his work at Precision & we met at the PIA sym.during the years. Chris as I knew him was a great person, with a extream willing to help & always ready to hear, to advice, to learn & to assist. I'm so sorry for the lost, my sincere condolences to Chris's family & friends & to Precision. Blue Skies for ever friend. Shlomo Pearl from Israel
CommentsWith as much energy and enthusiasim fror the sport as Chris had his influence extends far and wide. I appreciate the infectious nature of his happy personality, and hope those in pain from his passing will remember the fun and happy times first. I know I will. Chris thank you for being my friend, and I will try to keep your enthusiasim alive and pass it on to those that surround me.
CommentsI am very sad to hear the news about Chris. I did my Aff in Tullahoma about 12 years ago. I spent a week going thru the class with Chris and Kent and Gino. I went on to get my rating and have two world records. I have always been grateful to Chris. He was such a sweet person and great teacher. Not to mention so much fun to hang out with. He will be missed. Much love, Tammy Tatum
CommentsChris, Words can not express how your loss is affecting me. You were such an important influence in my life as a skydiver and as a person. It was your friendship that brought me out of my shell when I first started jumping at TSC, and your knowledge that I trusted and paid attention to that has made me the skydiver that I am. You guided me by making me think for myself and make my own decisions, while making sure I didnt do anything stupid at the same time. I pray that you are with me on every jump, continuing to guide and influence me. I know that you will be because you are in my heart forever. love always, Kristi Rudy
CommentsChris, Thanks for sharing your knoledge and frienship with us. We will miss you at the Puerto Rico boogie. Ricky, Marie and the Puerto Rico Crew.
CommentsI'm sorry your tragic death. My sincere condolences to Chris' family & friends. Gabriel from Argentina.
Commentschris martin and his cocky ass attitude are part of what drew me to skydive. he had something that made you admire and like him. he led my aff training in tullahoma tennessee. his profesionalism towards this novice student was nothing short of exemplary. nothing much surprises me much these days. his death in a skydiving accident does surprise me due to his elevated skill level. chris was a unique individual. ritch campbell
CommentsI am so sorry to hear on the loss of such a great person. My heart goes out to Chris' wife and children. I had been away from the sport of skydiving for almost 2 years, and when I chose to start again, Chris did my first jump with me, and what an inspiration he was. He did my boyfriend's first tandem with him, and we will forever have the video and pictures of Chris in his flip flops skydiving! This is so tragic, and I will be praying for the family and close friends of Chris Martin. This loss will impact so many lives.....my prayers to you, Chris!!! We'll all meet again one day in the sky- Beth Mott Nashville, TN
CommentsChris was a no-nonsense kind of guy, well-respected, and a great skydiver; he left this world while Pioneering A Vision and pushing back the Horizons Of Possibility for himself and all other skydivers...he will be missed. -"e", Cullman, AL.
CommentsThanks for taking care of me all these years. I know you're still going to be watching after me for years to come. ~SB xoxoxoxo
CommentsYou'll be missed Chris ! Thanks for the memories. Blue Skies
CommentsThanks for voting me the boss.Sue
CommentsSorry about the news God Bless the famly.. 'S2H'
CommentsRussian community mourns. Chris was in Moscow in May on a demo roadshow. Big smile of a man, always ready to share his knowledge and experience. We will miss you. Peace. Fyodor
CommentsChris, thank you for sharing your energy with the rest of us. I will miss your sense of humor, candor, and great spots. I only regret that I did not get to know you longer. Blue skies... The one Chris memory that defines how I will remember him is one day when I first started jumping at TSC, he was jumping his wingsuit. There was a para-glider that had canopy the same color as mine. When he landed he came over to me had a laugh about how he thought he saw me going low off the DZ into the trees and started chasing after me. As he got closer he realized that it was a para-glider. He was just able to get back and land on the airport. The fact that he was willing to risk landing out because he thought I was in trouble (and he barely knew me) shows the kind of guy he was. - Brad
CommentsI have several. The most noteworthy was Chris just being Chris. Back in 1989 or 1990 I found myself at his DZ in Tullahoma. I was on a Cessna load with three very good friends. On jump run the jumper spotting gave the pilot a very big correction to the left, something like 90 degrees. After the four of us were in free fall I see my three little boys running from the tetrahedron to the manifest trailer. Mr. Martin had put them up to it. He sent them out there with instructions to push it around. We all had a great laugh over it after landing over by Wal-Mart with Chris picking us up. Chris took those same three sons for free airplane rides while I was deployed with the Army during Desert Storm. We shall all miss Chris Martin Patrick McNamara, D10185
CommentsI have kissed a lot of guys in my time skydiving, but none more than Chris. I have made a bunch of 4 way jumps with Chris in Tullahoma out of his 182. We counld launch any formation...except a round.
CommentsYou will be missed by all of the skydiving community. God Bless Skydave - Dave Cazer
CommentsI'll miss ya brother. And yes... I think it is 7 o'clock! You and me, we're the charter members!
CommentsDamn.... It is never easy when one of our own passes on. Chris was a good man. I enjoyed his friendship and company. I put Chris out on static line Para Commanders out of 182's way back in the day when he started skydiving and watched him grow as a skydiver. Many good memories. He will be missed. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Harry Parrish
CommentsSuch a tragedy! I watched Chris start and grow in our sport. It was obvious from the beginning he had the passion we all know and love. I have always been amazed watching young men and women like Chris start in our sport and go on to a level where they are teaching old guys like me. I bought my canopy from Chris because of his knowledge and ability. Even in his tragic death, he teaches us. Our prayers are with you all! John Walrond
CommentsSuch a tragedy! I watched Chris start and grow in our sport. It was obvious from the beginning he had the passion we all know and love. I have always been amazed watching young men and women like Chris start in our sport and go on to a level where they are teaching old guys like me. I bought my canopy from Chris because of his knowledge and ability. Even in his tragic death, he teaches us. Our prayers are with you all! John Walrond
CommentsI don't know what to say.. but I feel like I need to tell somthing to Chris. Thank you for help, advices, explanation. I knew Chris only by phone. We talk just a few times when I call to Presicion to ask some questions about parachutes. My english is not good and it was not easy to exlain to me some things . It was always good answer and expanation but it was not only answer for my question.. Some times after conversation with somebody we feel beter for rest of a day becouse we talk with good person. It was always this way after talking with Chris. Last night some russian skydivers call me and told about the accident. Chris was in Moscow just for few days but all russian skydiders remember him as great person and it was is very hard for us to know about what happen. It is much much harder now for people who knew Chris beter and longer. Hard time for family, friends, coworkers. For all this people only one thing was beter it was more time for you to talk, to work with Chris and to know him longer. Igor Kislitsyn
CommentsI work with Chris at Percision for several years, he was the best, always had a smile for you and enjoyed a good joke. He was so proud of his little girl. I will always remember him for beeing a great guy. Linda Johnson Precision from 1989 to 2001.
CommentsThanks Chris for all your compliments, encouragement and great coversation. We will miss your smiling face at Daddy Billy's. I am so glad I was able to chat with you a couple of weeks ago. Funny huh, never know when it will be the last time to see a friend, glad to know I will always remember that chat, your smile always made me smile, thanks.....good bye friend
CommentsChris, I was looking forward to see you again at Sypmpsium. Well, I'm sure you'll be around anyway !! Stefan Ertler Paratec, Germany
CommentsWe are shocked to hear of death of Chris Martin's. His death is a great loss. He will be greatly missed. Please accept our sincere condolences. Yours very sincerely Wlodzimierz Budzinski(President) and AIR-POL's team. POLAND
CommentsWe keep waiting to hear your plane fly in. To see you walk by with that cute little grin. We miss your flip-flops and your bright hawaian clothes. We even miss you bringing those hard design logos. We miss you Chris, More and more every day. We even sit and wonder, "Why did God take you away?" We have come to the conclusion As the days go by, God needed an ACE with him To teach His angels how to fly. You will always be in our hearts! We love you! Christy P. and all of Precision
CommentsChris trained me during AFF and lifted me to altitude a few times. He was agreat instructor, pilot, diver and a great guy overall. I remember he would give Dave a weird look when I was about to jump, like he knew I didnt know didley, but at the same time he was one of those guys that knew a personality and trusted his instincts..."yeah youll be allright" he'd say in a semi-sarcastic tone, assuring me of my own ignorance but trusting me enough to let me go without regrets, knowing he had done his job. I also remember when he "coined" me while flying with his 5th SFG coin. The skydiving community will miss him and find comfort in the fact that he left us doing what he loved. Condolences go out to his wife and children. After all my friends that have passed and only being 25, I have stopped asking why, Blue Skies Chris, Im sure you're there.
CommentsI meet Chris 2 years ago in our boogie in Puerto Rico, since then he became our friend and a regular visitor again in our boogie. Great man, great personality and incredible heart. Talked so passionate about his family and the sport. He will be missed for sure in our island. My thoughts and prayers for the family and loved ones. Eternal Blue Ones Brother...Rest In Peace. Ivan Colon
CommentsThe first time I met Chris my work took me to AEDC in Tullahoma. I went to the drop zone during some down time and there were no jumpers there. Chris took me up in his 182 on my own, I made a jump, he didn't charge me. He then took me out to lunch, paid the bill and then took me for some beers. He just wanted to show me some Tennessee hospitality. Unfortunately I can only repay his kindness with a donation to the trust fund. My condolences go out to his family. Rob Sinclair
CommentsChris will be long remembered by all of the Skydiving Community. We will miss you Chris. Dennis Corgan Relative Workshop
Commentshello chris i came on this website looking for help on my science project and this is what i found i dont know what to say well just R.I.P
CommentsAt this difficult time, we want to let the family, friends and loved ones of Chris Martin know they are in our thoughts and prayers. We will all miss him and grieve his loss to the skydiving communnity. Chris was a wonderful person with a love for skydiving and adventure. God Bless & Blue Skies always, Cindy & Kenn Heismann (Greene Co. Sport Parachute Center)
CommentsGOD Bless Chris, and comfort his family and friends at this sad time. Blue skies in the neverending freefall!
CommentsWe cannot imagine… We met Chris at the PIA symposium during previous years. Then he came to Russia to the Red Star Boogie. Chris was such a good man, friendly and enthusiastic about his business and beloved sport. We had so many plans for our skydive business together in future…. He has many friends in Russia. Our sincere condolences to his family and friends. Vera Tsareba, Natalia Dekker-Eglit and German Eglit Aeroprize Moscow, Russia
CommentsI started working for Chris in 1991 after leaving the Army from Fort Campbell. He was a great guy to work for, ran a fun and adventurous, yet one of the safest Drop Zones I have ever worked at. I will always remember his humor and his strong desire that the customer would have every bit of enjoyment that his/her money was worth, with the end result that the student departed the Drop Zone with a smile and a burning desire to return for the friendship, camaraderie and fun that they had found with the staff at TSC. I only hope and pray that Kristie and the staff are able to keep TSC open, for that in and of itself, will be a wonderful memorial and make it possible for others to continue to fullfill thier dreams of flying in freefall. I will miss Chris very much and my families heart goes out to Kristie and thier daughter, and his other daughter, Annabelle. In Sorrow, Alfred R. Moelter. Jr. Rumbek, Sudan D-10104
CommentsI met Chris for the first time in 1990. George had set up a tandem jump, Chris was the photographer. His easy smile, his confident manner and those mischievious blue eyes had a calming effect on my up coming jump. Later Chris came to work at Precision.All of us found Chris a pleasure to be around. We miss you very much. My deepest sympathys go out to the family and all his many friends. Jan Henson
Commentsmatthew mullins
Commentsa fine gentlemen and friend , he will be missed peter sullivan, performance textiles
CommentsOur deepest condoluanses to all people who loved Chris...May strength and wisdom give you all the power to carry on in his memory... Team Smellyfeet.nl /The Netherlands.
CommentsChris,I remember when you jumped out of my balloon 17 years ago. It scared the %;!^ out of me as you exited and the balloon started climbing at 10,000 feet per minute(Thats what it felt like) We shared a lot of laughs when we both landed. Thanks for those laughs-I will never forget them. Lou Bottiggi
Commentsmay god bless your family
CommentsMAY GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY. YOU ARE MISSED.
CommentsOur friend Ride the wind B.J. & Roxie Alexander
CommentsGood-Bye Chris
CommentsSo many memories for 14 years. The night jumps, the Wednesday evening 4-ways, the boogies, the last-minute extra altitude deals, him hanging from the wing by his feet. The good times, how much so many learned from him, and how dedicated he was. You've touched so many lives. You'll truly be missed...
CommentsEven though I never met Chris in person I feel that I am a better person knowing him through the business and even personal calls we have had. I feel a deep pit in my heart as I know he has moved on to fly in the blue skies. You will be missed.Jason Hamner Sky GearUSA.
CommentsHI, I'M SORRY FOR THE LOSE OF CHRIS, I'LL MISS HIM AT WORK. HE WOULD COME OUT IN THE PLANT WITH A SMILE ON HIS FACE AND FLIP FLOPS ON HIS FEET. I WAS WALKING OUTSIDE ONE DAY AND DIDN'T HERE HIS PLANE AND HE CAME DOWN RIGHT OVER MY HEAD, I WAS LISING TO A RADIO. HE SCARED ME. I DON'T LIST TO A RADIO WALKING ANYMORE. HE JUST SMILED AND SAID HE KNEW HE COULD LAND. WE WILL ALL MISS HIM AT WORK AND IT WON'T BE THE SAME. GOD IS LUCKY HE HAS A GOOD ANGLE. GOD BLESS ALL HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS. SINALOA HARVEY I WORKED WITH HIM AT PRECISION
CommentsBlue skies !
Commentsblue skys to my skydiving mentor and former brother in law. i'll never forget that smile. terry
Commentsblue skies my brother. annabell will be sure to know her dad as long as i live. terry nunn
Comments(if this appears more than once, forgive me. my pc shut down as I was writing) How can I say it all? Chris was my first freefall instructor, my first true love, and the father of my only child. He was my flying buddy. I loved him even when I hated him, and in spite of everything, I counted him as a friend. One of my favorite memories of Chris is at the Tullahoma airport. I was making one of my first solo landings in the Cessna 152 trainer, a little stressed because I knew I had an audience. As the wheels hit the numbers, I see Chris and the FBO boys lined up like judges at the side of the runway, holding up "landing scores" on paper plates. As I taxied in, I heard a Lear jet behind me complaining, "Hey, that guy only gave me an 8!" Without looking back, I knew it could only be Chris. I'll never forget the fun we had. I'll never forget the way he believed in me, and we'll never understand each other until I am dead, too. No matter now. There really are no accidents. Well, goodbye, my friend. Please get busy on that new design for angel wings. I'll make a demo when I get there, if you'll still pack for me. The things that mattered have changed. I've missed the sport and all of you, but I don't know if I can jump again. Blue Skies. Please pray that I can get Annabelle through this, somehow. Kelly (Nunn-Martin) McInerney #71469 Athens, GA
CommentsWe had fun. We had friendship. We had great skydives every Wednesday afternoon. We were “The Fearsome Foursome.” Chris, Alan, Gino, and me. Wonderful memories abound, but I’ll hold it down to just two. #1 – Getting back at Chris on his 1000th jump. Rather than dump him out (which is what he expected since that’s what he did to people for their mile marker jumps), we arranged to launch a cat with him at the point. The exit count (for us) was Ready, Set, See Ya! Chris was such a great sport, he just rolled over on his back, put his hands behind his head, crossed his legs like he was in an easy chair, and watched us waving at him from the plane. #2 – “The Fearsome Foursome rides the beacon.” Chris led the after-hours (of course) expedition up the Tullahoma beacon. I’ve never been so scared in my life – I clung to that thing like a baby and hated every minute of it. Chris rode it like a cowboy and loved every minute. He was definitely adventuresome. I will always remember Chris with a Twinkle in his eyes, Laughter in his smile, and Mischief on his mind. Kiss Kiss, Trixie
CommentsFly with the angels and enjoy the eternal blue skies. Tell Kent I'll always remember the two of you with a smile. See ya before long so save a place for me. Dave Zentz New Port Richey, Florida
CommentsMY NAME IS DUSTIN DUNN...AND CHRIS WAS TRULY A GREAT FRIEND THROUGH THE YEARS OF MY YOUTH HE TOUGHT ME TO JUMP AND TO SAVOR THIS BEAUTIFUL LIFE.....AS ONLY US JUMPERS CAN....CHRIS WAS MORE LIKE MY UNCLE OR BROTHER THAN FRIEND. I KNOW THAT HE WILL ALWAYS BE WITH ME WHEN THAT DOOR COMES OPEN.......A GREAT FATHER.... A GREAT HUSBAND TO CHRISTI.....AND A GREAT JUMPER-PILOT...YODA IS HOW I THINK OF HIM....MY DRINKIN PAL............I'LL TRULY MISS YOU CHRIS AND IT IS A SHAME THAT I NEVER GOT TO TELL YOU JUST HOW MUCH YOU SHOWED ME ..........MUCH LOVE ...BLUE SKIES.. ...........AND A COLD CORONA AND A SHOT FOR YOU CHRIS
CommentsMY NAME IS DUSTIN DUNN......AND TCHRIS MARTIN WAS MORE THAN MY FRIEND....HE MY HERO.....ALWAYS SMILING...JOKING... MISSING YOU SO MUCH..I CANT TYPE FOR CRING.............................I WISH I COULD'VE TOLD YOU HOW MUCH YOU MEANT TO ME ,HOW MUCH YOU TOUGHT ME .... I KNOW THAT YOU ARE WITH ME EVERY TIME THAT DOOR COMES OPEN..... I DON'T KNOW WHO I WOULD BE IF YOU HAD NOT BEEN A PART OF MY LIFE BUT I AM SO GLAD THAT YOU WERE.......AND STILL ARE A PART OF ME........DAMNIT CHRIS....TOO SOON....BUT I KNOW THAT IF YOU WERE GONNA GO............I WILL KEEP YOU IN MY HEART FOREVER AND I HOPE...THAT WHERE-EVER YOU ARE.....THE BEER IS COLD AND FREE...................MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO ANNABELLE AND CHRISTI..............I LOVE YOU CHRIS .........BLUE SKIES
CommentsChris taught an "old woman" that dreams are meant to be realized not just talked about. I was able to fulfill my dream of skydiving because of Chris, and I'll never forget it...or him. My prayers go out to his family. - A. Cody.
CommentsYou have taught me to become one of the best. You will not be forgotten. Jared
CommentsChris and I have been separated by time and distance for many years, but the friendship that grew between us during our college days has always kept him close to me in my heart. I will never forget the good times we had together. Great sadness accompanied my learning of his loss, but if there was ever anyone who crossed my path in life that knew how to live life to the fullest, it was Chris. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family and friends. He will be sorely missed by us all. George "Jon" Patton ('Beirut') Gunnery Sergeant, U.S.M.C. MCBH Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii gjpatton@yahoo.com
CommentsI just found out today about Chris when I called the drop zone and asked to speak with him. I have not been actively jumping. In fact, I was always an occasional jumper. Chris used to say I jump just enough to be dangerous. I remember Chris from the times we spent jumping in Cookeville in the late 80's through the rest of his life. He was always fun to be around and also had a lot of useful information. Chris witnessed many of my firsts, including night jumps, a malfunction, and totaling a mercedes-benz with my body at his drop-zone. He always prompted me with "case of beer" when I completed my first. We enjoied many post-jump parties together. I will always look upon his life with admiration and respect for his sense of adventure and ability to live the life we all dream about. I told my wife the news today and we will both miss you. We hope your family's knowledge of how you touched the lives of so many people will give them strength. See you on the other side...Lafayette Gwin l_nmi_gwin@hotmail.com
CommentsChris, My party buddy at the WFFC. One of, if not the most, friendly and genuine person you could ever wish to meet. I cant believe you have gone! "Who's the best pilot you ever met" ;-) C ya Chris....I'll miss you..... and Blue Skies... Steve Henderson
CommentsI first "met" Chris on the phone when I worked for Square One and was getting a "long term demo" main through him. I let him choose the colors for me, with the caveat that there be no orange, brown or tan on it. I guess I forgot to mention that I'm a proud member of SAPPS (skydivers against pink and purple s&$%) cuz what I got was solid neon pink with dark purple ribs! Over the next few years we'd chat on the phone or by email or by private message on dropzone.com, both for business and because we both enjoyed the conversations. I finally met him in person at WFFC '02. At Rantoul in '03 I did my first wingsuit jump; Chris was one of the first people I told about it and his response was to say "let's go flock." So we did... on that jump I got my first wingsuit dock and experienced hearing someone talk in freefall for the very first time. We didn't get a chance to jump together at WFFC '04, but we killed more than few brain cells, laughed a lot and had several long conversations ranging from parachutes to life in general. I don't think it's going to set in that he's really gone until I don't see him at Rantoul this coming August. It's always 7 pm where you are now Chris. Keep a spot open in the flock for me.
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Celebrating his life...your
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