Thomas "Ski" Demski, founder and father to Superflag, was an American patriot straight to the soul.

Throughout his home and office were photos, images and art dedicated to America and her flag. He showed his patriotism not only in the clothes he wore, usually red, white and blue, but also, by showing of his many flag tattoos.

When asked in an interview about why he dedicated his life to the flag, Demski replied: "Because it represents our country and what it stands for; it means freedom to me and there's no sweeter word."

Before starting Superflag, Ski owned a bumper sticker business, which is still going strong today. Ski-Cals provids a large range of bumper stickers for alcohol recovery programs and provided Ski a way to give back to the community that helped him during his own battle with alcoholism. Ski had remained sober from March 13, 1975 until his passing in 2002.

Ski's first American flag was made to commemorate the release of the 52 hostages held during the Iran hostage crisis. On January 25, 1981, the 444 day of the diplomatic crisis the 47 x 82 ft flag was raised on Ski's own 120 ft flagpole at his home in Long Beach California.

The emotions surrounding the hostage crisis combined with the unfurling of the large flag produced an event filled with patriotism and joy and led Ski to go on to commission other super sized flags.

In 1984 Ski commissioned Superflag I (95 x 160 ft). The flag made its debut at Superbowl XVIII in Tampa, Florida and later that year at the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in San Francisco, California.

The largest of Ski's three flags: "The Superflag" (255 x 505) was recorded in the 1997 Guinness Book of Records as the "Largest Flag in the World".

Although Ski's greatest passion was his superflags it was by no means his only passion. Ski Demski was known as a mayoral candidate, a tattoo enthusiast, an expert on exotic birds, Santa Claus, and much more.

Ski Demski's unique life has left a legacy that few of us will ever experience, and those who passed his way would have found it hard to forget the man named "Ski." He touched so many people with his passion for life, and for many he changed their lives for the better.