tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35742388.post1013825521757419385..comments2024-03-28T11:02:56.418-04:00Comments on Adventures in Antigua - a blog about island life spent with sun, sea and sand.: Francis Gobinet: "larger than life"365http://www.blogger.com/profile/04162921650895684062noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35742388.post-27609108468149589822009-06-19T03:57:20.110-04:002009-06-19T03:57:20.110-04:00I met Francis about 7 years ago when I was vacatio...I met Francis about 7 years ago when I was vacationing with my family in Antigua, he was an amazing and sweet person who I have remembered ever since. I am deeply saddened by this news and he will be missed.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35742388.post-81610013291977194042009-05-31T22:48:36.004-04:002009-05-31T22:48:36.004-04:00If one knew Francis & loved him, they cared fo...If one knew Francis & loved him, they cared for him forever, regardless of events in-between. Smooth Sailing>>>><br />.sArAh.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35742388.post-3500727347854817022009-04-25T07:27:00.000-04:002009-04-25T07:27:00.000-04:00Unfortunatelly I found out about this tragedy only...Unfortunatelly I found out about this tragedy only recently, and am equally as shocked and sorry for the loss of one of the most colorful personalities I have ever met. I met Francis in Newport in 2008, and during my short stay there I remember him with contagious energy and a passion for life. May he rest in peace, and his family, friends and fellow crew mates enjoy the good memories he leaves behind. Toronto, CanadaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35742388.post-64609448603650918252009-04-23T10:40:00.000-04:002009-04-23T10:40:00.000-04:00You've managed to describe Francis perfectly. My ...You've managed to describe Francis perfectly. My heart goes out to his family and friends. I think of him often, and I am sure that I will remember him for the rest of my life. <br />You were amazing!From Another Perspectivehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06476661107692591690noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35742388.post-76304410159655408482009-04-09T18:58:00.000-04:002009-04-09T18:58:00.000-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.365https://www.blogger.com/profile/04162921650895684062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35742388.post-3049076657006256002009-04-09T18:57:00.000-04:002009-04-09T18:57:00.000-04:00Thanks for posting your comments. It is nice to se...Thanks for posting your comments. It is nice to see people from around the world sending messages and sharing about francis. anyway, the burial was very sad but very natural. about 8 boats met up 7 miles out in the ocean and saw him return to the ocean one last time. his dad wrote something that was read by a priest and in it he spoke about an occasion when francis saved some kids while out on my tour. one was lifeless on the bottom when my boat pulled up and francis leapt over to save her. she survived thanks to him and now he's gone. Read more on that story here: http://antiguaisland.blogspot.com/2007_02_23_archive.html365https://www.blogger.com/profile/04162921650895684062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35742388.post-35401967455118905822009-04-09T18:53:00.000-04:002009-04-09T18:53:00.000-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.365https://www.blogger.com/profile/04162921650895684062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35742388.post-72972179988986460922009-04-04T08:58:00.000-04:002009-04-04T08:58:00.000-04:00I met Francis when I came to Antigua on a year out...I met Francis when I came to Antigua on a year out in 1999. He showed me how to skimboard without smashing my shins, how to ride moped's with no shoes and TRIED to teach me to surf. What sticks in my mind was his fearlessness, this is a rare trait in a person. He literally threw himself at whatever he was attempting to conquer. Some might say a little foolhardy, but it was that energy that I found so infectious. This is really living and stretching yourself. I think you can talk yourself out of many things, out of 'having a go'. While you were turning the decision to do it or not over in your head, Francis had already jumped. This is why it was so brilliant to be around him. He had a good nature, he was so likeable and funny and despite some of his 'hiccups' he was utterly forgivable.<BR/>I am very sad to think I won't see his face again, life takes some very tragic turns that seem not to make any sense. I will especially be thinking of his family and all of his friends today.<BR/>Eli-your blog is such a nice thing to have put together, it is lovely to see comments from people all over the world. <BR/>LizzieLizziehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17195323980624117613noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35742388.post-41799643490836693762009-03-31T14:12:00.000-04:002009-03-31T14:12:00.000-04:00I was struck with deep sadness when I was informed...I was struck with deep sadness when I was informed of Francis' untimely death. In an instant I was reminded how life can change in an instant and how precious everyday is.<BR/>Thank you Eli for sharing some of your memories spent with Francis. I always looked forward to seeing him, I will miss his sweet smile, his warm upbeat presence and his "CHEERS". Deepest heartfelt sympathy to the Gobinet family and friends. TINA USAAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35742388.post-66937879568722550932009-03-31T00:24:00.000-04:002009-03-31T00:24:00.000-04:00Dear Eli, While I'll never get to know Francis, bu...Dear Eli, While I'll never get to know Francis, but may - with my husband - get to know you at some point in our 2-week (2nd) Antigua vacation in May, I've been following your blogs about various topics and find the tribute you wrote about this captivating young guy to be a very poignant, beautifully honest portrait of someone you obviously cared alot about, as a mentor and a friend. My condolences to you on the loss of this friend. And my appreciation for your constancy in writing your blog and giving Antigua-lovers like me just an informative "insider's" view of Antiguan life. I really do hope we get to meet while we're staying at Jolly Harbour (5/3-10) or Jolly Beach (5/10-16), and have a chance to get to know the guy behind the wheel and behind the blog. best wishes, Ginny Kelty (VAKelty@aol.com)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35742388.post-26048560010114588982009-03-30T16:36:00.000-04:002009-03-30T16:36:00.000-04:00Nicely put Eli.A wonderful soul lost to this world...Nicely put Eli.<BR/>A wonderful soul lost to this world. We shared some good times in Newport, Rhode Island. So much younger than me and yet such an inspirational character.<BR/>The shock and sadness of loss has turned to a smile. Celebrate his life as he would. <BR/>My thoughts and best wishes are with Francis' family and friends. <BR/>With Love, Kevin, Lara and TommyKevin Bendallnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35742388.post-66384616835906513352009-03-30T10:25:00.000-04:002009-03-30T10:25:00.000-04:00I'M SAD, and I never met Francis. I only read abou...I'M SAD, and I never met Francis. I only read about him in the blog. You don't encounter personalities like that everyday. Folks like that come along only rarely in a lifetime. I believe his energy lives on. Let's honor that.jberwinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35742388.post-79591325466018964762009-03-28T07:51:00.000-04:002009-03-28T07:51:00.000-04:00I was sitting having Lunch with Francis just befor...I was sitting having Lunch with Francis just before Christmas, he seemed so content and had his future all mapped out, he was talking about finishing his house, and being able to retire in 10 years! We can all dream eh! lol. Such an awesome Guy and with so much to offer, a true true tragedy, that someone so fit and healthy and with so much promise can be taken so easily, Rest in peace buddy, know that we will always be able to look back at your life with a smile, remembering the shananigans you got up to! <BR/>Guy PerkinsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35742388.post-32834261743133522522009-03-28T06:53:00.000-04:002009-03-28T06:53:00.000-04:00Beautiful piece, a really faithful description, he...Beautiful piece, a really faithful description, he was such a wonderful person and i am so shocked to hear the terrible news. All my love to the Gobinet family during this tragic time, its really difficult to find the rights words to express what an amazing, unique, person Francis was..I believe he is a perfect example of Carpe Diem and that we should never forget he lived each day to the fullest - he will be greatly missed by all and forever remembered <BR/>Rosie - FranceAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35742388.post-67871810779164815952009-03-27T10:24:00.000-04:002009-03-27T10:24:00.000-04:00My condolences to the Gobinet familyMy condolences to the Gobinet familyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35742388.post-80982815215917093522009-03-27T07:44:00.000-04:002009-03-27T07:44:00.000-04:00Beautiful Frances will always be remembered and pr...Beautiful Frances will always be remembered and present in the sunshine which surrounded him already as a little boy. My heart goes out to his family and friends. Marie-LouiseAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35742388.post-70685417048547009922009-03-26T20:30:00.000-04:002009-03-26T20:30:00.000-04:00My sincerest regrets;I knew the family ...a beauti...My sincerest regrets;I knew the family ...a beautiful eulogy ...BunnyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35742388.post-91112965141448042332009-03-26T14:58:00.000-04:002009-03-26T14:58:00.000-04:00Eli, you always had the very best way with words. ...Eli, you always had the very best way with words. No one could have written a portrail of Francis' life as well. I am just glad I had the chance to hang out with such a wonderful guy. If we all remember to live JUST ONE day as he did with such fullness, we all will have that smile he had.<BR/><BR/> R.I.P Francis Gobinet.<BR/><BR/>Leo (London)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35742388.post-27353602698369777792009-03-26T04:54:00.000-04:002009-03-26T04:54:00.000-04:00I have not seen Francis since we left school so go...I have not seen Francis since we left school so going on a decade and although i was in the same year i confess not to have known him to well. My sincere condolences to all who shared their lives with him. Really hits home how fragile life is and how quickly it can change. I urge everyone to think only of all the good this young man brought to the world and to focus on the happy memories we all have of him. such a tradgedy. Ben Mansour(Craig)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35742388.post-37074124219114185542009-03-25T20:20:00.000-04:002009-03-25T20:20:00.000-04:00Eli, this was a lovely tribute. Francis really was...Eli, this was a lovely tribute. Francis really was "larger than life". I have some great memories that will be with me forever. I know that growing up Francis, as well as my brother and the other "young surfer dudes" looked up to you, you really were like an older brother to them. Francis would be proud to know you wrote this about him. My heart goes out to his family and friends. He will be missed but never forgotten!!<BR/>Heather MendesAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35742388.post-17688916528254501972009-03-25T19:53:00.000-04:002009-03-25T19:53:00.000-04:00I didn't really know Francis like everyone else di...I didn't really know Francis like everyone else did, but I knew him enough to grow the biggest crush on him and to see how amazing he was.<BR/>I really appreciate you for writing this Eli, now I know a lot more about Francis. I will really miss him.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35742388.post-58703808190127574132009-03-25T18:06:00.000-04:002009-03-25T18:06:00.000-04:00Wow, how life can throw you a curve ball. What a l...Wow, how life can throw you a curve ball. <BR/>What a loss, my condolences to Francis family.<BR/>I recall Francis as a PIA when a teenager and met him as a young adult and can only say what an inspiration to turning things round and living ones life...he will be sorely missed by me at least and many others from all accounts.<BR/>This really saddeneds me, while inspiring as to how short life can be.RIP Francis.<BR/>MartinAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35742388.post-68655711160280602782009-03-25T14:26:00.000-04:002009-03-25T14:26:00.000-04:00he was definitely a cool dude...to be around him w...he was definitely a cool dude...to be around him was always a good experience for me...last time we I saw him we were taking turns buying rounds of beer...I will have one later in memory<BR/><BR/>NigelAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35742388.post-76186958409672288092009-03-25T13:20:00.000-04:002009-03-25T13:20:00.000-04:00I am totally gutted. I went to school with Francis...I am totally gutted. I went to school with Francis and he was a fantastic guy who was friends with everyone.<BR/>He will be missed.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35742388.post-33746962893831092832009-03-25T09:11:00.000-04:002009-03-25T09:11:00.000-04:00Myself and many others grew up alongside Francis, ...Myself and many others grew up alongside Francis, we have all since taken our seperate paths in life, and have many memories of him, however, we all never fail to make up the missed time on those holidays back home. Was just speaking to Francis about that at Christmas.... Well written Eli, he will be missed. A Tragedy...<BR/>Dawn FararaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com