Hard to believe it’s already been a week since the loss of a friend, a family man, and a Surfwanderer, Francisco “Franny” Solorio, Jr. The tragic event deeply affected those who were close to him and touched the lives of everyone, not just surfers, all over the world. I didn’t have the pleasure to meet Franny, but I know I’m not the only one finding it hard to look at the recent waves without thinking of him.
More Words & Photos from Liebs

Tragedies like this connect us. The loss of a fellow surfer forces us take a step back and re-evaluate what’s important, what we take for granted, and what we can do to, well, live better.
So I propose a toast… to Franny. Let this Fall & Winter be dedicated to him. From looking at his photos and hearing all the awesome things that people have to say about him, it seems that Franny would want nothing more than to see his friends score some waves. Surf knowing that he is looking down on us sending as many fresh lines in as we can handle.

And as we head on into this holiday season don’t forget to about those people that matter to you. Tell them they matter. Life is short and crazy and you really never know.

RIP Francisco. We’ll all catch one for you.

The family has set up a memorial fund to help cover final expenses and ensure his daughters future.

Donations are being accepted at the Rabobank located at 519 East Main Street in Santa Maria under the “Francisco Solorio Memorial Fund #9502-342252″.

A private celebration of life “paddle out” will be held at Jalama Beach on Sunday.