Stephen J. Morris writes:

Today we lost a hang gliding legend, a good friend and mentor,
Eves Tall-Chief.

Eves (or simply "Chief") started hang gliding at the dawn of the sport and he
pioneered flying in Yosemite, launching more times there than anyone. He flew
all over the world and was featured on many TV segments for his flying exploits.

The first time I ever "met" him was on TV in 1980 when I saw him flying in
Yosemite on a national TV show. He had 40 lbs of camera gear strapped to his
glider and he leaped off Glacier Point with his signature holler that signaled
"I'm free!" I had no idea that I'd meet him 5 years later in California and have
the honor of knowing him for the next 35 years.

He had the biggest heart and would help anyone. He loved flying and often flew
in his old-age even when his shoulder would sometimes dislocate in flight and he
would land one-handed in excruciating pain. Nothing could stop him except old
age and illness. Our small community of pilots will miss him dearly, he was
one-of-a kind and a friend to us all.

I don't have any photos of us together, but I caught Chief on video in 2016 when
he helped me launch at the Fort Funston Air races. You can't hear our
conversation because of the wind noise, but I'm certain I was getting sage
advice.