NTHRIWZ 0 #1 October 11, 2008 It is my sad duty to report that Harry Leicher is dead. Harry went in under a spinning main. He hit completely flat. Possible broken neck on opening. No movement under canopy. Only 1 person on the load saw it (he was on the backside of the open canopies relative to the DZ). It happened at about 10:30 this morning at Perris on, of all things, some "Fielding crowd and friends" formation dives (31-ways at this point in the day). RIP Harry, I'll really miss you. Pat Swovelin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jonstark 8 #2 October 11, 2008 Really sorry to hear that Pat. Harry was a character and always there with a smile and enthusiasm. Sad indeed. RIP Harry jon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shell666 0 #3 October 11, 2008 I will miss seeing Harry in LP. I will miss receiving a random letter with a photo he had taken of me. I will miss the Christmas cards every year. I'll miss the hugs and kisses and see you next times. Blue ones Harry (or should that be RED ones).'Shell Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MajorDad 0 #4 October 11, 2008 OMFG! My thoughts are with Janna and all the many freinds and family of Harry. Eternal Blue Ones Harry. See you in your Red Jumpsuit on the other side. Major Dad CSPA D-579 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #5 October 11, 2008 My love and thoughts are with all at Perris today, most especially Janna. Harry was one of the very, very good ones. I always looked forward to seeing him, at LP and at Perris. He was always happy and gave such great hugs. With tears in my eyes, I am lifting a big red cup to you now, Harry. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
guppie01 0 #6 October 12, 2008 Blue skies Harry! Steve and I just raised a glass to you... many more for this eve. Bless Janna with peace and love, g"Let's do something romantic this Saturday... how bout we bust out the restraints?" Raddest Ho this side of Jersey #1 - MISS YOU OMG, is she okay? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VanillaSkyGirl 6 #7 October 12, 2008 Bluest of skies to you, Harry. May you fly free forever. Sending my condolences to your friends and family. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
happychick 0 #8 October 12, 2008 What a sad day. My heart goes out to Janna and all their friends and family. Fly free on the clouds edges, watch out for us below. Shannon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Usetawuz 1 #9 October 12, 2008 Blue skies, Harry. Fly free. _________________________________________ The older I get, the better I was! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stratostar 5 #10 October 12, 2008 Thanks for the friendship & chats Harry, blue ones brother....... you can't pay for kids schoolin' with love of skydiving! ~ Airtwardo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nightingale 0 #11 October 12, 2008 Damn, Harry, I'm gonna miss you. You have been such a good friend to me over the past year, always full of fun and kicking my ass to get back in the air. Thanks for the day at Catalina, teaching me to skip stones at Lake McScottish, and most of all, just for always being there with a hug and a shoulder whenever I needed one, and I'm sorry I never told you how very much I appreciated your friendship. I just dug into my stash of Lang and opened one in your honor. Blue Skies, Harry. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ltdiver 3 #12 October 12, 2008 I was stunned when I heard about Harry going in today. He's the man who was so safety conscience that he'd land out in the dirt to avoid being in a tangle of canopies landing all at once on the grass! Harry took me on a flight a couple of years back, just to have fun flying without a student doing frightful things to the controls. He just wanted to get up and fly. He never asked for repayment and I so enjoyed that flight. Thank you again, Harry. I'll miss the hugs and the brief neck massages he'd give. The enthusiasm on meeting new people and welcoming them into the sport. His continual smile. His sage advice. Big Hugs to Janna, especially. You both made Perris a welcome place to be. This video is a fitting tribute to the pilot in Harry...And the one he referenced in one of his last posts here on dz.com. Lori Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ltdiver 3 #13 October 12, 2008 QuoteI just dug into my stash of Lang and opened one in your honor Our minds think alike. Opening one from my stash right now. ltdiver Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybill 22 #14 October 12, 2008 Hi Pat and all, That Eternal Star up ther just bigger by a great guy in a Red jumpsuit! Fly on Harry.SCR-2034, SCS-680 III%, Deli-out Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #15 October 12, 2008 Harry, many thanks for the jumps we shared, I'm looking at a photo of me hanging with one hand on your harness and one on the young lady celebrating her one hundredth jump. We lost the other half of the hybrid early on but kept our part together and mugged for the camera. And many thanks for the advice through out my flight training, you were not my instructor but you shared tips and information freely. I'm a pilot now and I owe some of that to you. I had hoped one day to share thoughts on instructing but I'm still a ways off from being a CFI. To those that may not have known Harry, read his thoughts here on this website. He's a smart guy, who knew how to have fun, yet keep it safe. Blue Skies Harry. -jp- Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shark 0 #16 October 12, 2008 Blue skies, Harry. I'm speechless. It's been a tough year for SoCal DZs. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MakeItHappen 15 #17 October 12, 2008 I am at a loss for words. Harry would be the last person you'd think would go in. He apparently did everything right. He packed for himself, so I am sure it was his normal pack job. How strange to have such a hard opening on a canopy lightly loaded (~1-1.2) Today was the 39th anniversary of his first jump. He turned 60 about two weeks ago and proudly wore his SOS shirt that day. Harry was looking forward to being on his first SOS load this January. He was so enthusiastic about it, he even was organizing a SoCal base that was going to be rock solid and practiced by the time January came around. He helped with coaching at this year's SOS event too. He was someone that always had fun on every dive - no matter how it went. Harry we will all miss you. Janna - my heart goes out to you. .. Make It Happen Parachute History DiveMaker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggermick 7 #18 October 12, 2008 Quote It is my sad duty to report that Harry Leicher is dead. Harry went in under a spinning main. He hit completely flat. Possible broken neck on opening. No movement under canopy. Only 1 person on the load saw it (he was on the backside of the open canopies relative to the DZ). It happened at about 10:30 this morning at Perris on, of all things, some "Fielding crowd and friends" formation dives (31-ways at this point in the day). RIP Harry, I'll really miss you. Pat Swovelin Oh man, this just plain sucks! this it truly unbelievable. So sad. BSBD, Harry gonna miss you. It seems we loose more and more friends as time marches on. At least he died doing what he loved. Mick Cottle. PS: hi Pat. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
codyjp 0 #19 October 12, 2008 I had the pleasure to know and work with Harry for four years. Harry was the model of safety so it is really hard to see him go like this. I am inspired that he was able to enjoy doing what he enjoyed most right up to the end. We are sure going to miss his smile and humor every day at the club. The aviation and skydiving community has truly lost an amazing person. My thoughts are with his wife and family. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grimmie 186 #20 October 12, 2008 NO! This can't be real. I was flying back from Reno tonight with another Perris jumper and we were talking about flying and I brought up Harry's name. I was going to phone him tomorrow about some airplane stuff. Harry was one of the good ones. Hugs Janna. Fly Free Harry... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
katecooper 0 #21 October 12, 2008 My thoughts go to Janna and the So Cal Crew today. Dark skies in Denmark..... love to all kate Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JakGramley 2 #22 October 12, 2008 Harry was one of the good ones. He'll be missed. Here are some photos of Harry from the old PerrisCam website. Harry and his friends from happier days.... Fly free Harry..... Jack Gramley Computer Consultant Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SBS 0 #23 October 12, 2008 Sad day Can someone please be sure to post memorial details when they are available? Thanks! _____________ I'm not conceited...I'm just realistic about my awesomeness... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Clownburner 0 #24 October 12, 2008 Blue skies friend 7CP#1 | BTR#2 | Payaso en fuego Rodriguez "I want hot chicks in my boobies!"- McBeth Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tbrown 26 #25 October 12, 2008 this is so hard to believe - of ALL people. I've known Harry for a very long time and will miss him deeply. Our prayers and love for Janna. Your humble servant.....Professor Gravity ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites