This past April I was honored to be asked to shoot a memorial for a friend who past away in an accident. Yes, a memorial. But this wasn’t just any memorial, this was a skydiver’s memorial.
When a jumper’s memorial is held it is usually a cremation. The remains are taken to the sky where friends gather to say one last farewell releasing their brothers and sisters to the playground we all call home. Organized by Jeannie Banksten, a long time skydiver, the life and times of Patrick Dodgin was an all day affair. In the morning the VFW showed up in full force complete with a 21 gun salute and honor guard. During the day a total of four jumps were made, two being Ash dives. One dive over the airport and the other over the beach for sunset where all jumpers landed at a local beach bar to the hoots and cheers of family and friends.
It’s times like these I always seem to reach somewhere new in myself where I can see life just a little bit differently. Something about funerals and memorials brings out who the person was to the world around them. Seeing that reflection in others of who someone was to them, what mattered the most to people what they remember and appreciate really can help ones ability to perhaps refocus what is important in this life.
What’s attracted my attention the last few times is what I call the “Dash.” The dash is that little mark between birth and death. Now every time I look at that final mark on someones life, the date born and date of death I can’t help but concentrate on that dash and ponder how I am spending my dash.
How are you spending your dash?
Below is the final product. I never conceived taking pictures much less documenting a memorial. This was a fun project and in a time when it’s so hard to help others to get through the more difficult process’ of life, being able to actually use my artistic passion for another is a real blessing.
Pat, you will be missed.
A BIG Thank you to a long time friend and expert world renown skydiving cameraman Keith Larette who really helped complete this photo and video essay.
Check out the whole book, Patrick Dodgin 1949-2009.
