The Lake Charles man who lost his life last weekend in a plane crash in Grant Parish.
This was written into the blog today by Jim McClain:
We lost a friend this weekend.
A friend with a zest for life, a sense of adventurism, who possessed remarkable compassion.
He loved to fly in airshows. To bring joy to youth who saw in him what he wouldn’t say he was himself- a hero, a man who turned the mechanics of flight into something that everyone could understand and in turn share.
He honored warbird history by flying a T-28, and allowed many who had known the plane to see it up close. To sit in the cockpit once more, feel the burden of life and age lift, and to be that young airman pilot candidate again.
He was young and a professional in a profession that required as much skill as being a warbird pilot. This weekend he found himself in a situation.
Whatever the cause, we know the result. Celebrate his life, his spirit. He’s earned his wings. Someday, in the end, we all will.
Jim/Banzai
CenLamar 
I count myself very blessed to have met Dr. Sleiman Salibi and will forever be grateful to have been an acquaitance of his. I regret not having the chance to get to know him much better. He was indeed a very humble but compassionate man; one who cared deeply about those around him. He will be missed by all those who knew and loved him. We have lost a wonderful Son, Brother, Dr. and Friend
I knew Dr Salibi from a Hospital that I work as a very humble, down to earth Physician. While I was new at the Hospital, he would spare his time to explain to me different procedures that he carried out in his scope of practice. I learned news of his death with deep sorrow. he will definately be missed by those who admired his enthusiasm.
I was a friend of Sol’s but have moved away to Virginia about 5 years ago. I would like to know who I could talk to about the crash. Did he return to Lebanon?
My pager is 540-953-4401.
There was a memorial service in Lake Charles, LA. His body was shipped back to Lebanon afterwards. I do not know all of the details but I was told that the last thing they heard from him was he was low on fuel on his return trip from St. Louis. The crash is being investigated.
I went to high school with Dr. Salibi, he was my class mate for 3 years. Dr. Salibi was very focused and dedicated student, always respectful and thoughful to others. He was the star at St. Mary’s Orthodox high school in Beirut. My deepest sympathy to his family.
You are never forgotten. To many you are a hero who served this Nation, and to me, Sleiman you were a dear friend and you took me up in the air and let me fly a plane for the first time. God be with you where you are now my friend. When I think of what is good and honest, I often remember you because this is what you were. The love you gave lives on everyday in all those whose lives you touched and it will continue to be shared.