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Harry Gordon posted a condolence
Saturday, October 19, 2019
Harry Decker and I became good friends when we were both in USNR squadron VF-781 during the Korean War. In 1952, our squadron had returned to San Diego from Korean duty on the aircraft carrier USS Bon Homme Richard, and we were stationed at Miramar NAS. Harry D acquired a small single-seat glider, a Schweizer 1-19. Both of us Harrys were licensed pilots, so we towed the glider on its trailer behind my 1936 Dodge to Clark Dry Lake in the Anza Borrego area.
Harry D bought a roll of fence wire to use as a launching tow line, and we took turns towing each other aloft behind the old Dodge on the dry lake bed. We could only reach 600-800 ft altitude, just enough altitude to make a 180 degree turn and land back at our starting point. (There was no wind so we could take off and land in any direction.)
My pilot's logbook shows the date was May 12, 1952, and I logged six flights. All went well except on one launch, the tow line broke. Trying to return to our launch point from the lower altitude, I stalled the glider a few feet above ground and dropped it in hard, breaking one of the wingtip skids. (The glider had a single wheel under the fuselage and a skid under each wing.) Harry D replaced the tubular aluminum skid with a piece of an automobile leaf spring.
Our squadron moved temporarily to El Centro Air Station in the Imperial Valley for gunnery practice, and Harry D and I flew the glider from the runway of an auxiliary airfield at Holtville, again towing it behind the Dodge. I logged 5 flights at Holtville. That was my last time in the glider, but Harry D later flew it at Torrey Pines glider port, near San Diego. As I recall, he had to land on the beach on one flight and was towed back aloft by a Piper Cub aircraft.
Later that year, our squadron completed its two years active duty and we were returned to civilian life. As I recall, Harry bought my old Dodge with the intention of towing the glider back home to the East Coast, but I think he changed his mind and sold the glider before he headed home. A recent Internet search shows the old glider is still registered to a man in El Cajon, CA.
I am happy to learn that Harry achieved such a long life. I reached 90 years myself this year.
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Carey Weick lit a candle
Tuesday, November 6, 2018
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To a great dad. Thanks for giving us Eileen.
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Ed Hagan posted a condolence
Sunday, November 4, 2018
I didn’t know Mr. Decker and only came across his obituary by reading it in The Record. He sounds like he lived a wonderful life and that he was an exemplary husband and father. Thank you, Mr. Decker, for your service to our country, and God rest your soul. May you enjoy endless pints of Bud in Heaven for eternity!
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Teri Peppe posted a condolence
Saturday, November 3, 2018
Great daughters honored you til the end, I'm raising a glass.........
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Teri Peppe lit a candle
Saturday, November 3, 2018
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Beth Van Zile Martuano posted a condolence
Saturday, November 3, 2018
So sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. I'm certain all the Westside Church members will be gathering to meet him to welcome him back into their group. I remember him fondly as a caring man with a big smile and an anchor in the kitchen when Westside had a church dinner.
My thoughts are with you all.
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Karen Welsh-Brawley posted a condolence
Saturday, November 3, 2018
RIP Harry! Sutton Ave has lost many good men ( and women) over the years. I am proud and grateful to have grown up on such a great street with so many wonderful memories. Harry and Delores were certainly part of those memories. Hope you are enjoying a cold frosty beer!Godspeed..and I know your favorite daughters will miss you dearly..and Delores has a lot of nagging to catch up on....hope my mom is catching you up on dirty jokes!
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Barbara Vonderheid posted a condolence
Friday, November 2, 2018
What three fabulous and favorite daughters Harry and Dolores made! This obituary was just the best. Know that you all let go with love and glad he is at peace. Hope they have lots of Bud when he gets there. With love, Barbara (Mark too).
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Diana Gomez. posted a condolence
Friday, November 2, 2018
Great eulogy for a man who raised his girl’s right. Cheers Mr Decker and my condolences to your family.
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Karen Moussab Bertan posted a condolence
Friday, November 2, 2018
Well Mr.Decker, I remember you from when I was s little girl and played with Marilyn by the front of the house and school #1. Your last Day here has been completed now and you have moved on to your next journey. REST IN PEACE. May God be with you and may he give strength to the girls and rest of the family
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Sheila Carioti posted a condolence
Friday, November 2, 2018
So Sorry For Your Loss . R.I.P. Harry Cheers To You !
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Anna Arlington posted a condolence
Friday, November 2, 2018
Cheers Harry! Rest In Peace. This Buds for you!
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Danielle Kinney posted a condolence
Friday, November 2, 2018
Farewell Harry! WHat a full life you lived! Janice this is such a touching obit, funny, full of life and love! I love you!
xooxo
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Eric Edward posted a condolence
Friday, November 2, 2018
Here’s to you Harry!
Wonderful to see you surrounded by love and laughter all of your days!
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Andrea Lindstrom posted a condolence
Friday, November 2, 2018
Here’s to you Mr. Decker! Thanks for all the rides in your blue Ford! Thanks for my friend, Marilyn and of course, Janice and Eileen too!
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Ray Agnello posted a condolence
Friday, November 2, 2018
Sorry for your loss Eileen, Janice, Marilyn and family.
Harry was such a happy good man and he will missed. I will raise my glass as soon as I get home in his honor!!
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Sue Reed posted a condolence
Friday, November 2, 2018
As a long time friend of Harry’s favorite youngest daughter, I would like to thank him for raising up such wonderful women of the world.
He will be so missed.
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Teresa Husbands posted a condolence
Friday, November 2, 2018
What a beautiful tribute to your Dad. It seems that you all were so lucky to have each other. The love comes through loud and clear! Condolences to you and your family Eileen. Hugs...
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Bob Hennings posted a condolence
Friday, November 2, 2018
Janice you have such a way with words. I’ve never met your dad but he seemed like such a cool dude. And I mean that with all the upmost respect. My deepest condolences go to you and your sisters at such a sorrowful time. Just by looking at your Facebook posts I saw all the trips you made to Jersey not only for Taylor ham and all of the great Jersey food, but spend time with your dad . I’m sure that brought a smile to him knowing you were around . Hang in there my friend you’re a strong woman I will be praying for you and your family.
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The family of Harry Decker uploaded a photo
Friday, November 2, 2018
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Totowa, NJ 07512
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