This past September 2010 Raise the Sky produced an amazing tribute to Steve Harrington 11.25.68-11.11.09, who was killed in a skydiving accident during the 2009 US National Formation Record.
Everyone surrounding this project was very generous with their work and time. Taya Weiss, founder of Raise The Sky, is an amazing person dedicated to her mission of giving back to the world. This memorial event created the possibility for a new foundation formulated by Raise the Sky, The Steve Harrington Scholarship Fund.
A great weekend of jumping at Pepperell Skydiving Center, Steve’s local Drop zone. Organizers for both RW and Wingsuiting were on hand to help out. Jeff Nebelkopf successfully organized an “S” formation with the pool of Steve’s wingsuiter friends. A hard formation to complete and fly took only two jumps to complete surprising not only those on the ground but the jumpers themselves.
Photographers lined up to donate their pictures for this compilation and the future scholarship fund. I was fortunate enough to have the honor of documenting this event and compiling the life of Steve. From the collection of pictures produced from the event and family I was able to produce a complete coffee table book and slide show DVD for the family. My pictures can be found on my Steve Harrington Photo Gallery. The actual book layout will be posted soon after it goes to press with the final approval from family.
This event was a surprise offering and another memorial for me personally on my quest to document the life and times of jumping and the people surrounding it. I never thought I would be doing memorials and here I am learning that celebration of life is in every stroke of ones brush as they paint the canvas of their life. One thing memorials really bring to my attention is not only how fleeting life really is, but how it is uniquely our lives and how our lives are truly our choice.
Once passed on, a persons life canvas in not only a reflection of their creation but also holds the possibility of our own reflection and contemplation of what we are actually doing with our lives.
Skydiving brings celebration in everything, the simplest life has to offer all wrapped up in an adrenaline package. Through the celebration during the memorial of a fallen friend are made the memories that immortalize.
I am always amazed at the camaraderie and deep friendships made through this sport. We are so blessed.
Check out the slide show of the Steve Harrington Memorial Boogie Pictures including some pics of Steve. Do hope you enjoy.
A big thanks to all the Contributing Photographers:
Scotty Burns
Jeff Donahue
Dave G
Fred Harrington
Jeff Nebelkopf
Matt Veno
John
Great to see and work with everyone!
HP
