[Steve S]

I would just like to add my deepest condolances, thoughts and prayers to everyone touched by this tragedy.

Safe diving,
Steve

Dear Penny,

Tomorrow, it will have been one whole week, since I first heard the tragic news about your sudden disappearance. I suppose you chose to pick a date, during the beginning of a busy workweek for most of us, to part ways from this earth, in order not to let the shock of the news quite sink-in completely.

It is now the weekend, and we have more time to ponder on the bits of news we have been desperately trying to gather over the past few days, clinging to perhaps an unrealistic hope that someone from somewhere will give us a call with some good news. We know very well that this is unlikely, but we simply refuse to let you go.

For those of us, who for many years worked very closely with you, who also had the privilege of experiencing the integrity and passion with your work in our satellite communications industry, you are leaving a gaping void. For those in your other intense passion in life - the diving industry- you have left an obvious clear mark with your inspiration and leadership, which I am certain will be difficult to replace. What an irony, that in your life you have been devoted to the two extremes of science: the heights of space, and the depths of the ocean, where you now accompany the peaceful and beautiful creatures you so loved to speak about.

As for myself, I will miss dearly our impromptu get-togethers, over a glass of single malt whiskey and wine, sharing a dinner either in Washington DC or in Europe or anywhere in between, while talking about our dreams and plans of where we thought we wanted to go in life, and what we thought we should be doing to get there. I moved to Italy to further pursue my dreams. I find much solace in knowing that you also made it there (as we used to talk about), and that you were so happy with your recent move to the south of France, where you were able to manage both your satellite and diving work for one week a month. Your passing away reminds us all again of the fragility of life, and why it is important to tell those around us how much we appreciate them or love them today, without waiting for a tomorrow, which may be suddenly cut short.

I will miss you greatly, Penny, my dear friend. I will miss your infectious laughter, your George Harrison haircut, our satellite discussions, your intricate descriptions of your submarine adventures, your falling asleep during a late evening dinner or meeting, because of the heavy workload that day. And yes…, I will no longer be able to order a plate of John Dory at a restaurant again (you once stopped me from ordering it, because you told me it was an absolutely beautiful creature).

Sleep well, our dear friend, sister & daughter. May you and Jacques Filippi forever rest in peace in the place you loved the most. My deepest condolences to you and Jacques’ family and to your other close friends, who like myself, will miss “our girl” forever…

Sweet dreams, princess of the deep.


Robert Feierbach
Executive Director
SKYLOGIC Italia

Dear Penny,

Tomorrow, it will have been one whole week, since I first heard the tragic news about your sudden disappearance. I suppose you chose to pick a date, during the beginning of a busy workweek for most of us, to part ways from this earth, in order not to let the shock of the news quite sink-in completely.

It is now the weekend, and we have more time to ponder on the bits of news we have been desperately trying to gather over the past few days, clinging to perhaps an unrealistic hope that someone from somewhere will give us a call with some good news. We know very well that this is unlikely, but we simply refuse to let you go.

For those of us, who for many years worked very closely with you, who also had the privilege of experiencing the integrity and passion with your work in our satellite communications industry, you are leaving a gaping void. For those in your other intense passion in life - the diving industry- you have left an obvious clear mark with your inspiration and leadership, which I am certain will be difficult to replace. What an irony, that in your life you have been devoted to the two extremes of science: the heights of space, and the depths of the ocean, where you now accompany the peaceful and beautiful creatures you so loved to speak about.

As for myself, I will miss dearly our impromptu get-togethers, over a glass of single malt whiskey and wine, sharing a dinner either in Washington DC or in Europe or anywhere in between, while talking about our dreams and plans of where we thought we wanted to go in life, and what we thought we should be doing to get there. I moved to Italy to further pursue my dreams. I find much solace in knowing that you also made it there (as we used to talk about), and that you were so happy with your recent move to the south of France, where you were able to manage both your satellite and diving work for one week a month. Your passing away reminds us all again of the fragility of life, and why it is important to tell those around us how much we appreciate them or love them today, without waiting for a tomorrow, which may be suddenly cut short.

I will miss you greatly, Penny, my dear friend. I will miss your infectious laughter, your George Harrison haircut, our satellite discussions, your intricate descriptions of your submarine adventures, your falling asleep during a late evening dinner or meeting, because of the heavy workload that day. And yes…, I will no longer be able to order a plate of John Dory at a restaurant again (you once stopped me from ordering it, because you told me it was an absolutely beautiful creature).

Sleep well, our dear friend, sister & daughter. May you and Jacques Filippi forever rest in peace in the place you loved the most. My deepest condolences to you and Jacques’ family and to your other close friends, who like myself, will miss “our girl” forever…

Sweet dreams, princess of the deep.


Robert Feierbach
Executive Director
SKYLOGIC Italia

[Deep Thought]

Dear Penny

It is with a very heavy heart that I say good by to you, a tremendous diver and wonderful person to share a glass of wine with. You were always the last diver to leave the site, always stretching out the last few minutes of bottom time, and it was for this reason that we shared the ascent line together in Cocos. Your love of the sea and the creatures that inhabit it was apparent with your smile. At Alcyone we saw hundreds of hammer head sharks, but I’m sure it was the large bulbous Galapagos sharks that made us nervous as we left bottom ascending looking into the blue. You looked one direction and I looked another, each pointing to shapes that darted in and out of our vision. What a wonderful time we spent diving together.

Jacques, I think that Penny introduced us at Plymouth, another fun time spent with Penny and friends. Your passing is a tragedy as well, and my thoughts are with your family and loved ones.

My deepest condolences to Penny and Jacques families.

Sweet dreams Penny, princess of the deep

Ron

I didn't know Penny, but from what I read she was obviously a very nice person. My condolences to her familly.

Jacques was a colleague and a friend, I am devastated by this tragedy.

Christine, courage et condoléances à la famille.

Michel F.

Jacques was a colleague and a fellow diver. We had only recently discussed setting up a diving club at work, which Jacques enthusiastically supported.

With tragic irony, the note to our colleagues about the new diving club was published on Friday 18th, printed on Monday and landed in people's in-trays last Wednesday - the same day that the search was called off. You can only imagine the distress this caused us.

I never dived with Jacques, but did meet him at Oostvoornsemeer where both of us were diving with other people.

He was a unique personality and will leave a large void in many people's lives.

Our thoughts are with Christine and his family.

Although I didn't know Penny, I send my sincere condolences to her family as well.

SB.

[Explorer]

Quote: (Originally Posted by Reg Creighton)

I always find myself with little to say when extarodinary events like this happen. This week I have read so many posts in different websites and recieved so many emails from people that we touched by Penny's life that I can only hope that Penny knew how she touched everyones lives and how sad we all are.

I recently recieved an email from Glen Scott and thought I might pass it on....

----------------Glen
Penny moved to the South of France two years ago,where she bought a fully loaded Zodiac RIHB, bought a house less than an hour from some of the greatest wrecks in the Med. She was, with out a doubt, one of the top tech divers in the world. She loved God's oceans more than most people. She was most intellectually brilliant women I have ever met in this lifetime.

What more can I say?

I don't drink much anymore but, I think I'll crack a bottle of Red in her memory at 10 PM Saturday and think about how blessed I was to have been her friend.

Those of you who wish can join me in the respective moment of your time zones.

Glen Scott

---------------

I think I just might join Geln....

Reg,

I recieved the email from Glen also. Thanks.

Jacques Filippi was a wonderful gentleman, a special person. I was glad to know him and to work with him, as I feel desperate now, crying him dead.

Dear Jacques, I'll miss you, always.
Anna

"I see you in ten days"...

Dear all

I hesitate to break in on this community but some of you have asked for an update.

I got back from France yesterday. I met Jacques' family and some of Penny's diving friends. They are all such wonderful people and I am so sorry that I didn't meet them before.

The search stopped Sunday morning (27th November) Penny and Jacques are still missing and the French administration are now considering how and whether to continue to fund the search. If not then we will have to find other means.

Can I thank you again for all your kind thoughts and remembrances. I am sharing them with my family and although they make us cry they do help.

All the best

Fiona

[Bill Nadeau]

I have spent many hours underwater with Penny. I came to know her as probably one of the most enthusiastic and talented rebreather divers I have ever known. She will be missed - but I know she will never be forgotten.