Farewell to "Ski" Demski "Beat the drum slowly... The flag-man of Long Beach is dead."   From an article featured in the January 25th, Long Beach Press-Telegram, about "Ski" and his friend Jim Alexander. "Ski" Demski, has left a legacy that few of us will ever experience. He was, what some of you might call a "character". That he was and will always be. Few who ever passed his way would forget the man named "Ski". He touched so many of us, and for many he changed their lives for the better. These few photos only scratch the surface of our friend "Ski". Here above seen under his "SuperFlag", with stars each 17 feet across, "Ski" stands there forever waving to us all. He had a message for us all and it seemed to be the same, but ask each person who knew him well and you'll find that each received a different message, one personal for that person alone. He was proud to wear and display his tattoos, and here he can be seen with his bird "Peppy" which he loved very much. He stands with bird in hand and displaying the large eagle he wore on his chest. Last year on St. Patrick's Day he celebrated his own "Fake Wake"! Here he can be seen in his glass coffin, with visitors and friends walking past with respect, while he lie still for all to see. Here we see "Ski" with his trademark beard and long hair (above left), with his friend and number one helper, Jim Alexander.  He was a proud American and enjoyed his beloved "Largest Flag in the World" seen behind him and Jim in this photo. On the right we see him walking on Superflag (w/o shoes), providing a little extra weight to get all the air out before rolling the flag back into his motor home.  The flag is never placed directly on the ground, a sheet of plastic is used to keep the flag off the ground and also to protect it from dirt and moisture. Ode to a Friend How do you say goodbye to a friend? The best way I know how is talk about the fine points of this friend that most people have never been exposed to. We always thing we knew someone real well until new facets of their lives are brought to our attention. I speak of my friend, Thomas L. "Ski" Demski who passed from our space on this earth Friday 18 January, 2002. Sometime during that night or early Saturday morning "Ski" left us to the rewards of a better existence reserved for such deserving being's. "Ski" was not an easy person to get close to and see all the good he did for mankind. He usually did not care for someone to see him take money from his pocket and pass it to the hand of someone who had a greater need then he. His facade was what most saw and never met the kind considerate person inside. I have many private remembrances of "Ski" in the years I have known him. I would like to share some of them with you. "Ski" enjoyed the youth of this country and given an opportunity would always give his time to them. He always enjoyed a "high five" from, a youngster. We traveled around a lot and I have many times seen a young person spot him in an airport, at a restaurant etc. and the first thing out of their mouths was "look Mom, Santa". This always got his attention and he would stop to talk to that child. Think back on your life. When in mid-summer did you see Santa and have him stop and talk to you. Who would ever believe the transformation of "Ski" come December when the Santa suit was taken off the hanger. Who would ever believe that this man was ready to distribute over 10,000 candy canes at schools, churches, hospitals, nursing homes, parades and many private homes? An antidote from my own home one Christmas eve. It was very wet outside (southern California is free of snow at this time) and Santa "Ski" arrived in a red convertible. Their were several grand children who were thrilled to see Santa and some of the neighbors who saw he arrive brought their children to see Santa. One girl in particular was nine years old and blind. Santa "Ski" took her on his knee and started talking to her. All of us in the room knew immediately that we did not exist. She took her hand and ran it over the fur of his jacket. As she spoke with him she tested his beard and felt his glasses. Then came the greatest pronouncement of all. HE REALLY IS SANTA !!! This may sound exciting but the punch line she delivered when walking home holding her aunts hand was best of all. We were all in front of my house saying goodbye to Santa when Rebecca turned and said. Santa say HI TO MRS. CLAUS for me. Let me tell you there really is a Santa Claus, and his name was Ski Demski that night. by Jim Alexander   "Ski", you where one of a kind and you will be sorely missed by most of us, thank you for everything, and especially, thank you for being YOU!    God bless you, my friend...   So long for now! - JFM   Please Note:  That we also have    and our very own    for sale!  We invite you view these colorful products by clicking on these links to view these products! 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