Aug 10, 2011, 10:10 AM
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William E. "Gene" Ritchie
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I received notice this morning that William E. "Gene" Ritchie died on August 7, 2011. Gene was born September 26, 1932 in Stratford, OK and died near his residence in Kerrville, TX. Gene is survived by his wife of 40 years, June.
Gene was D-256 and was accredited with starting numerous skydiving clubs throughout the years, including Ft. Hood Skydivers, Ranger Skydivers at Deland, FL to name a few.
I have a attached a few photos of our years together at Ft. Hood Skydiving Club.
Aug 17, 2011, 9:04 AM
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Re: [Spiker] William E. "Gene" Ritchie
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Ken, Nations and I went to the memorial service, it was nice Dick and I talked about old times. I'm on dropzone now so e-mail me now and then. cfronce@dropzone.com
Aug 17, 2011, 1:36 PM
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Re: [Spiker] William E. "Gene" Ritchie
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Blue skies to Gene, have a great respect for the pioneers in our sport.
Is it me or does the guy with his back to us in the first pic have a P.O.B. over the reserve handle? The one with the reserve hanging to the right side. I think I remember folks doing that when transporting, but not geared up of course?
Aug 18, 2011, 5:53 PM
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Re: [upndownshop] William E. "Gene" Ritchie
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You are correct we all use to lock in the reserve handles till we hit the DZ . If one was pulled on the ground it cost you a case of beer also one if you lost a ripcord. If you look at the team pic in front of the HU1-B see an early camera helmet as of 1961 wind up keystone....Ken
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