Tragic news - NICO has lost one of its own...

[Drift Machine]

RIP

I idolised (sp?) his old CA.

[Garage Battle]

I just got word this morning of the loss of Paul. Ive known him personally for the last year, but heard of him for the longest time.

Back in 98 we started those meets at Bennigans on 50. I knew just about everyone around Paul, but I left Orlando before I got to meet him. I was always seeing or hearing about projects that he helped with.

I finally got to meet him last year, as he helped to purchase a car from me for a friend. He was a really nice guy, and I very much envyed his S14, so much that it was the inspiration for my S14 build at that time.

At this point, I only wish Id gotten to know him better. My heart goes out to his family, Jay, Shawn, and the others who were really close to him.

Florida has become a strong force in the Nissan community because of its dedicated enthusiasts. The same people that were around back in 97/98 are still around today. To lose someone so influential is very hard.

May every bolt we tighten, every engine we swap, and every car we build carry your memory. RIP Paul, I'm glad I got to know you.

[arkman0]

Click to view larger versions

[AZhitman]

May every bolt we tighten, every engine we swap, and every car we build carry your memory. RIP Paul, I'm glad I got to know you.

Amen to that.

My hope is that this will somehow remind us of how precious friendships are, and bring people who've been away back into touch with each other.

Jay, Shawn, Mark and others: Glad to see you back around. Please keep in touch, the community needs you guys.

[Rex]

This thread wouldn't be complete with out some pics of his S14



With some of the things he enjoyed

[roscoyoungno13]

my condolences

[NeedCAforS13]

May every bolt we tighten, every engine we swap, and every car we build carry your memory. RIP Paul, I'm glad I got to know you.

thats so wonderfully worded!

Any of you Orlando guys feel like going out to get some dinner tonight? I know I'd like to see some familiar faces... Shaun, give me a call man 407-252-4712. or my AIM is SOlsenA6

Sean

[sensibleS13driver]

very sorry

[PSI240SX]

I was thinking about getting together maybe saturday night at bennegans. Just for old times sake... Paul would know where to look for us

[NeedCAforS13]

I was thinking about getting together maybe saturday night at bennegans. Just for old times sake... Paul would know where to look for us

That would be awesome! I will be there

Sean

[speedoctor]

Paul was an essential factor in the early days of NICO. He was a geat help to me with NICO. He had great ideas and great energy. Through NICO, and his love for cars and flying, Paul has made many, many friends. We flew together in the air, and on the ground. He used to come to church with me.

My kids loved having Paul over at our home to hear all of his flying and car stories and to share in his infective humor and passion or life.

I am so very sad that he is no longer with us. It is a great loss... I am not looking forward to telling my son Jonathan.... I want Paul's family to know what a great job they did in raising him!!!! and that he spoke very fondly of them.

I think it should be instructive to all of us to see how a club like ours has brought so many together..like minded, yet far away...we are a community...and now as a community..we mourn the loss of a very dear brother.

Thanks to everyone who has posted pictures..I really appreciate them..the more the better!

I am very sad.... God's blessings to Paul and his family.

I agree with doing something to memorialize Paul with NICO... a forum an annual award etc. PLease let me know what I can do.

Rex Birkmire, MD ("speeddoctor" and founder of NICO)

[maxhopper]

Godspeed on your final journey. My condolences to his family and friends.

[skydragoness]

I seriously can't believe this.

I can't.

Paul was a really good friend to me, we talked online back in the old Nico days. Talked on the phone all the freakin time. I would always give him a ring if i came to a dead-end when i was working on my car.

I met him for the first time on his trip Rhode Island to fly the Navy plane trips, he stopped by Delaware to visit. Helped me put tie rods on my car, we hung out, ate food, my mom liked him a lot. He stopped by on the way back to FL too. We could've meet up last year, as he was driving the S14 up to Rhode Island because he was going to sell it, because i forgot to turn my ringer on my cell phone that day. Last time we spoke he was telling me how he was hopeful for getting a job near D.C and was asking me how far DE was from DC since he may have to get a apartment nearby. I can't believe this. I'm in shock. My hands are shaking as i type this. I have a little Initial D clock he got me for X-mas a couple of years ago on my desk at my mom's house.....

I miss you Paul...you died doing what you love. .....

Here's a pic from 2003 doing the tie rods. RIP Paul, i'm sorry we couldn't meet up this summer

[912.0turbo]

One of the best men to ever grace us with his presence and knowledge. You will be missed Paul, my condolences to you family. I will never forget his story about beating the bikes with that sweet car.

[im two techno]

Man i cant beleve this! I dont know what to say. We became good friends over the years and we were real close when i painted that s14. Meets here will never be the same.. I'll miss you paul.

[bimmergirl]

I will be there Saturday night!

Shawn Schembri will you please call me or email me? 352-551-6828 or [email protected]

[AZhitman]

An article from Titusville Florida - News Observer Newspaper

Reporter Flies with Warbird FlightsBy Scott Cook Erik Frazier and Paul Souder might be young, but they instruct others twice their age on how to roll, loop, spin, snap and vertical roll. They even teach how to "Immelman", a maneuver where an airplane makes a loop and then resumes its normal, level position by making a half roll. Flight Instructors Paul Souder, left, and Erik Frazier of Warbird Flights, Inc. of Titusville are looking for a few good daredevils. For top-notch, affordable flights and flight instruction, call them at 321-269-4518 or 407-891-8955.

Pretty scary stuff, especially if you're a reporter who hasn't flown in 10 years.

Frazier and Souder both had ear-to-ear grins on their faces as I strolled up to the WWII-era Navy SNJ Fighter/Trainer parked like a proud peacock at the Space Coast Regional Airport.

I figured they were just friendly guys.

"Get on in and watch your step", said Souder, 24, originally from Indiana. "We figured you could do a better story if you actually got to pilot the plane."

Huh?

I gaped at them with rhesus-faced awe, and then I felt my legs turn to putty as I gingerly stepped into the front cockpit.

Souder gave me some quick instructions on what not to touch, what to watch for, how to change radio frequencies and "Welcome aboard Warbird Flights."

I tried to take it all in and asked a few last-minute questions as Frazier climbed into the rear cockpit and engaged the starter of the 1340-cubic inch Pratt & Whitney engine, which was clean enough to polish with mom's best linen.

As we taxied down the runway, I relished the thought of how my limited, everyday world was about to get larger.

And it did.

We took off and headed south with U.S. 1 snaking 5000 feet below us, the cars moving slowly and the aircraft cruising at 160 miles per hour.

My airborne reverie was interrupted by Frazier's voice in my headset.

"Are you ready to fly the plane?" asked a seemingly bemused Frazier.

I looked down at that thing between my legs (the joystick,and shame on you!) and began moving the stick tentatively to the left and right to get the feel for the aircraft.

Mild turbulence tightened my grip on the stick, but I rolled left with Merritt Island on the front horizon. I felt like an ace, but I knew (and prayed!) that Frazier would correct any errors on my part.

We rolled left again and headed back to the airport, and I felt myself wishing that the ride could go on forever.

I tensed as we approached for the landing, expecting skipping and chirping of the landing wheels.

The landing, however, was smoother than the door closing on my pick-up truck. Didn't feel hardly a thing.

Souder awaited us at the hangar, and asked how the ride was.

I couldn't do the experience justice at the time. My heart was still making its rightly descent back to my chest.

I did manage to mumble something resembling a thank you and tried to ask some intelligent questions for this story.

So why did Warbird Flights, Inc. wind up being housed at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum in Titusville?

"The museum is a great place", said Souder. "We get a lot of synergy with the museum. We help them, they help us."

Warbird Flights offers the public top-notch, affordable flights and training which include tailwheel instruction, insurance check-outs and type ratings, fly-bys and air shows.

People I've talked to rave about Warbird Flights.

"We make people happy" said Souder. "Everybody goes away happy."

And this is one reporter who definitely walked away happy.

[cardinal]

I spoke with Paul on Monday, the day of his death. We were talking about flying, cars and life. He had just got a call for an interview at Chauatauqua Airlines - my former airline and his airline of choice. Since I met Paul several years ago, this was his goal. He always spoke of being an airline pilot and "living the dream" as he put it. We had made plans for him to stop by in Altanta and spend a few days later this week, go fly in the simulator, drink a beer and tell some lies. He had finished telling me about his flight in a Citation jet earlier in the day, began to tell me about his next flight in the Bonanza and how he and his good friend Eric were planning yet another flight later that day. Paul's voice was electirc and I could tell he was doing what he loved - flying an airplane. As we hung up, he told me that he would talk with me tomorrow and said his final words to me "later buddy."

I called Paul on Tuesday, left a message which never got returned - somthing Paul never failed to do. On Weds morning I woke up to the news that my best friend was gone forever.

Paul was one of the most genuine people I have ever known. His passion for cars, flying and true friendships were second to none. He helped me with both of my SRs, my business, and my life. Of all my friends, I knew that he would drop everything if he could help.

Paul died doing what he loves. While this does not help any of us who are hurting now, know that he was among firends and doing what he did best.

Goodbye Paul...my friend, my brother. You will be deeply missed.

Here is a picture (missing man formation) that says good-bye to a true T-6 Texan Pilot, like Paul.

Click for larger version
Modified by cardinal at 7:00 PM 2/16/2005

[S14-NEO]

For those of you who dont know me, my name is Mark Jackson. I was the first person that befriended Paul in Florida. It's kinda funny how it all started. My wife was getting some Mcdonalds food near the Flight Safety school he was attending here in Vero Beach, she noticed his charcoal grey S13 coupe which at the time was nearly stock. She spoke to him for only a few minutes long enough to exchange phone numbers. She told him that I had a car just like his and it was modified and that sparked his interest in contacting me.

Our relationship ran very deep over the 8 years we knew one another. The time he stayed here in Vero was about two years and we were pretty much inseperable. My wife hated it...lol. He was so driven in the things he did. I would like to think that I played the part of starting his love affair with the nissan 240sx.

That S14 he built was his pride and joy, he was very proud of that car and he should have been. He dogged me for those wheels for months tilll i finally let them go so he could have them for his S14. They came off of my white S14 that I lost in a crash in orlando when I was taking Jay in Orlando for a ride on a dangerous rode with some nasty corners.

These words are some of if not the hardest i have ever said in my life. I loved Paul like a brother, he stayed around my house so much that he was like part of the family I have. He was there for my wedding along with Shawn Schembri who is also a very close friend, and he was even there for the birth of my two little girls.

The countless selfless acts he and I did for one another are infinite just like our friendship. I spoke to Paul just this past Monday and was telling him about my engine that i was building for my S14 and as usual he got very excited and wanted to be a part of it. We were also talking about him selling his SC300 cause he said and i quote "TOYOTA OWNERS AND LEXUS OWERS ARE THE BIGGEST BUNCH OF STUCK UP CRY BABIES" got me laughing to no end. He wanted to build another 240, one to rival Jay's mighty KA. He told me he really thought he could built a stought KA and you know what, he might be starting right now with all of us. Paul is in our hearts forever and now he is in our hands to help guide us to make our cars run even better.

Paul was a very good pilot, he was the first person to take me into a plane.It was a Piper Archer and he knew i had never been in a plane before and said he would take it easy and not do any funny stuff. HE LIED!!..lol He scared the unholy **** out of me when he tip the wing I was sitting over straight to the ground, I nearly **** myself and punched the crap out of him and said there wont be any more of that crap..lol.

Paul this letter is for you buddy, some of the words I'll never get to say in person. My love and sorrow goes out to his loved ones.

I love you friend and brotherSave me a spot in heaven

Mark JacksonVero Beach FL
Modified by S14MARKSR at 11:25 AM 2/16/2005

[nismotuner82]

I met Paul back when Mark was starting on his Red S14, flying down us1 in his S13 throwing fire balls everywhere. I would like to think that Paul and Mark lit the fire under my *** for nissan. I am very privilaged to have met such a great guy. Truly an insperation now more than ever. My regards to his family, and close friends. Thank you Paul, and Mark as well.

Cory GraleyVero Beach, Florida
Modified by nismotuner82 at 7:25 PM 2/16/2005

[colies97~240sx]

My thoughts and prayers are with Paul's family and friends. Even though I didn’t know him he sounds like he was a wonderful person. May he rest in peace.Condolences,Nicole C.

[ucfz31s13]

Well, I've already posted similar responses in a few other local Orlando forums, but since this will be printed and given to the family members at the Funeral Services and what not, I feel the need to respond again.

When I first moved to Orlando 4+ years ago Paul was one of the first guys I met at the Nissan meets at Bennigans. He was a such a welcoming person and a good friend right off the bat. I had my turbo z31 at the time and I can remember countless nights where we'd have fun races and joke about who's car was faster (at the time he had his pre-built CA in the s13).

Paul was such a spur of the moment kind of guy. There would be times where we wouldn't talk for a few months and he'd call me out of nowhere asking me to go to some F1 or NASCAR race w/ him, or even to grab a bite to eat w/ him by the local hangar he was working at the time. I always joked w/ him about taking me up in a plane one day, and he always got excited at the thought of taking a 'newbie' up like me to show me the ropes and give me a few scares at the time.

That was the thing about Paul. No matter how long it had been since you two hadn't talked, it was like he didn't care. As Mike and I were just talking about, it was like he wasn't upset why you hadn't talked in so long, more of just a common agreement that you each had your own life.

I remember one day a few years ago we ran down to Tampa to check out the Signal S14 that was at Racing Zone. We came back later that night to pick up my z31 we left at the airport he was working at. I found myself going across some grass field (digging up dirt w/ my intercooler!) and under the wing of a Cesna and then following him down a live airport runway to get to an alternate exit because it was 'easier to get to'.

Paul had the opportunity to expose alot of us to things most people would never get to experience, and that's what he did. He was such a warm and comfortable person to be around, always willing to help you out when he could.

You will truly be missed, Paul. I'm sure you are in a much better place.

See you when I arrive, and maybe I can cash in my raincheck for that airplane ride.

R.I.P.

[pulsar gtr]

Thats sad news, he will be definitely missed.He was a walking talking technical library that shared his info with every one.

He is definitely in a better place. RIP.

My condolonces go out to his family and friends.

PULSAR GTRRafi

[Structure240sx]

Last night i decided to get to bed early and not stay up late on the forums. Geo called me at 1am to tell me the news. i had talked to Paul a few times on the phone about two years as i was just starting the build up of my car. The GP Sports Spec D exhuast on my car was originally his. Very great guy to talk to, even when i was such a newbie he took time to talk to me about cars. I even remember his vociemail at the time "...I'm either flying or driving..."

Im very sorry to those who were closer to him. what a great guy i wish i could have shook hands with

[Z31T]

Hey Guys,

This is Mike. (Red Z31 for those that wonder)

I'm at a loss for words. I will be there sat.(orlando) and i wish there was something i could do.

I'll remember him forever. He and mark by my side at Nicks funeral talking me through the one of the other worst days of my life..

I will miss the good times.. the laughing and yelling at ricers. the years at bennigans and the hours of talking and working on cars.

I had gotten a call one day "out of the blue" common from paul But highly accepted. it was something like this..

" mike? meet me at the airport for lunch. I'm with my flying partner erik.

i reply. sure thing paul give me a time. "

He says. im landing now. im like what!!! now! haha thanks for the notice.. he says hurry up we are hungry.

So we meet and i drive them both to eat at mongolian buffet. i sat with paul and erik and talked about life. from cars to eriks college one night stands and his new wife(?) and possible almost a positive pregnancy....

we ate and ate. i asked if they had to get back to work.. paul says it takes us 30minutes to get back to the coast. we have plenty of time. so after a bunch of food and some full stomachs. we decide to head over to the airport, the hangers side. we roam around the gift store. paul talking about his love of model planes and telling me stories of planes he has piloted. while awaiting eriks never ending bathroom visit. after that we headed up to the sales office for the hangers. (where someone would go to buy/rent a hanger). paul and erik are like watch this. so we go in and talk to the head salesman and talk to him as if we were rich and looking for a hanger. and so on and so on. at the same time they were getting info for pauls boss on possibly moving there business to orlando for tourists. . so we got the info while having fun at the same time.

we drive back to the runway. where the blue T-1 sat. a beautiful war machine. paul says get in mike. as i did with a huge grin. he then begins to explain everything to me. the controls and also some more stories of feared passengers. he then starts the plane up and we began to chat about engines and how they work.. how he flys this thing daily but it leaks oil constantly.. leaving oil on the runway.. lol i say thats scary.. he says it adds spice to things. he then began to show me how his head fits in the exhaust of the plane. we then say goodbye. i walk off the runway to my car.. and watch them get in. he and erik wave as i wave back, like a little kid waving goodbye to his dad. he takes off and i watch him fly into the blue sky..

i got in my car that day. years later from the day i met him. with a grin that he had passed on to me as well as a love for a friend that he has instilled in me. He was True, a Leader and he was a loving person. with friendly smile ,he could always pass on a smile and i honestly never met someone as nice since i met him. and i prolly never will. He always asked how life was but never got into details with it. he always wanted to just live that moment with you. and only you.

I've had plenty of other stories i could share. this one was just the most recent. The others will live with me forever. from the things he has taught me from cars to how to be loving to one another.

I write this with a tear rolling down my cheek. I never thought this day would come. and im still in shock. I love you man.

Paul also dropped by saturday night 2/12/05 and said hi. It had been awhile since i had seen him. yet i always talked with him.. With my experience. ppl like to stop by and say goodbye before they leave. i just never know when it is or i'd make the time that much better.

Im Not in a position to make it to indiana. and it upsets me i cannot express my feelings. i hope you guys or whoever it may be directly lets his parents know of our feelings and appreciation as well as the love he brought everywhere with him.

I'm in a deep state of nothing right now with nothing but sick feelings.

RIP paul- sorry i didnt get a chance to say goodbye. I love you man.

One of pauls many quotes:

"full throttle till you see god, Then let off"

Someone contact me please. regarding flowers/anything i can do. i feel the need to do somthing.

I can't figure out why such a good guy is gone.

xX 1SickZ Xx -[email protected]

anything.

thanks.

you will always be missed.

[NIGHTfall_240sx]

god.. i cant believe this. Paul was a great guy and loves his flying. he had one of the sweetest S14s i have ever laid my eyes on.

this comes as a great shock that Paul is no longer with us, we will really miss you here man

[Z31T]

[PalmerWMD]

I already miss him..

The other week he had stopped by on the way from RI to GA then FL and we had lunch at hooters.

I wished I ahd more time.

I am especially saddened that I just saw him logged on messenger the other day and didnt IM him cuz I felt I was too busy.

Fred...

[Z31T]

Oh

And i will never forget the buzzard story.. from one of his many trips to orlando from the coast.

and his busted up headlight from the buzzard that lasted 2 months after that. Heres a pic of his missing headlight.




Modified by Z31T at 12:18 PM 2/16/2005

[elwesso]

Well since I wasnt much a part of the 240 community, I didnt really know the guy.. I guess it makes you realize the fragileness of life..... Can be gone at any instant...

Its hard not to somehow involve religion into this, but I certainly hope he is in a better place...

My prayers to his family.....