howardwhite 6 #1 February 27, 2008 I am sorry to report the passing Tuesday night of Lowell Bachman, D-700, a pioneering skydiver and founding president of Para-Gear. Lowell Bachman founded Para-Gear after completing Army service, and built it into an international supplier of parachutes and skydiving gear. He was awarded the USPA Lifetime Achievement Award in 1975 "For service to the United States Parachute Association and all competitors as judge and chief judge at countless national championships, and as a dedicated leader in the development of judging excellence." A Parachutist article about him was already being prepared as part of the current series on award winners, and will appear in a forthcoming issue. He was also a founding member of the Parachute Industry Association (PIA) and a Trustee of the National Skydiving Museum. Through his efforts, Para-Gear is the repository of the collection of equipment and other items intended for future display in the Museum. Lowell and his wife Dori were at the PIA meeting in Barcelona last week; he seemed in fine spirits, though experiencing some flu-like symptoms at the end of the event. He passed away in his sleep Tuesday. In a message to PIA members, President Cliff Schmucker said: "Per Lowell's wishes, a party celebrating and honoring his life will be held at a future date. "The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the National Skydiving Museum - http://www.nationalskydivingmuseum.org." I'm attaching two picture of Lowell in the Para-Gear booth in Barcelona, one with his son, Curt, and the other with Len Potts, D-220, president of the National Skydiving Museum. He was a quiet giant, and will be much missed and mourned. HW Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rigger53 0 #2 February 27, 2008 Such sad news. I was only talking with him last week at PIA, he looked so well and vibrant. Such a shock. Condolences to his family. Bill Sharp Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slotperfect 7 #3 February 27, 2008 What an incredibly sad piece of news. I am in total shock, having seen Lowell only four short days ago in Spain. Wow. For once I really don't know what to say. Maybe once I process the news a bit I can share a little of my experience of him. My prayers go out to Dori, Chris, and Curt.Arrive Safely John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JerryBaumchen 1,467 #4 February 27, 2008 Once when Scotty Hamilton was the Pres. of USPA, he was asked who was the nicest person in skydiving that he had ever met: He said Lowell. And if you ever had the opportunity to meet Lowell you would know why. My very best to his family, JerryBaumchen Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LouDiamond 1 #5 February 27, 2008 I am also a bit shocked by this news. Like Slotperfect, I spoke with Loewell just a few days ago at PIA for a good while. This is a very sad day indeed. "It's just skydiving..additional drama is not required" Some people dream about flying, I live my dream SKYMONKEY PUBLISHING Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
howardwhite 6 #6 February 28, 2008 A death notice and guest book for Lowell is now on line. HW Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
