DANNY R. PAGE
This page is dedicated to my Brother Danny Page. I did not know this man that everyone loved so dearly. I can only say that I am amazed, proud and honored that Danny was my brother and a brother to so many. I only wish I had the chance to know that person and him to know me. Seeing all these photos and hearing all the stories, I wanted to share it with everyone and say to him that I am Proud of you, your service to our Country and I thank you. Rest in Peace Danny. Love, your sister Trish Page
WORDS FOR A BROTHER OF MANY
Danny was a beautiful man with a warm and welcoming smile. I enjoyed smearing cake on his face on 9-2-06. I miss him a lot. I only knew him for a short year. In that year, he made a lasting impression on me. He was "real" and always cared so much about everyone else... . that was obvious. I am so sorry for your loss. He was and is still loved by so very many.
Damn... Danny was a good guy.
A hell of a skydiver and great rigger. He kept me up to date on safety issues, things that I would probably miss on my own, each and every time I saw him. I, for one, will miss him. Rest in peaceful sleep, Danny.
- TripleF
Danny was a unique kind of guy. He was the one who always made you laugh no matter what. I spent 5 days with Danny in PR this past February It was probably one of the best weeks of my life. I learned so much from Danny of the last 3 years that I knew him. He would always encourage me to finish school and even kind of hinted around law school. I would complain about a paper and he would just say what do you think you didn’t have to do work in college? I would just sit there and smile, he was right once again. I got to see him everyone weekend in Thomaston and it was wonderful. He was a complete asshole and could get away with almost anything but that’s why I love him.
I miss him daily and I know we he is watching
down from heaven laugh at us.
- Jessie
Danny was the type of person to rub almost everyone a little harshly from time to time kind of like sandpaper. But the funny thing about sandpaper, the more you rub something the smoother it starts to become. Danny had a unique way of helping us all smooth out those rough
edges and just have a good time. Always smiling no matter what, ready to help anyone regardless of skill level he was truly a jumper who just liked to jump and wanted to make sure everyone else had a good time when they jumped. That smiles, and laugh will
not be something easily forgotten. I had the pleasure of meeting Bob at last years (3rd Annual) Dublin Boogie. He was organizing the big ways and a friend and I ended up joining in and having a blast. At the end of the weekend he invited me down to the Big Ways he was organizing in Deland. I was never able to actually make it down for one of his weekends but still got the email updates. He was a very easygoing fun jumper and I will miss not being able to jump with him again. Blue Skies Danny and Bob, you guys will not be forgotten.
- Unknown
Trish,
I got the pleasure of meeting your brother about
3 years ago. He had a huge impact on my life and the life of my Girlfriend. He was and still is a great man. Just read this thread and you will see that many people cared for him and that he touched many lives. He will be missed forever.
I have attached a picture that he took with me around the fire at the boogie the night before he died. He had been giving me hell, as usual about everything, my life my job my relationship with my girlfriend, (this was his normal custom, his way of motivating me and making me see that I could accomplish more than I thought that I could) I kind of walked off, a little dejected, he then walked up and was like you know I only give you shit
because I love you, then kissed me on the cheek, this was my reaction. Thank you for letting us
share your brother. He was the life of the party,
and one of the most magnetic personalities
that I have ever met. I am going to try about making the ash dive, and looking forward to meeting you there.
- Hamilton Bridges
He was always moving. ALWAYS DOING SOMETHING.
I swear he had a time machine. He was never in one place for any longer than he needed to be. I used to love to go to lunch with him, for a while we got in a good rhythm and went once or twice a month, it was good to catch up with him, and hear about the crazy stuff that he had done.
He LOVED skydiving. He loved it so much that
losing him has almost taken the magic out of it for me.
One of my friends remarked that it was like losing our superhero. He was 10ft tall and bullet proof.
He was going to live forever. It was shocking.
There times where I still don't believe it. I don't remember him ever remarking that he liked a certain type of music,
we were always talking about something.
It is really hard when you are out of touch with someone then losing them. (I have been there, and am going down that road with a few others - but as you said - I keep thinking I will see them again).
- Unknown
I didn't know Danny well, but I can share what I did know - He was a fabulous skydiver, with loads of skill and talent and he passed it onto others entering the sport.
He LOVED what he was doing and mentioned it several times during every dive. His sense of fun was contagious. I live in Ontario, Canada and was in Puerto Rico with friends from Long Island for an event (same reason Danny was visiting from Atlanta). The guys from LI have more experience than I do and all repeatedly commented on how much fun he was to jump with.
With that said - he had a big personality (that could rub thin-skinned people the wrong way) and an even bigger ego. All part of his charm. One guy on our jump suffered two severely broken ankles and Danny handled the entire situation with both humor and grace. He said he had 7 siblings, 5? Sisters. I am not sure if that is your family or friends he adopted into family. I met 2 of them as they flew in from the states. (I am horrible with names
or I would share). I do know that everyone in Atlanta and the skydiving community in general is grieving. I will attempt to send the pictures through tomorrow as I have more on disc at home. Take care of yourself!
- Stephanie
Hi, Trish! My name is Polina!
We briefly met during the memorial service in Atlanta.
You had so many new people around you, I am sure you do not
remember me. Danny is the last guy I dated.
I have been skydiving in GA for about a year and a half.
But the first time I met him was Halloween boogie in
Thomaston 06. He had such a charismatic personality
I could not resist him. He was so funny, he walked around the
DZ singing " Don't you wish you Russian was hot like mine''
to the tune of the song 'don’t you wish your girlfriend was hot like me?''
I am Russian, so it was hilarious. We met on Sat and were inseparable
till next Fri, when we both had to be out of town. For the next couple
months it was the most intense relationship I had in my life.
I guess because it started so strong, I had to pull back. And at the
time of the accident we were not actively seeing each other.
He traveled so much, but we spend considerable time on the phone.
Danny had such multifaceted personality. He had a lot of friends,
who called him all the time or he spend time with him.
He would always put me on the phone: "Say Hi, to so-and-so.
I talked to so many of his friend, but would not be able to tell you who.
He took me to see "Trans Siberian Orchestra" and Cirque Du Soleil on couple of our dates. His favorite book was by Ayn Rand "we the living"
He told me: "If you want to understand me - read this. That is how I live life". The main thought of the book is we are living not because we breath,
eat and sleep, but because there is something within us that
drives us towards growth, freedom and creativity.
I am attaching video message he send me from Puerto Rico,
Couple pictures. Unfortunately I do not have any pictures of us together.
It's been almost 3 weeks now. And it is not getting any easier.
I miss him so much. He is in my thoughts every minute. I was lucky
to spend time with him that I did.
Your big brother was a wonderful man with faults like any human,
but he always looked for ways to improve and contribute to others lifers.
I am planning on going to his ash dive in NC. So I hope
to see you there again.
Love, Polina
I am going to miss Danny...
He planned 8-ways (that were safe and worked) around me when I was low on experience at the Carolina Sky sports Easter Boogie in '99. Then had parenting advice for me over dinner...
I had fun jawing' with Danny every time I ran into him in my GA adventures over the years. He was one of skydiving’s great infectious personalities. You may not have agreed with everything he said, but his verve and zest for skydiving and life was undeniable.
- Hixxx
Danny was at the Blackjack table, so of course, I joined. Full of jokes, off-color humor, and ribbing most the ones he rubbed the wrong way. It was 5 years ago this weekend, at the South of the Border Boogie in Mexico, that I said to him "you are the biggest Asshole I've ever loved". He became fond of introducing himself that way thereafter. Such a big hole and no way to refill what these men left. My love to you both and your families, friends and the others whose lives you have touched. What great assets we just lost.
They were both beside me on that last dive. I just had met Bob on Saturday. I was planning to go to his camp in Deland. Danny had me laughing until we left the plane, as usual. I am glad to be alive and able to jump with all of you. What a privilege. Isn't it a no-brainer to have as separate landing area for the snoopers? Isn't that just?
So obvious? This just didn't have to happen.
Blue Skies - Thanks for reading! Charles
Sweet dreams, Danny . . .
Nick D. - BASE 194
I miss Danny so much, although it still doesn't feel real that he's gone. I guess I'm in denial a bit.
The last interaction I had with Danny was Friday night, and it was so fitting. He was giving me shit for something that happened months ago, as he always did. I'm so glad that the last time I saw him it was same old, same old I know several other people had the same experience, and now those somewhat inconsequential moments have a new, beautiful meaning, allowing us to remember our friend just as he was.
Danny, I love you and miss you so much. You always had a way of saying the nicest things anyone has ever said, which I appreciated even more, because they came from someone who was (proudly) reputed to be an asshole.
"Woohoo! Cheeplestase!"
Yeah.. Danny was an asshole.. That’s why I liked him so much. Who’s going to be an asshole to me now??
- Unknown
I have known Danny since I started skydiving, and I just came back from a year and a half out of the sport. Of course, Danny was there to welcome me back with a big hug and a grin from ear to ear. We hung out just like old times, and I will never forget the times we spent together. Danny taught me a lot about skydiving and life in general. He was there for me when I got hurt, but in his way, he also made sure I wouldn't forget the lesson from my accident.
Danny, I will never forget you. You had an impact on the everyone around you.
Blue skies - Michelle
Danny Page - I never saw you when you didn't have a huge smile on your face. Always happy and willing to help anyone.
THIS JUST SUCKS! You will be missed bro
- CR
This is that smile. Very talented man. We will miss him. Just had the pleasure to spend a lot of time with him last weekend. Learned a lot, laughed and celebrated his 44th birthday.
Blue skies!!!!! Michael and Donyal
Danny was indeed a Combat Controller in the Air Force.
He was active duty back in the Stone Age then got
out for about 10yrs to pursue skydiving and other ventures. He has been in the Kentucky Air National Guard for about the last seven or so years. He has been deployed all over the world, especially since 9/11.
I was also a Combat Controller in the same unit as Danny, so I had the pleasure of working for him for the last 5 years. I also worked for Bob while we were deployed to Afghanistan in 2001. Both will be sorely missed by not only the skydiving community but also the Air Force Special Operations community. I will miss the days of going to a local bar or restaurant with Danny and watch him harass every waitress in the place.
Danny was looked at as slightly abrasive but that’s what made him Danny. He was extremely loyal to all his friends and he would do anything for you.
-Unknown
Good-bye brothers. Thank you for your service to your country and for your dedication and commitment to our sport. You both positively touched so many people, leaving a legacy that will endure your passing. I will miss you both deeply, but rest well knowing that every memory I have of Bob was that he was HAPPY! Retirement surely agreed with him! Danny was, well, Danny!
Very different men in many respects,
but both LIVED life to the fullest.
Blue Skies, Cris Fucci LTC, USA USSOCOM Parachute Team
I did not get to know B.O.B. Which I regret.
I did get to know Danny. I met him at the Collegiate Nationals banquet.
He sat at our table next to us.
This was before I had started jumping so of course he started grilling be about why I hadn’t and when I was going to start.
The way that he always did. He told me to take AFF the next morning,
I thought he was joking but when I saw him at the airport the next
day he looked at me and asked
“Are you taking a break from the class?”
I responded HUH?! Over the next few months we talked,
he did one of my AFF jumps, and was always there to poke fun
and flash that big smile, or answer a question that I had.
He believed in tough love and was great at it.
I remember one jump where we were working on my fall rate,
the jump was a disaster, but he was videoing me, I couldn’t get up
to him and anyway we landed and he looked at me and just laughed.
I apologized and he said lets go talk about it.
Well his way of talking about it was to put this horrendous
dive on the BIG screen at SDA.
If you haven’t been to SDA they have a projector that
hangs from the ceiling and plays on what is like a movie theater size screen.
So anyway he puts the dive on the screen and is like lets look at this, and goes through it once just making fun of me. Then makes me get on the ground and practice something that he calls an angry cat.
We have gathered quite a crowd by this point and everyone is laughing.
At me, with me, with him. It was a great time. Another story about Danny,
I called him after my first cutaway and told him that
I was kind of shaken up. He was like well did you do everything right?
Did everything work right? I responded yes, I had and so had the gear,
he said then what the hell are you worried about.
That was Danny’s way sometimes He called it like he saw it.
- Unknown
I was fortunate enough to be hanging around with him around the fire on Friday night, we got to talking and it some how lead to him kissing me on the cheek and telling me he loved me. Its really strange how these interactions mean more after the fact? Danny meant a lot to a lot of people,
myself and my girlfriend included.
You will always be loved and remembered.
Blue Skies! Fly Free!
Not only did Danny touch us as skydivers but also my old coaches from All-Stars went to Law School with him. And they just loved him and said he would always make them laugh.
- Unknown
Blue skies, Danny. I have many memories of chatting with Danny while climbing to altitude over Florida, North Carolina, Illinois, etc... The last time I saw Danny was just before we exited a helo in Quincy at WFFC 2000. He was always excited to jump.
This is a great loss for the sport.
- Cathy Crownover Elvy
I have many Danny stories, but here is one that sticks out in my memories of him. In the middle of summer, 1992, we were training yet again in Raeford for the Carolina Council. I was front float on the right door Twin-bo and Danny was the center. The launch was Cat-360-Cat, which also was the jump before and had problems. Danny and I had a "spirited" argument over how the launch should be done between the last jump and this one. Joe Trinko and the rest of the Golden Knight 4-way team were in the front of the airplane. They usually rode up there just to screw with us on the exits.. Well, I climb out first with my back against the fuselage. Danny is behind me taking grips and all of a sudden. The GK are banging away on the inside of the fuselage and windows. I'm thinking they are screwing with us again... The count... we exit... the chunk launches perfectly... . the next thing I know is my flipping canopy is deploying... I look back and down at the now 3-way and Danny is smiling, like double his normal grin.. I thinking Danny dumped me out just being Danny and the previous argument. I'm thinking, "whoop ass" now as I spiral down from 10,000 feet mad as hell. What I did not know was when I was climbing out; my main pin had popped out. My bag was trapped between me and the fuselage and window (hence all the beating from the GK's inside the airplane not wanting to die), when the piece launched, I had an immediate Horseshoe. Danny sees it and dumps me out right off of the airplane. When I land, my team all greets me telling me what exactly happened. Danny comes up to me last and says" are you going to kiss me now or later for saving your ass" with the biggest grin I have ever seen him do in my 18 years of knowing him. "... And that's beer!" with the Danny trademark laugh. He never let me forget that one! I look forward to meeting all of his friends I did not ever get to meet.
To Bob's Family, my condolences with the deepest regards! I did not know him, but most did, and are proud to have known him.
- MEL
Man, I haven't thought of Catalyst in a long time. You know, MEL, when you, Mark, Pete and Danny took me to Raeford, I had no idea how what the hell I was in for. Danny talked me into competing in Style at the Raeford Council meet in 1992. While there, he said, "go ahead and shoot accuracy, too". I told he to get bent... the drop zone was so small and I was worried (I believe I had about 50 jumps). So, Danny smiled at me and said "the size of the DZ doesn't matter... you are trying to land on a quarter". So, I shot accuracy. Danny was my static line instructor in 1992, he did my night jumps, my water training, my Falcon Award, my first twenty way and he put me under my first Zero-P at 100 jumps (big deal back then). The last time I saw Danny was in Louisburg in 1999. Man how great it was to see him after such a long time... man, how I miss him, now. That was the day I truly met and jumped with Danny. I'd seen him around, but never had introduced myself. My day costume was Buzz Light-year because my RW suit looks like it. I had gotten a soft helmet and light goggles from Disney World. I wanted to do an RW dive.
The minute he saw me in costume he came over and said, "I have to have those goggles for tonight, I'm going to be Buzz."
I told him no problem as I had a different costume for the night but I wanted to make an RW dive in them first. He said he was organizing and I was welcome to jump with him. I introduced myself and he started to introduce himself and I told him I know who you are. He puts together a fairly simple 5-6 way RW dive for us to do. We dirt dived it and I put on the hat and goggles and went to the plane. I was a little nervous jumping in this setup but it felt secure. We get out of the plane and I'm diving towards the formation. I'm just docking when the goggles start to fly off. I try to deal with it but they fly right off. At the same time the hat starts to come over my eyes. I abort the dive at about 9,000 feet and start tracking like mad away from the formation and perpendicular to jump run while trying to squint to see. I manage to get the hat off and track until about 2500. I wave off and pull and start to fly back to the LZ. Thanks to a decent crosswind I make it back and land. I walk over to him still a little shaken but start to apologize and he says, "That's okay, just as long as my Buzz Light-year goggles are alright." I tell him they are gone and he tells me that I better go find them and then flashes that smile. He teases me then next day that if he'd had those goggles he would have won the costume contest. I introduced him to Bubbles at Dublin Friday night. I was glad she got to meet him and let him try Funshine. He wouldn't drink from the container; he had to have a cup. He remembered my name and as I was leaving called me Buzz.
I did 2 RW jumps, a tracking dive, and a Helicopter jump in that Buzz Light-year RW suit on Sunday.
Dropzone.com Official Drunk Dial List Keeper
I flew camera for an AFF level 1 that Danny & Mandy were JMs on 2 weeks ago. The student totally hosed us all on the exit and we all ended up in the same place at the same time. I got off of them with no damage...
Danny and Mandy get the student back on her belly. Danny reaches across the student's back, high-5's Mandy, turns and points at me giving me props for doing my part to make it work, then starts the skydive. All of this while still on the hill! When we completed the TLO's and I move in for face time, the stills show Danny grinning bigger than the student! We watched this video the night of the incident and that is how I will always remember Danny.
Blue 111 - Jeff
While I did not know Bob, Danny was someone I called a friend. We had lengthy disputes about politics, philosophy, and skydiving. We didn’t agree on much, but we got along great. I always enjoyed the evenings after sunset as we all ate dinner and hung out, when we could hang out. I loved his energy for skydiving and life. I love to freefly, but I always enjoyed it when I could go do some technical RW with his groups. Blue Skies my friend.
- Unknown
Damn this just doesn't get any easier.
Danny was one of my AFF jumpmasters. I swear he loved to make me sweat. He swore I backed up in freefall and would always unzip his big white jumpsuit and pull it out for drag so he could keep up with me. I always poked him in the belly and giggled like the Pillsbury doughboy. Of course that earned me a swat on the backside for being sassy. He would smack me up side the head if I did something stupid during AFF... God knows I'd like to smack him right now.
Just Saturday I was joking with him about being older than dirt since he had been jumping for so long. He came to the formation-laughing saying he wasn't really old enough to join us on POPS but he was going to grace us with his presence. Always the joker, he hugged me and said it was neat to jump with people he taught... maybe I'd learn something. Bob was a new friend that I was looking forward to getting to know. I had play a bit with Dakota and fallen for her... imagine that. She was taken care of by a friend of mine last night then brought to the airport for the trip home. I know she is lonely without her beloved friend... ..
Hell, we all miss our friends. Fly free gentlemen. You will be missed by many (even those who never agreed with anything you said will miss you Danny)
Thank you for allowing me to be on your final jump. You will always be remembered.
Blue skies... . forever - Lisa
Danny,
I love you man and I'm really going to miss you. I always had the utmost respect for you, whether I agreed with what you were saying or not, it was always the truth as you saw it.
I will always remember you.
Your friend, Ian
Danny was a great friend of mine.
Jumped with him many times and enjoyed big ways
with him as well. The happiest man I ever knew.
You will be missed Danny. Love always.
- Unknown
It is nice to read and see the love for these two guys.
Aside from being great skydivers they had other amazing qualities too.
This picture was taken of Danny Wednesday night around 8:30pm in Wilmington; N.C. Danny was spending a couple days with us.
The little cutie is our son Grayson- Danny is his godfather. We had the big cookie decorated and a candle that sings "Happy Birthday". We made lots of wishes and laughed tons.
Danny let Grayson blow out the candle like the SUPER uncle he is/was.
He left our house and headed to Dublin to skydive. Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers- so many of us loved him!
- Unknown
The last time I saw Danny was at Boogie in Belize 1.
He flew down with Billy Richards and the gang in a King Air. It was great to see him and as usual he was stirring the pot. My wife, a lawyer for years, did our waiver, and you guys can imagine what Danny had to say about it!
"A 5 page waiver in Belize!! What the hell... " and on it went. The two of them arguing international law all week!
It turned into quite a comedy act.
She was heartbroken tonight when I told her this
terrible news. I didn't know Bob, only of him. I'm sick of this shit happening to all of our friends... be safe out there.
Fly Free Men... RIP...
I remember when I first met Danny...
A group of us had wanted to participate in the GSL 4-way meet (the season opener is held at Dublin) but we were a man short so one of my team mates walks up with Danny who had a few jump tickets but needed to leave a little early but nonetheless had agreed to fill in as our fourth.
I had about 60 jumps at the time and none of us were very good (I think we had a couple of Zero point dives that day) Well during our jumps he was my piece partner I was point and he had taken up outside center... on a Stardian-Stardian I managed to funnel the two of us and we ended up well below the other half of our 4-way...
He stayed right there with me (huge grin on his face) until after break-off altitude then gave me a brisk salute and we took off in opposite directions.
After landing I walked up to him and apologized for funneling the dive to which he responded... with something along the lines of "Well I haven't ever scene anyone funnel themselves before but that's ok... it was a fun skydive... "
- Unknown
Both Bob and Danny were excellent teachers. I will sorely miss both of them, and their wealth of knowledge. I was hoping to jump with both of them this weekend, and learn from them. I know they were there in spirit on the memorial jump we did for them today.
Danny had asked me Friday if I was jumping with him this weekend and I said "Hell yeah!" And my proudest accomplishment to date was being invited on Bob's Big Ways in Deland. I saw him briefly Saturday morning and told him I was a world record holder too, for the 15-way Pelt Head jump we had just done. Thank you both for being excellent mentors, and giving me confidence
in my abilities.
Fly free, brothers.
I feel like I've known Danny forever, but I'm sitting here trying to remember, "meeting" him.. I can’t.. He’s just always been part of my skydiving life.
Always smiling.. And if you weren't smiling he would say some asshole comment just to tease and then flash that grin until you were smiling too. He saw me on Friday as he was leaving the DZ and stopped the car to get out and give me a hug.. Instead of just waving and thinking he'll see me later.
Danny had a feel for the little things in life that made a big difference. I'm going to try to take my memories of him and be more like him in that way.
Blue skies.. Danny. I know you're up there flirting with the angels.
Say hello to my friends. See you when I get there.
- Unknown
Danny... ... .. I'll miss you Bro. One of my favorite things about going to boogies was seeing you as that was
where I always seemed to run into you. I'll always remember one of the last things you said to me.
You were telling people at the fire Friday night
"This guy has a license to give me shit." I'll miss your obnoxious personality.
Blue Skies. Save a few beers for me.
- Unknown
Bob and Danny are hashing it out right now,
I have no doubt. Bob is outwardly calm, speaking softly, toking his cigar with one hand,
Holding his ice-cold Sam Adams in his thermal cup in the other
(he was so proud of that thing!).
I don't know Danny well enough to know what he is doing, but he seemed quite the character, so I'm guessing his side of the conversation is pretty animated.
- Unknown
B-O-B, as he is known in Deland because there are just so many Bob's, was such an incredibly positive & encouraging man. He was always happy to provide constructive instruction when you were ready to hear it and if you weren't... guess what? You were going to hear it anyway, as well you should. If he pulled you aside, you better believe he had something to say that you should listen to. He was one of those people you heard about. He cared about you and wanted you to be better because he knew you could be. He was always right with his advice, too.
I am so grateful that he spotted me leaving the "ghetto" Friday night as he was preparing his home for travel with Dakota to go to Dublin. I didn't want to bother him even though I hadn't seen him for weeks, because he looked busy. He saw me, told me to come back and give him a hug, and told me to never walk by him without giving him a hug again. That's what kind of person he was. Never too busy to let you know he cared about you. Ever.
I'll miss him for the wonderful person he was and the amazing advice he had yet to share. God Bless & Blue Skies Bob.
- Kim
To Danny and Bob,
We've trained together, fought together, jumped together, drank together, laughed together.
I love both of you. Rest in peace my brothers.
I am saddened beyond words.
- Tim Tennant
Danny, I just can't believe you are gone. There were times where you irritated the hell out of me but lots of times where I just loved your presence. Don't forget when we first met... . wow... and to think we all came back for more. Cathy, Dave and myself went to STL to jump out of big planes and you were there to organize. You approached us to jump and we were like, who the hell is this guy... LOL. Come to find out, you were one of the greatest people we ever met. Don't forget those silly messy big ways we did out of the CASA, Dave and Busters, Drinks at Garcia's and my last skydive with you. I am so embarrassed. I did terrible on that skydive but we all laughed real hard about it. I also know what you would say when a skydiving accident would happen. (I will not write it on this forum). But for those who know him best know what his comment would be... especially at a boogie.
Remember when we picked you up at the airport and I had to pee terribly! Unfortunately since the whole backseat was covered with gear, I had to sit on your lap. You were testing the limit there!
I will never forget catching up with you in Jersey and running and jumping into your arms. You were always a welcome site to see.
Things like this make me not want to skydive anymore,
but I just remember you when we had an incident at STL.
You would be like, use it as a learning experience and don't do that.
You would probably totally frown if I stopped skydiving.
You are such and inspiration and will continue to be in my life and in everyone's lives that you have touched. I am so blessed to have met you.
May your soul be at peace with God.
We love you Danny.
Love, Michelle
Danny took me on my AFF5 jump after I had a nightmare that he threw me out of the plane with no parachute. I was doing poorly in AFF and went to the DZ almost not expecting to pass Lvl5 and quit. He made a video of my jump and encouraged me; he asked, "What’s the key to success" repeatedly on the ride up. He pointed at my chest strap and said "What’s this?" and popped me on the nose.
I passed the jump and this was the last time an instructor held on to me on exit.
Danny, I will always remember you. You taught me how to refuse to fail that day.
Here is my AFF5 video, taken from his perspective, if you don't mind watching a computer geek try to skydive.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_iVIo-5870
Blue Skies Danny, I will always remember you
- Unknown
I met Danny at the Halloween boogie the year he was Sponge Bob. He flirted and bragged about himself, but he was also quite serious when I asked why I should vote for him (he was running for the Board at the time). Cut to last weekend, about 2 1/2 years later, he remembered me and the conversation that we had.
I was impressed since he must have talked to hundreds of different skydivers since. Then, he flirted and talked about himself again, but he always did it in a lovable way you couldn't dislike the guy. What a character, and so corny!
Unfortunately, I saw the incident and the image is still with me in my mind. Everyone talks about these two guys being great teachers.
A mistake was made, but if we can all learn from this terrible tragedy,
it will be their most important lesson ever and their deaths will not be in vain.
- Unknown
First, my heart goes out to Bob and Danny's family and friends, including all of us. Tragedy barely describes. I met Danny 2 years ago at Dublin as part of the dives that ICON posted about earlier. It has always been my sincere belief that Danny was one of the most talented people I know.
I cannot help but feel angry with him for pulling such a bonehead stunt, but also feel very grateful for the fun we had together. And yes, I cracked up when Danny told ICON he had never seen anyone funnel themselves. I was on the first POPs jump Saturday and had the opportunity to hang out with Danny, and to meet Bob for the first time then. Bob seemed like a great guy, a very cool calm dude, greatly experienced, and willing to help others. I am grateful for the little bit he was able to pass on to me on that jump. I couldn't help but be impressed with him on several levels.
Danny in the second row of the zipper, was docking on me in the first row. Every time we would dirt dive the jump he would pop the bunjee on my butt and laugh before docking. I would salute him, one finger style and move on. It was great fun.
Well when we did the dive for real, he popped me one more time at about 10,000. I couldn't hear him laugh, and didn't want to mess with the formation with a salute, but made sure to have a little chat on the ground.
He laughed and told me, "I took my sweet time docking on the base".
I replied, "I thought that was the idea".
Silly me, I had gotten the idea that Big-Ways were about consistency, patience, and doing it exactly right. You know just like a brick in the wall.
His answer: "Yeah, but it looks so much better to get there fastest".
Well, I guess that just about says it all.
- Unknown
I was in the hanger getting ready for 4-way when I heard there was a wrap and possible fatalities. I wanted to run out and try to put the pieces back together. Crazy huh? Soon I found out who was on the ground and felt sick. I had just spent the last few hours with these guys.
I wish we could get a do-over on this one, but I guess life just doesn't give us second chances very often.
We can't do anything for Bob or Danny. We can remember them for who they were, human beings just like any of us. For all their experience, just as vulnerable, just as flawed, and filled with the same love of the sky.
I sincerely hope they are in a better place and that someday we will all stand around another bonfire drinking green beers, laughing, and giving Danny a very hard time about this.
Blue skies friends, Bob
Two quick stories which say a lot about these two men:
1. A few months ago, when I was training to get my AFF rating, I called my friend Bob Holler for some advice. He immediately volunteered to spend an entire weekend with me, jumping free of charge (and paying for his own slot) and flying in the tunnel to help me get ready.
He also gave me a practice ripcord to use in my training jumps.
I pulled it out of my gear bag this weekend and my eyes teared up.
Bob was a wonderful soul and a great man. I will always remember him being the best looking guy at his own retirement.
He was unfailingly generous with his time and advice,
and his loss has caused a huge void in the community. I miss my friend.
2. A few weeks ago, Travis and I did a couple of freefly jumps with Danny Page. We had a wonderful time, and were laughing and making faces at Danny even as Travis was giving him signals to help with body position. It was always fun to jump with Danny. Later that day, we both realized that he had put 2 jumps on both of our accounts. He said it was because he could afford to do it, and that he appreciated the help from his friends. He was sometimes crass and often blunt, but he always said what he thought. He was also generous with his jumps when I was training, and offered support while I was struggling with exams and the Bar. And I'll never forget him shocking me in the plane on that naked load. I miss my friend.
This is a sad time. My condolences to both families. Either are free to contact Travis and I for more stories we have been reliving the past few days. It is a comfort to know that both men lived life to the hilt, and died doing something they both loved ardently.
- Brie
It has taken some time for this to begin to sink in. Life has such a strange way of unfolding sometimes. I hadn't talked to Danny in about two months until last weekend. He and I had a lot of catching up to do, and we made a point of going to dinner, just the two of us, last Monday. We talked and drank and drank and talked... we talked so much about life and about living... about happiness, family, love, and success.
The day that this terrible accident happened, I was telling someone that one of my biggest fears is losing someone you care about unexpectedly and regretting not getting to talk to them about the REAL shit.
Not knowing how they feel or them knowing how you feel.
I found out the next morning that I had a message from that same time letting me know my good friend was gone.
It brought tears to my eyes today when I told a friend the last words Danny said to me.
He told me "You know I'll always love you unconditionally."
RIP Danny. I will always love you, too.
When I lose two of my best friends on the planet on the same jump,
I have to force myself not to cry, but I still do.
- Unknown
What an immense loss. I only knew Bob peripherally,
having talked with him for a bit at this last PIA. My condolences to his family and friends. Danny and I go way back. As I sit and think about him with two things will always stick in my head; 1 - his enormous "blockhead" and; 2 - his even larger smile. Danny's sense of humor was well known, even notorious.
My utmost sympathies to his family. May God bless and keep both of these fine men,
Randy Connell D19133
As I sift through many of my older photos and find ones of Danny, it reminds me of all the stories. I know it’s going to be tough when I go to Skydive Atlanta this weekend. Danny always did a great job of getting Trey all worked up. Well one day he just decides to park right in front of the hangar, unloads his stuff and gets on a load. Didn’t move his car at all. So, Trey trying to get back at him decided to mark around his car with white spray paint and put the name Danny right next to it. Danny proceeded to park there for many following weekends. I know those markings are still there, I know my friend will never park there again.
I remember that night. Several people pee'd on Danny's tires and I remember Danny laughing, he thought it was great! I wish I had known him longer. But I have many memories of him from this past year that I am not soon to forget. I will miss him so very much!
Danny... man you were a character!
Before we even met, I called Danny to ask for directions to the hotel and we ended up talking on the phone for 30 minutes. We didn't see eye to eye in ANYTHING and it was awesome... in that short weekend I spent with him we had some of the most interesting arguments I've had in a long time.
Danny took his sister on her first tandem last month in Puerto Rico and
I had the pleasure of jumping out with them. I'll never forget that jump... he was so happy and proud of her and you could feel the love between them. Thank you Danny, for sharing that with me.
- Unknown
I didn’t know if this is the right way to post my thoughts but I guess it will work. The first time I actually remember Danny was the time back in '03 I was going on one of my all levels. Nervous and sacred to death I was going over my dive in my head when I looked over and there was a guy studying a LAW BOOK! @ 10,000' here I was, can’t remember crap and this guy, later to find out it was Danny Page, am studying law. It gave me a great sense of calmness. For that I thank you Danny! I met my wife that same era and took some time off. Well my wife and I got back into the sport. We sold Danny our 50" Sony LCD T.V. and found a rig for heather. He knew I didn’t have a rig so the very next weekend here comes Danny calling me too his truck. “Here man, here’s a complete rig minus a reserve" just gave it to me!!! It is an old racer w/ a swift 170. I still have it too. I tried to give him some $ for it but all he wanted was for me to give it to someone such as myself when I got some newer equipment. This is who he was. I don’t believe he wanted anyone w/ the passion to sit around wishing they were in the air. I’ll have a hard time giving this rig up one day but I will pass his passion along to some young jumper just as he did for me. P.S. no more fighting over who gets to sleep in Mandy and Dave’s camper now! Ha-ha love you man Todd and Heather.
I remember Danny reading his law book on the plane too. It always made me smile and gave me a sense of calmness as well. He will be missed.
He was great, wasn't he?
My heart is breaking. I don't know Bob very well but considered Danny a good friend. I knew him through PIA and other industry events.
I don’t even have words. Condolences to the families.
Lori Kraemer Clark
I'll always remember Danny for being a really caring skydiver after a trip to Lake Wales.
I landed off with only 20 jumps, Danny was the first one to come up to me and ask how I was and how the landing went. He seemed genuinely concerned about how I was doing and it's something I will never forget.
Here's a picture I keep hung on my wall of that trip.
R.I.P. Danny and Bob
Chief, (Bob)
What can I say man... I am going to miss you... a lot. I hadn’t seen you since your retirement, but you were always on my mind. You were a PJ among PJ's and a friend among friends. I used to run and hide when during the week when I would hear you yell down the hall at someone in the squadron, usually and Officer. I still remember the ass chewing you gave me when I screwed up as if they happened yesterday. And felt honored when you would call me in the middle of the night to come sew up a fellow PJ's dog that got injured. Yes, you did bring fear to many at the unit, but it needed to be done. On the other hand I would be so exited on Saturday to go to the Drop zone (skydive Tallahassee) to make some free fly jumps with you. I remember when I went with you to Deland for a Boogie your daughter also went, and you two were so close, it was awesome. We stayed in your trailer, ate Tuna with Wasabi and drank beer. I thought she is so lucky to have a dad like you. I learned so much from you both at work and at play, and it has made me a better man. At your retirement we had a good talk you me and Chief Shelton and I to this day remember every word you said. I'll keep trying to make you proud. I can only say that I was lucky and fortunate to have had you as a boss, a mentor, a skydiving buddy, and a friend. I will remember you for the rest of my days. The career field suffered a big loss when you retired, now the world looses a big icon in the sport. Rest in Peace and Ride Free brother.
McKill
As a newbie to the sport, I had the pleasure and honor of meeting
Danny during my AFF jumps at SDA.
I remember him ragging on me when I screwed up but always had something positive to say about the jump. Most of my AFF jumps were with Danny and I got to know him a little better then some of the other instructors, he would tell me stories about how he got started in the sport and how much he loved doing it. I will never forget the last time I saw him, we had just finished my last jump of the day which had not gone too well and he talked to me about what I did wrong and what I needed to correct, he said he had to run an errand and will be right back to jump with me again so that I can get it right. His last words to me were "I know you can do this man, let's get up there and get it done". I saw him driving of with the sun getting ready to set, with a hot blonde at his side (sounds fake but it's true). I decided not to wait since it was getting late and headed home. I will miss you man, thanks for everything you have taught me about the sport and about life. Rest in peace my friend.
-Unknown
I knew of Bob, but never got to meet him. Deepest sympathies go out to both families and all the lives they have touched.
- DP
“You’re damn right I got the blues, from my head down to my shoes” - Buddy Guy
I thought maybe today would be the first day without tears, but it’s not time yet. I have lost two true and loyal friends. These are both people, who have made a difference in the lives of many skydivers, not just mine. They were both leaders - facilitators, motivators and mentors.
Danny I have known the longest. He was a mover and shaker at the political level. Yes, he sure could be a jerk. But he didn’t mince words, and you knew where you stood with him. He was always a loyal friend, willing to share, never turning his back on you or acting like he didn’t know you. He made sure I got to my first WFFC. He told me yes I could do front float out of the Porter. And yes, right now I am angry with him. We all know his head was big in more ways than one.
And Bob. More subdued. A mover and shaker at the hands-on level.
A loyal and trustworthy friend. He was a welcome fixture at my drop zone with his dog’s leash in one hand and a cigar in the other.
He was a natural leader, willing to share his time and talents with you no matter what your level of skill. I’m sure I never would have known what
kind of a hero he was if it had not been for this incident.
I am so impressed at the difference he has made in so many lives.
- Unknown
Now is the time to initiate some sort of common-sense policies
about HP landings. We do not need to throw the baby out with the bathwater. We do not need to mandate additional training or licensure through the USPA. If there are no other canopies in the landing area – have at it.
Swooping is an awesome discipline – we have some of the best in
the world right here. But there has to be zero tolerance for high-speed/radical maneuvers in the main landing area when other canopies are in the air. Period. Doesn’t matter who you are. The consequences need to be swiftly meted and equally enforced.
Blue skies... ..
I didn't know Danny very long, but I will never forget the day I met him back in October. I was warned that I might have to bite my tongue because he was kind of an asshole. After meeting Danny I was left alone with him and Danny made a smartass remark. I looked at him and said "But no matter what my chest will always be bigger then yours" Danny cocked his head to the side looked at my chest, smiled from ear to ear and said "Well you do have a good point." From that point on we were talking and laughing the rest of the day. You will be sadly missed.
Blue Skies Danny
Sorry, I look so long to share, but Danny touched my life in so many ways that it is hard to single out one story or one way that he changed my life. My life is dramatically different since I met Danny. He believed in me and helped me believe in myself. He told me to get my ass back to school, so I did... I think about him everyday and miss him--his words of encouragement and that piercing laugh. There was no better listener on this planet than Danny Page. He would listen to me ramble on and repeat myself and NEVER interrupted. Danny just made things make sense.
Anyway, Danny was my AFF instructor (Accelerated Free Fall--to become a certified skydiver) and on my fourth jump, I lost altitude awareness. We blew through 6 grand, 5 grand, 4500 feet and I was just staring at my altimeter-- plummeting to the ground--not even reaching to pull my pilot chute (which pulls out your main parachute).
Danny pulled for me at 4500 feet, and he saved my life.
When we got down, I was just beside myself--crying and just freaked out. Danny looked at me and didn't sugar coat shit for me--he said, "Mel, you've got to decide if you want to live or die. You just gave up, and I am not always going to be there to pull for you. Think about it and let me know if you want on the next load" I did finish AFF and made a jump with Danny later that day, and from then on, I always introduced Danny as "the man who once saved my life." Looking back on it now, he saved my life twice. I was not really living till I met Danny-- I was @ a dead end job working in corporate America, not happy, and he gave me the faith and push I needed to get back to school to secure a better future- for myself and for my son.
Thanks and I hope that wasn't too long winded.
- Melanie
I met Danny a couple years ago in Thomaston. He was loud, obnoxious, and opinionated; we bonded immediately. We talked and drank for hours.
I got to hang out with him several more times over the years, but didn't see him for a while until Puerto Rico a few weeks ago.
I was putting up a wind blade, and up walks Danny, with that big smile on his face and helped me out. We BS'd for a good half hour, but then moved on, laughing at whatever we were talking about, and saying we'll catch up over beers later.
That was the last time I saw him.
Danny wasn't a good man - he was a great man.
Most people know him as an attorney, but Danny also served in the Air Force.
If I'm not mistaken, as a Combat Controller, but my memory doesn't do his special operations career justice. If somebody has some appropriate details, now might be a nice time to mention them. I wish I had known Bob, but unfortunately I'd only seen him in passing.
I can see that he was a person that made this world a better place.
"That Others May Live"
"First In"
Blue Skies Danny and Bob - Jeff
Danny was definitely a character, a wise ass that everyone was attracted to. He could always make people laugh, and always had a huge smile on his face that you couldn't help but smile back.
My last interaction with Danny was about 3 hours before his last jump. I was packing in the skydive Atlanta tent when I bent over to pick something up and SMACK! Right on my ass... Danny slapped me. At this point I have not seen Danny in 3 months but I knew that was his 'hello'. I turned around and jumped into his arms where I received a big bear hug (which he was always great at giving). He said, "I had to come find you,
I haven't seen you in a while". I told him I missed him and that it was great to see him. Danny always put me in a good mood. He was a very caring person, loved to help people out and share his knowledge. Danny, I'll miss you at the DZ, it just won't be the same. LOVE YOU
I knew of Bob, but never got to meet him.
Deepest sympathies go out to both families and all the lives they have touched.
- Melanie