Lifelong Boulder, Colorado resident, David George Para, 30, died Sunday, July 30, 2006 with his kindred spirit, Heather McRoberts in a plane accident near Rollins Pass, CO.
David "Dave" George Para was born July 29, 1976 in Chicago, IL. He moved to Boulder, CO in 1979 where he was raised. Dave attended Eisenhower and Crestview Elementary Schools, Centennial Junior High, Boulder High and graduated from September School in 1994. Whether it was flying, hitchhiking or bicycling, Dave traveled extensively in his life. His travels took him to South Central and South America, Tazmania and New Zealand.
Dave had worked as a bicycle courier for a number of years in Boulder, Seattle, WA and Portland, OR. He even worked as a peddle cab in Seattle. Dave also developed a knack for organic farming in California.
Most recently Dave was a tow pilot for Mile High Gliding in Boulder for the past two summers. Flying was his true passion. The treetop flyer had received his commercial pilot's license as well as his pilot certification. He turned 30 years old on Saturday and died in an airplane crash on Sunday, doing what he loved, flying.
Dave was a maverick, gonzo, beatnik, flower child to all who knew him. He really enjoyed being outdoors whether flying, climbing, snowboarding or hiking.
"Dave was there for his friends and strangers just the same. He made it a point to be friendly with everyone. Dave, we will all miss you," his family wrote.
Dave was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Joseph Para. He is survived by his father and stepmother, Paul Para and Jean Fortier of Boulder; mother and step-father, Kathy Zanetti and Martin Stuckenschneider of Louisville; brother, Dan Para; brother Chris Stuckenschneider and sister-in-law, Ronya; his sisters Cordelia and Miranda Para-Fortier.
A celebration of Dave’s life was held 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 4, 2006 at the Scott Carpenter Park in Boulder. The sun was shining as Dave’s family and friends united to share the love that he had shared with so many in his lifetime. As family and friends spoke of all the great memories, Mile High Gliding honored Dave by flying over the park with the three of the same planes that Dave had flown. Everyone who attended wrote something to Dave on paper and attached it to rainbow colored helium balloons and released the balloons together. A reception immediately followed at September School Community House and Dave’s friends continued to the Mariposa house.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family requests that donations be made in Dave's memory to Mile High Gliding Tow Scholarship Fund, 5534 Independence Rd., Boulder, CO 80301 or to the September School, 1902 Walnut St Boulder, CO 80302, www.septemberschool.org.
