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One of my best friends and my partner in the manufacturing of carbon fiber parts died yesterday in a airplane crash. Fritz was a very accomplished pilot that also owned a ferry airplane business in which he flew airplanes from the US to Europe and vice versa for the last 15 years. He picked up a new Hughes aircraft from the factory and was in enroute to Switzerland. Flying over Iceland the motor lost oil pressure and the motor stopped. He was able to restart the motor and then oil covered his windshield and then the motor died again, he went down in the icy waters of Iceland. He was found 4 hours later floating in the icy water.

Fritz was the reason I had Pantera #9178. He was the one that researched it and found it for me in Europe. He arranged the importation for me and it was shipped to his house where I originally picked it up and drove it home. He is and was the reason that brought me to this website and why so many of you have become dear friends.

I can only say at this point that I am truly heart broken and have lost someone so very dear to me.

My brother, my true friend and someone I love with all my heart, I will miss you and will never forget you as long as I live.

God Bless you Fritz Schoder. I love you brother.

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Dennis, Dave, Rick, Gary, pop,

Thanks guys. I was up most the night talking to his wife Elizabeth, she's understandably not doing so well and since Fritz and her have no children or other family members, she is feeling very alone and lost.

So I'll be headed to Florida later this week to try and help her get through this.

I will let her know of all your condolences and thoughts when I talk to her again this morning.

I sit here this morning hearing his voice in my head and remembering all the good times, goofy times and things we've done together over the years of close friendship. My daughter tells me, Dad, at least you had the chance to know Fritz and share some of your lives together and that's something to be thankful for. She's right and I am.

Just another example of how precious life is and how short it can be. Reach out and touch your family and friends as much as you can while you still can, never be affraid to tell someone how much you care for them. You may not ever get another chance....

Thanks guys....
Last edited by coz
Jim,
So sorry for your loss! It is never easy to loose someone, especially a good friend. We just have to enjoy and appreciate each moment that we do get together, and try to take the time to tell them, that they are special to us!
So keep your chin up and remember the good times that you were blessed with.
Jim,

So sorry to hear of your and Fritz's wife Elizabeth's loss. As we get older and lose family or friends we start to realize how fragile our own life is. Savor those moments with and memories of family and friends. I like this quote that sums it up aptly;

"IT'S NOT THE NUMBER OF BREATHES YOU TAKE IN A LIFETIME THAT HAS IMPORTANCE BUT RATHER THE PEOPLE, EVENTS AND PLACES THAT TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY!!!"

Julian
Jim, my thoughts are with you as you travel this dark road. It is very very sad to lose someone who has made such an impact on your life. Take solace in the knowledge that you brought him much joy and friendship too and he too was richer for it. Keep the good memories close, they will help light the way brother. God bless.

Mark
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