The French Kiss of Blogs

God I miss him so. When I first heard he was dead I chose not to believe it. Rumors of death can be greatly exaggerated. But it is true and I find myself wondering what might have been. In my estimation, Karl Ayers had more potential than anyone at SOU. He was intelligent, charming and street smart. He lived a fast life and played by his own set of rules. He was loved and admired as a leader in a place where leadership was seldom witnessed. He surfed the sky and created skydiving memories for so many. I also have many fond memories of Karl. Like that night Terry Anderberg bought us all a few too many drinks at the Stagecoach and Karl relieved himself in the hallway much to our collective chagrin. Or the many poker tournaments we hosted together. He welcomed me into SOU student government and mentored me as a leader. He introduced me to the incredible sport of skydiving. I encouraged him to apply to the US Air Force Academy and we had dreams of one day operating a skydiving venture here in the valley. When I was a cadet, in times like these we offered a toast. I raise that toast for Karl Blake Ayers, a man made of the right stuff, an American original and beloved friend.

Here’s a toast to the host of those
Who love the vastness of the sky,
To a friend we send the message
Of his brother men who fly.
We drink to those who gave their all of old,
Then down we roar
to score the rainbow’s pot of gold.
A toast to the host of men we boast
the US Air Force.

Souls of men dreaming of skies to conquer