Saying Goodbye to Our Little AvGeek, Mr. Awesome

Saying Goodbye to Our Little AvGeek, Mr. Awesome

Dear friends and family in the aviation industry:


As many of you know Carla, Caleb, and I and our family lost our incredible, big hearted, and brilliant 7-year old son Calder “Mr. Awesome” Sloan on Sunday. He passed away due to a tragic and bizarre accident. Calder was an AvGeek from the beginning. He was named after the famous Braniff Boeing 727 “Flying Colors of the United States” used to commemorate the Bicentennial of the America in 1976. This aircraft was designed by the legendary artist Alexander “Sandy” Calder who also designed the mobiles that hang in New York JFK’s Terminal 4.1976-braniff-calder-spirit-of-76-boeing-727-inflight_227He was one of us from the beginning. His first flight was on an American Airlines 737 from Miami to New Orleans. He referred to the engines as boosters. Today Calder is flying in the heavens with VFR for 1000’s of miles looking down on all of us. Please say hi to him when you look up to the skies or out the window on your next trip. His memory for those who know him is the ultimate IFE.

Caleb and Calder.
Caleb and Calder.

He was so worshiped by us and his little brother Caleb. For those of you who knew him, you know you will never forget what a generous, spirited, bigger then life person her was. We were told a number of times by his teachers he would change the world. He changed ours during his much too short time with us. We feel so blessed to call Calder Jacob Sloan our son. Carla and I have felt such solace at the outpouring of wishes that we have received from friends, family, and business associates. You all are lifting us up in these dark hours.c8

This Friday April 18th at 11:30AM we will be holding memorial services and if you can make it we would appreciate it if you came. Certainly we understand with short notice that this could be impossible. Following a procession, we will then be holding a brief graveside burial service at a beautiful lakeside spot. Calder loved the water. Fish would envy what a great swimmer he was. I am not kidding.

With much love and appreciation,

Chris, Carla, Calder, and Caleb
https://vimeo.com/92452244

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RELATED:
A tribute video to Calder Sloan and information on how you can donate to his legacy fund.

Calder’s “Mr. Awesome” Campaign ala Flat Stanley dreamt up by Jim Cahill is helping deliver on the promise of Calder changing the world. All of you contributing these pictures of his love and joy are making us feel a lot better and carrying on his legacy. Adventure. Laughter. Kindness. WPLG will be running a very special news story today from 4-6:30pm and look at this story and slideshow from you and some unique cameos. Please keep it going!

Mr. Awesome Has a Message for You

MEMORIAL SERVICE LOCATION:
Temple Beth Shalom
4144 Chase Avenue
Miami Beach, Florida
305-538-7231

In lieu of flowers, we are asking for donations to be made to Calder’s School, Lehrman. Your donations are tax deductible and will go toward establishing a legacy foundation in his honor. Calder absolutely adored going to school and loved his friends, math, soccer, reading, and Hebrew class…really everything about it except for waking up early. Caleb attends Lehrman and is receiving a great education. We love it that Caleb will be reminded of his beloved brother each day he goes to school. You can read more about his school at:
http://www.lehrmanschool.org

DONATIONS TO CALDER JACON SLOAN LEGACY FUND

Please make checks out to:
Lehrman Community Day School
memo: Calder J Sloan Legacy Fund

Address:
Lehrman Community Day School
727 77th St
Miami Beach, Fl 33141
Attn: Jodi Bruce, Head of School

We now have a way to donate simply via Credit Card / PayPal
https://adobeformscentral.com/?f=kBZXqqJRU1rarYGkTjODLA

Additional Information
jbruce@lehrmanschool.org
305-866-2771

contributor
Chris Sloan is a curious human with far too many passions and advocations: a long-time aviation journalist, television producer, philanthropist, entrepreneur, photographer, businessman, drone operator, wanderluster, storyteller, and dad. On the side, he runs the webseum of commercial aviation, TheAirchive.net.

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