To Everyone I would like to take a moment, in memory of Luis, who we lost 9 months ago. He was a remarkable spirit with the power of a Lion but the Humanity and gentleness of a thin blade of grass. He changed my life the moment I met him, 13 years ago. Born in Spain but raised in Switzerland, he had come over to start a new life in Silicon Valley, leaving his family, his friends, his life. That was the type of person he was he would go to the edge to see if it was the right path for him. Luis was deeply dedicated, focused and committed to everything he did in life his sports, his work, his personal life and his car ☺. Speaking of being on the edge, we met skydiving and that 70 second freefall from 11K feet was just the beginning of an incredible journey and life together. He was my shield and my strength. I can still see every expression of his face from that day we met and miss that heartwarming, everlasting, gentle smile Luis accomplished so much in his 39 years, for those who knew him, I need not say more. I want to thank everyone again for your support in being there for me that day and the days to follow. Please take a moment to embrace Luis for this New Year and wish his spirit all the love to carry him to whatever challenge we meet after this life. Thank you all for letting me have a small moment of your time...I wish all the best for you and your family in this New Year in health, wealth, strength and love... Sincerely, Gail
Hi Gail, Thanks for your note. We have never met, but I did come to know Luis from the Santana Row meetings and, like you, immediately liked the guy I met. I hope you're doing well and I wish you an excellent 2008. Best, Frank
I was just talking about him yesterday with my parents. He is just one of those people you will never forget.....
Hi Gail, Tis so wonderful to hear your memories of Luis. Luis was one of the most full-of-life people I've ever met - he's definitely someone who lived life with no-regrets - every little moment of of it! Let his spirit serve as a guiding light - and may Luis inspire every one of us to live life to its fullest extent - pursue every dream with passion - and remind ourselves that in living life to the edge - we embrace our humanity - and enter the path to fulfill all of our dreams Anyone have that recording we did of all our exhausts? Happy New Year Gail, know that Luis's spirit is watching over you and smiling.. or laughing... or jumping through the clouds... and that all of us are blessed forever with wonderful inspiration!
I miss Luis, especially when we meet or are on the drives, knowing he could be there. He'll not be forgotten.
Thank you Gail for your thoughts! Luis has left us with great memories that will last a life time!! He is greatly missed.
per inspiration from Gail's post, I posted a few tidbits about Luis on my blog in my reflections for the new year! http://weblogs.asp.net/ajuneja/archive/2007/12/31/happy-2008-7-items-of-wisdom-learned-in-2007-to-share-with-you.aspx
I miss Luis Luis, Dean, Tom and I did 120mph+ in my Hummer H2 http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=141646 Tony Image Unavailable, Please Login
Gail, I don't know you, nor did I know Luis. However, all I can say is the most that anyone could ever hope for would be to remembered like you just did. May you always have fair winds and following seas. Dale
I have to say I never really met Luis, but I remember the first time I came to SR I was standing outside the lot with my camera and as he saw me he waved at me with a huge grin on his face and revved. If only everybody could have the same kind and fun attitude.
Gail, for those of us who have met Luis, he will never be forgotten! I still vividly remember the chain of events from that day and period. Glad that you are doing well and hope that you remain strong and have a great 2008!
Thank you everyone for your kind words, it means a lot! Josh, Happy New Year to you also, hope this year is full of lots of fun drives! Ajay, I'd also love to have a video or sound track of everyone "revving" their engines at SR in honor of Luis, that was so cool...I know he heard it . I love the words of wisdom and photos on your blog! I can't thank everyone enough for the support you provided in 2007 - all F-Chatters, 6-Speeders, Brian and the team (Carlsen Porsche), Alex (Sharkwerks), Dave (Motorsport Design). Dave, your decals are on the roads of Spain and Switzerland Happy New Year to all...will see you soon at SR!!! Gail
Gail- Our New Years greeting encompassed this sentiment: "Dance with Life, and leave a brilliant light behind". Sounds as though Luis did just that! Our best to you, James&Caroline
My wife and I met Luis at SR and we became fast friends (well, he was always faster and of course louder!). We miss him very much. Happy New Year Gail and hope to see you soon. Some nice memories: Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Thanks for writing and sharing memories, Gail. I know what it feels like to lose somebody close to you. I will never forget. But I will always be grateful for the times that we spent together. Having the known the SR crew for a short while and having seen how great everybody is, I can only imagine the caliber of person that Luis was. Godspeed to Luis and I wish you the best.
Gail, Best wishes on the coming year. Luis was one of the first and warmest friends I made here and I feel that he'll always have a place in our hearts during our drives and trackdays. Here's the video I took that day of the memorial revving Best, Shaun http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VX-sDV3tWx8 and came across some old photos of him smiling as usual...posted on 6speed http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2064/2164404985_5dcfe51811.jpg http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1576578&postcount=8
Posted on 6 Speedonline also: Its wonderful to see and hear all the fond memories from everyone Kelvin, I think that day will be vivid in our minds for a long, long time I am often sorry that all of you had to go through that day with me, but Im also extremely grateful for all of your support and glad that all of you were there: Grace & Kelvin, Anna & Josh, Carolyn & Lyndon, April & Nizam, Susan & Max, Eric, Ajay, Lisa & Kirby and Sal. Robert, that was an incredible day at the Cantina and that video was sooooo Luis - getting in your car, had to laugh! OMG, I forgot about Arts car. That day going home, we went on the 17 Mile Drive, I have video (somewhere) of Art going off the road. Ill have to find it and post it. It wasnt funny (well, maybe a little ☺. Shaun, thanks so much for the revving video. Ill send to Luis parents. Its so heartwarming and such an honor in rememberance of him. Im SURE he heard it!!! All your photos and videos captured so much of Luis, I cant tell you enough how grateful his parents and I are to have your photo and video CDs of him. Shaun and Kirby, you have been able to capture time for Luis with your photography and its something I cant thank you both enough for. Luiss parents and sister are well and also thank everyone for the respect and honor they feel because of all of you. I also want to thank those who never met Luis, but were kind enough to post their support. It truly makes a difference! OK, lets make this year a great one!!! Gail
I met luis at SR, never forget thay day, his smile was contagious I felt like I had known him for years in the six months I had known him, he was that kind of person. I could not forget Luis if I tried...
