Saturday, October 21, 2006

Goodbye, Johan

On October 21, 2006, one of our best loved paraglider pilots died after a flying accident at Makapuu. Johan Håkansson had been flying for four years, and was known as one of our most enthusiastic pilots. He leaves behind many family members and friends in Sweden, and many colleagues, friends and fellow pilots here on Oahu. We will all miss him dearly.

Condolences

ChopperDave
My thoughts and prayers are with Johan's family and all of my Hawaiian Paragliding family.

Nick
Certainly a surreal day. To honor Johan, we need to emerge from this stronger and smarter than before.

rprice
It was a tragic and horrifying day. I still can't believe it.

Peter & Hillery
Thank you to all who helped-out with and called about Johan. We are caring for his dogs and Jennifer (drinking all of his wine ... thanks bro) and coresponding with his family. We will keep you posted

sandy
Thank you to all of the pilots who got on the horn to let us know what happened and who helped Johan at the scene. Peace be with you.

Lisbeth - Johans mom
I am very very sad and can't believe this is reality. Though I am happy in my sorrow that you all take part in this and honour his memory. I want to thank you all who were around him this last flight

Alex
Lisbeth, we can't believe it either. We are so sorry for your family's loss. Johan was a wonderful friend and he loved to fly. We will all honor his memory in any way we can.

malin, johans young. sis
thank you for all your thoughts, i will miss my brother. fly safely

lin-watkins
sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. Lin

Jim Bango
With deep sorrow Lily and I read about the loss of Johan. Although I am new to Oahu and the club, I iknow the loss you all must feel. Our thoughts are with you.

Johanna, j's young. sis
Thank you so much for everything. I spoke with my brother quite a lot from Sweden and he always had new pic's to show from great flights or adventures. Take care and be safe...

Reaper
Thanks, Johanna. If there is anything we can do to help, please let us know. I miss him. Love Pete

Johanna, j's young. sis
That you guys help out means so much to me. Taking care of Mango and Lilikoi and being there for us. I miss him too. Jennifer knows how to get in touch with me. Love, Johanna

David Jebb
I am sorry to hear about the death of one of our fellow pilots. Please convey my deepest sympathies to Johan’s family and friends.

Bob
David Jebb in Torrey called to express his deep sorrow in our loss of Johan. David sends his best regards and prayers. He has good memories of Johan attending the tandem clinic. Thank you David.

Marcelo
As a former collegue/windsurfing buddy of Johan I'm all deeply touched by this tragedy. My thought are with his family and his girlfriend Kanoe. I'll miss you so much, Johan!

Niclas - cousin of Johans
Johan: I was always impressed by the way you "lived" your hobbies. I'm so sad that you had to leave earth so early, but you will remain in our memories as a positive person who was always full of life.

JOY
I just heard the news about Johan from Jennifer and was referred to windlines by a member. I appreciate having a venue to share in our collective grief. I am in shock and so very, very sad. JOY

Mike Doyle
I am deeply saddened by the loss of our friend. I'm sorry I can't join you all this weekend as I'll be on the mainland. My thoughts will be with you. Aloha Johan!

Kanoe - Johan's girlfriend
To Johan's "paragliding family" - I just wanted to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for making Johan feel a part of a very "special" family here in Hawaii.

Kanoe - Johan's girlfriend
To Johan's family in Sweden: I know none of you know who I am (knowing Johan :>)), but he did tell me all about you. I justed wanted to tell you all how deeply sorry I am for your loss.

Karin - a Swedish friend
Johan was so full of life, which makes it hard to believe he's gone. He would often pop up on our computers creen for a chat and bring us some Hawaiian sunshine and adventure. We will miss him so much.

Peter
We just met Johan 2 weeks ago at Makapuu. He was a good ambassador for Sweden. Our thoughts and aloha on the Big island are with Johan's family and friends.

Jennifer
Johan's paragliding family meant the world to him. His mother and brother will arrive tomorrow and look forward to meeting all of you and hearing your stories. My deepest sympathy to all his ohana

Anne
Thank you for organizing this. You can count on me, I’ll be there.

Thomas
Johan was my friend for more than thirty years. He was like a brother to me and now he is gone. My memories of Johan will always be a part of me. Take care and fly safe!

Tobias - old friend
I will always remember our great adventures together - in Sweden and on Hawaii. It is truly some of the best moments of my life. Johan, I miss you so much.

R.B. Seiple
Johan may the wind carry you aloft for eternity. I'll always remember our sail to Copenhagen, Thai lunches, and the baseball game just last week. Your smile was always as wide as you are tall.

Barbara G
RB, You said it best.."Johan's smile was always as wide as he is tall." Everyone who knew Johan, knows how true that statement is! Johan, thank you for the gift of your friendship.

Martin - Old friend
I was in a shock when my friend Tobias reported about his death. We spoke and laughed nearly every day on msn. Last time i was in contact with him was the day before the tragic accident. I miss you so

JOY
Alex, Peter & all HPA:Thank you for organizing the memorial & sharing this forum! So many of us needed this time to grieve & be connected to others who cared for Johan too. Fly safe! JOY

madeleine ströje
Kära Lisbeth and Andreas, I remember Johan as a boy always longing to go in the water, swimming in the salt of the ocean. Evidently he found his paradise, first in Hawaii and now in flying. We await him in Sweden and will always be there for Lisbeth and Andreas

wolfgang & peter
Have heard from Sandy about Johan´s last flight. Our condolences go to his family.

Augusto Olivares ( Chile)
I am very dismayed with the news of the death of our friend of the air Johan. He was in Algarrobo next to we flying and was an excellent person. We know the pain that feel their family and friends

Christine
Thanks Alex, Bob, Don, Pete and Peter & Hillery and everybody else involved in providing a memorable gathering for Johan yesterday...

claudia (chile)
i want to share my sorrow with you guys and let johan's family that my prayers are with them. may God bless you always! I will miss you Johan! Now i wont have any nudges on my pc. it wont be the same!

claudia (chile)
thank you peter for making rob and my presence at the service! thank you for everything! glad to have you on im!

Barbara G.
Thank you to all of Johan's paragliding family for organizing the memorial service yesterday to pay tribute to Johan. It was heartwarming to see all of the lives he touched.

Yeti Deffebach from the Big Island
Love to you and yours Johan.