A Special Place

As of today, 692 trees have been planted to honor Vlad. A big thank you to all. 692 trees, truly amazing.

If you haven't seen the link from the Ukrainian newspaper about the accident yet, here it is:

Read about the accident in a Ukrainian newspaper, published October 21, 2009:
http://news.allcrimea.net/news/2009/10/21/1256116036/

Use Google Translate or Yahoo Babelfish to translate.

706

For most, the news of Vladik's death struck a cord. Many held out hope that this was just a rumor. Some insensitive, ignorant clods thought this news was a cruel joke designed to make a few bucks. Personally, I hoped that Vlad would answer his emails or pick up his mobile phone that was ringing incessantly and the world would be right again. On the weekend when I saw photos of the crash site, Vlad's mangled car, and the tons of flowers and wreaths that were carefully placed on his grave, it really hit home.

706 is the sign that is attached to the pole. The pole hit with such force that the driver's side of Vlad's 2008 Mitsubishi was completely destroyed. Barely a scratch on the passenger side door. A couple of feet the other direction, and we wouldn't be publishing photos of Vlad's grave. Had 706 not been there, or been a break-away utility pole common in western civilizations, this would be a different Blog. A seatbelt could not have saved his life.

Vlad's grave sits atop a hill. A mountain off to one side, rolling hills off to another, and the sea straight ahead. A wonderful piece of land, and a simple grave covered in flowers. A small cross with a photo marks his final resting place. In years to come this will be transformed into a glorious tomb with Cypress trees, a bench to sit, and a monument greater than that of Lenin's. A tomb fit for a king.

To see these photos, and to read more about Vlad, check out the Azov website.

Vlad loved the outdoors. He loved nature and the beauty of the world. Vlad didn't take handouts and believed that money had to be earned. So instead of donating money to the family, please plant a tree in his honor.

AMERICAN RESIDENTS: You can go to http://www.arborday.org/shopping/tictim/TIMSample.cfm. Trees are $1.00 USD each and will be planted in the Plumas National Forest. You have several options of where to mail the certificate you will receive confirming your gift. Choose to receive the PDF version of the certificate, email it to me, and I will ensure it gets to the family.

OUTSIDE OF USA: You can go to: http://www.americanforests.org. Trees are $1.00 USD. Select "Trees in Remembrance" and confirm your donation. The trees will be planted in the Global ReLeaf Forest. Your certificate will be emailed to you. Forward it to me and I will ensure it gets to the family.

TOTAL TREES PLANTED IN VLAD'S NAME SO FAR: 491

Read about the accident in a Ukrainian newspaper (from October 21):
http://news.allcrimea.net/news/2009/10/21/1256116036/

Use Google Translate or Yahoo Babelfish to translate.

The Journey Home

"People living deeply have no fear of death." - Anais Nin.

October 25, 2009 - Alushta, Ukraine. It was a sunny and mild autumn day with a slight breeze. On any other Saturday, it would have been called perfect. Flanked by family, countless friends and even strangers, Vladik Shibanov was laid to rest on October 24. In this small resort town of 30,000 many turned out to say their final farewell to a boy taken from us too suddenly. As Vlad's family wept, one could not help but feel the pain and sorrow. You didn't have to be related or even know Vlad to see the influence this boy had on people. His friends from university stood by Vlad's side stoically fighting back tears, some failing but putting on a brave face as most teens do. His younger sister could barely stand as she watched her idol get lowered into the ground.

Unlike big city life, in this small town you literally grow up together. There are no friends - only family. When you were with Vlad, you felt like his brother, his sister, a member of his family. When you were with Vlad you knew you were with someone great because he made you feel like you were great.

Vlad came from a humbled home. Friends and family were Vlad's life. Vlad was an excellent businessman, but would rather spend time with his friends than at work. His friends were rich, taking weekly allowances from their parents. Vlad did not have that safety blanket, nor did he take hand outs from his friends. Vlad's money was earned.

He was beautiful, intelligent, outgoing and free and knew it. Wise way beyond his years, he knew how to take advantage of it. He helped support his family and eventually saved enough to buy a car. He loved his car and went everywhere in it and was proud to show it off. This was not a handout or a gift from his parents. This was a car he bought and earned. And for once, his friends were jealous of him.

Vad had a girl friend, as strong and free as he. Like an old married couple, they fought all the time. But like an old married couple, they were soul mates. Vlad knew he could be with no one else. They were to grow old together and make beautiful children

Vlad loved to travel. He loved adventures. He loved being a tour guide and showing people around Alushta. But Vlad thought of his friends too much. He would always rush to meet up with them. He loved life and feeling invincible - like most 18-year-olds. Vlad was an adult, with adult responsibilities, but still very much a kid.

On October 20 the world became a little less vibrant. We lost a remarkable young man whose natural smile and personality was infectious. Our pain will be felt for many more days, months and even years to come. But take comfort in knowing that, if you believe in it, somewhere "up there" he's making all those he meets smile and laugh. His body is gone, but his soul lives on.

Good night, and God bless. My colleague, my friend, my brother.

Влад, земля тебе пухом.

Vlad loved the outdoors. Vlad didn't take handouts and believed that money had to be earned. So instead of donating money to the family, please plant a tree in his honor in the Plumas National Forest.

http://www.arborday.org/shopping/tictim/TIMSample.cfm

Weather, speed and tires to blame in Vlad's death

More details have emerged surrounding the untimely death of our friend, Vladik Shibanov.

In the late hours of October 20, 2009, Vladik and a group of school friends met for a late night get together. Around 10:50pm local time, Vladik and a school friend identified only as a "champion go-cart racer" from Alushta broke away from the group to head home. Vladik, being the generous kid he was, offered a ride to his friend in his new car - a black 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander purchased in September of this year. Vlad loved his new car and was proud to show it off (pictured left). Vlad also loved speed. As the rain poured down, and visibility decreased because of fog, Vlad's speed increased. The vehicle's tires, designed for sparse recreational use only, already worn down from the rough Crimean terrain were to be replaced a week prior. What little tread was left was not enough to keep Vlad on the road at the speed he was travelling. Vlad lost control, hitting a concrete divider. He died instantly. MVD officials say speed, weather and poor tires were the ultimate cause of the accident. Alcohol was not a factor.

In a cruel twist of fate, his friend never lost consciousness during the entire ordeal. As emergency personnel worked for nearly an hour to cut Vlad from the car, his friend not only suffered from physical pain but the pain of seeing Vlad laying beside him. Vlad's friend remains in critical but stable condition suffering from spinal, chest and head injuries. He is expected to pull through.

Born into a humbled home, Vladik's circle of friends included the rich and elite of Crimea. But he never accepted handouts from his wealthy friends. Vlad carried his weight, and while his mates got weekly allowances from their parents, Vlad worked to keep up a lifestyle he so adored.

Vlad leaves behind Mummy, Daddy and his baby Sister. He also leaves behind thousands of friends all over the world.

As his family and friends prepare for a private burial on Saturday October 24, Vlad's extended family and friends around the world begin 40 days of mourning in honor of the boy many of them haven't met. Clearly evident is Vlad's popularity from the comments posted here. What is it that touched your heart and obliged you to comment here?

Forever Remembered

October 21, 2009 - Alushta, Ukraine. It is with deep regret and profound sorrow that I announce the passing of my close personal friend, Vladik Shibanov. Vlad was suddenly taken from us on October 20 in a tragic car accident near his home. His family and friends are in shock and devastated by this horrible event.

The accident occured on a rain slicked road in the Simferopol-Alushta-Yalta region just before 11:00pm. Vladik lost control, flipping his vehicle. The 'Jaws of Life' was used to extract Vlad from his car, but he died at the scene. A friend of Vlad's was a passenger in the car, and he is in critical condition in hospital with spinal, chest and head injuries.

The world lost an intelligent bright young man in the prime of his life. For those who knew him personally, we simply cannot believe it's true. Let's all grieve together.

Read about the news in a Ukrainian newspaper:
http://news.allcrimea.net/news/2009/10/21/1256116036/

Use Google Translate or Yahoo Babelfish to translate.