Power Kite Forum

One of our best.

BeamerBob - 3-8-2015 at 11:32 PM

I got some very troubling and sad news yesterday. One of our own is losing a long battle with cancer.

Tridude here on the forum otherwise known as Don Leech if you've had the honor of meeting him in person has fought a valiant battle with cancer for years now. It always seemed that his life of military service and striving for peak physical fitness, was carrying him through the battle each time the cancer popped up. The treatments would knock him down a notch and then he would bounce back to recover. It was a hard battle each time and even though he wore a proud face, the regimen of treatments was a brutal task for any body no matter how strong to stand hard against. I wouldn't wish Don's path on my worst enemy. No one deserves to have to go through this, especially a great guy like Don.

Don has probably been the most influential person in my kiting life. He was there when I flew my first Flysurfer, PL arc, did my first body drag in the water, and was my instructor to learn to ride on the water. It was with his kite, board and patient instruction that I first linked some turns on the water and worked my way upwind. He was always articulate, encouraging, and certainly patient with our hours of conversations on the phone over the years. He also jumped at the chance to hit the road to meet up with fellow kiters. Like many of the SOFKA crew, if someone was going to be on a beach in SC, or GA, he was on the road to share in the fellowship of joining on a beach or even leaving his coastal paradise to come ride with friends at OOBE field in Aiken, SC.

I bought my third kite from Don, having met him here on PKF and with the plan to meet up at an HQ demo day at Jekyll Island. After striking a deal that we both liked, he called me one day before we met up and told me he had taken a good thorough look at the 5m HQ Crossfire and there was some fraying on one of the power line bridles. He wanted me to know about the issue and that he wasn't comfortable selling me the kite until it was resolved. He made a temporary repair on it and arranged to get a replacement of the part from HQ before he was comfortable going through with the sale. Honest to the core.

I hope many of you have at a minimum enjoyed and learned from Don from his posts here on PKF, and even better if you've had the distinct honor of meeting him and riding with him in person.

My emotions are pretty raw right now, and I'm certain I haven't done my best job of honoring a great friend, father to 3 awesome children, loving husband to his wife, and fellow kiter. Join with me in a heartfelt hand in the air to send off one of our best.

alasdair macleod - 4-8-2015 at 02:32 AM

Sorry pick you up wrong.

Cancer is a total bastard.
Been too many funeral of family and friend's.
It's hard on the person and there family and friends who are left
After they're gone.
But that's life.

RedSky - 4-8-2015 at 03:17 AM

NO! :(

Hope you're ok Bob.

3shot - 4-8-2015 at 03:23 AM

Sorry to hear this Bobby.
We missed him at JIBE this year.
Thoughts and prayers go out to tridude!

cheezycheese - 4-8-2015 at 04:29 AM

Deeply saddened... :( Don sold me my 15m Phanny. It was my first Arc. He was full of information and encouragement to join the D'arc side.

indigo_wolf - 4-8-2015 at 04:30 AM



Sad news indeed.

Thoughts and prayers to Don and his family.

I believe Don was the original owner of PKD Combat I bought from you. :(

ATB,
Sam

B-Roc - 4-8-2015 at 05:34 AM

That is a sad end to a valiant fight. Don, DaVinch and I all bought Begos around the same time way back in the day and even traded a few amongst ourselves. Don also bought my 6m Pulse II when he learned it just wasn't a good fit for me. I enjoyed talking to him thru this forum in the early days and have missed his presence over the years. He will be missed. My prayers are with him and his family.

abkayak - 4-8-2015 at 06:18 AM

condolences to all family and friends....you were obviously lucky to spend time w/ the man

Feyd - 4-8-2015 at 06:44 AM

Geez Bobby, sux to hear. Tridude was a staple and though I never met him personally you still get a sense of who somebody is through the forum. It's too bad. My condolences to his family and friends.

ssayre - 4-8-2015 at 07:38 AM

Never met him either but sounds like a man of our own heart. Condolences to family and friends. I sincerely hope we all get to ride with those we have not met in the heavens when it's our time.

markite - 4-8-2015 at 07:59 AM

Don is the real deal - he's lived life true and he made a big impression on anyone that had the opportunity to spend time with him. We had the brief pleasure of spending JIBE with him a few years ago and missed him last year. When he knew we were driving down he had extended and invitation to make a pit stop passing by his place for a morning coffee etc but we were on the road very very early and passed by and he wasn't able to make it to JIBE - I really regret not being able to make that stop and see him one more time. His wisdom on working a board in the water surfing or SUPingwas a great sharing experience.
Sad news, thoughts and prayers to Don and his family.

BeamerBob - 4-8-2015 at 11:14 AM

I'm making arrangements to get back to visit him asap. Hoping for this weekend if flights work out.

RedSky - 4-8-2015 at 01:45 PM

Quote: Originally posted by BeamerBob  
I'm making arrangements to get back to visit him asap. Hoping for this weekend if flights work out.


Please tell him that our thoughts are with him.

awindofchange - 4-8-2015 at 03:21 PM

It really sux when bad things happen to good people. Don is one of the best. Please let him know that all of our prayers are with him and his family.

Bladerunner - 4-8-2015 at 03:42 PM

How Sad,

I bought my Pulse off of Don. 1 more reason that I am never likely to sell that kite. Don is one of those folks on here that although we never met I feel we are old friends.

I still want to think he is tough enough to win this battle but Bob's news doesn't sound too promising.

Thanks for everything Don!

:bigok:

WELDNGOD - 4-8-2015 at 05:28 PM

Aw man that sux ! Prayers go out to Don and his family. He WILL be missed.

PHREERIDER - 4-8-2015 at 06:41 PM

man this tough news

3shot - 4-8-2015 at 07:01 PM

Lots of pics of Don on the JIBE forum archives for anyone wanting some good pics! :saint:
Courtesy of Phree!

Cheeks - 4-8-2015 at 07:26 PM

I meet Don at a "Chilie Run OOBE Field" a few years back and he was such a nice man.
I was hoping he would make it to JIBE 15. I made him a couple of special survivor event tees. I did send them to him and I hope he has enjoyed them.
This is a great loss to our small community of power kiters and I'm so sorry for this family and friends. He's in my prayers.

shehatesmyhobbies - 4-8-2015 at 07:36 PM

Met Don, and his son at Jibe a couple of years back, had many phone conversations with him, he was the best. Never met a man that has endured what he had with the several bouts of cancer and still have such a positive outlook on life. Always smiling, never complained just got in his buggy and went. While we were there he didn't get on his board though, would love to have seen that!

hiaguy - 4-8-2015 at 07:38 PM

I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting you Don, but I look forward to it. Here or there. You have had a tremendously positive impact on many of those here whom we call friends, and on the sport we love and share. I can only imagine your impact in the other areas of your life.

My thoughts and prayers, for strength and peace, are with you and your family.

Thank you.

soliver - 4-8-2015 at 08:29 PM

Like Davis said above, I also met Don at the last OOBE Field Chili Run 3 years ago. After signing the "don't sue me if you break your neck" papers with Chris (Pokite) in the kite fort, I stepped out to see Kevin knkmanthey being drug across the field by Don's 5m Best Waroo (I think) under his tutelage... So I had an opportunity to meet him in person and again at JIBE once or twice... He's the one I always remember who told us "When you learn to fly in this crappy wind (Referring to the inland jank) and be successful, you can really be great when you hit the beach and ride the clean winds!"

I think I too have a kite that was once one of Don's, a 3.5m PL reactor II custom made for a PL team rider, later owned by BeamerBob too.

Much love to the Leech family for willingly sharing Don with us. Prayers are sent up for the family for sure.

chris - 4-8-2015 at 10:26 PM

Heartbreaking news. Great man. Always exuded positivity. Loved to share his knowledge and passion. Bobby, I'm glad you are trying to get back to see him.

IFlyKites - 4-8-2015 at 11:43 PM

Never met Don but he seems like a great, positive guy.

Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Kamikuza - 5-8-2015 at 08:53 AM

Aw jeez... I thought he had it on the run :(

Best wishes Don, and family...

TEDWESLEY - 5-8-2015 at 06:12 PM

When we met at JIBE it was like we'd known each other for years. One of the best. A person that you felt nothing but positive vibes from
despite what was going on within him. The fight is hard and it was long. I hope he finds peace. We have all gained from his time with us.

Baluk - 5-8-2015 at 09:57 PM

A little bittersweet because initially I misread your post.. so I am glad he is still fighting.

Sad new indeed.

BeamerBob - 11-8-2015 at 07:52 AM

Well I learned late last night that Don lost his well fought battle. He was strong and positive until the moment he became unresponsive.

Phreerider picked me up at the airport so we could go visit with Don and I feel very blessed to have gotten to share his last days with him and his wonderful family. He will be missed greatly.

shehatesmyhobbies - 11-8-2015 at 08:24 AM

Glad you made it back to get a few days with him. He will definitely be sorely missed.
R.I.P. Mi Amigo. Great to have shared time with you on the beach. Rest well!

acampbell - 11-8-2015 at 08:52 AM

I just got the call from Bobby.

The sky just got darker over Jekyll Island.

Glad that Bobby and Chad were able to get to Don and his family, representing the kite community.

Don was among my first customers. He asked me about a de-power kite - he hadn't yet flown one. I had a Flexifoil Sabre II I could ship to him but I was concerned. Then he modestly explained that he was ex Air Force Special Forces and that he used to parachute in to bad places to help downed airmen. So I mentally checked off "risk management skills" and sent him the kite. Couple of days later he was telling me about jumping a fence with it! Sheesh.

We'll miss him for sure.

B-Roc - 11-8-2015 at 09:10 AM

My heart sank when I saw this thread back near the top of "today's posts".

Sad news. Sad day.

flyhighWNY - 11-8-2015 at 11:28 AM

Unfortunately on several occasions I was not able to meet Don!! Amazing guy... F$@* C@&%#)!! Very Sad news

pbc - 11-8-2015 at 12:16 PM

Ah that's too bad. It was always good talking with Don at JIBE. He will be missed.

acampbell - 11-8-2015 at 12:54 PM

He can ride with AJ now...

RedSky - 11-8-2015 at 01:21 PM

Like B-Roc I noticed this thread bumped and suspected the worst. I know he meant a great deal to you guys over here, so I'm sad for you all and I think it is amazing that Bobby and Phreerider made great efforts to go see him in his final days.

Life is sometimes just not fair.

:(

B-Roc - 11-8-2015 at 02:03 PM

Quote: Originally posted by acampbell  
He can ride with AJ now...


Amen to that :saint::saint:

BeamerBob - 11-8-2015 at 02:08 PM

Quote: Originally posted by acampbell  
He can ride with AJ now...


Ok that one made this NSFW. I've melted down a few times already today.

TEDWESLEY - 11-8-2015 at 03:28 PM

So sad. We are diminished greatly, our little community.

3shot - 11-8-2015 at 03:32 PM

Rest easy Don!! You are flying with the angels now.


Prayers sent for all his family and friends.

cheezycheese - 11-8-2015 at 03:35 PM

Not to take this off topic, but this thread only serves to show the beauty of PKF as well as the spirit of Tridude. How is it that people around the world who have never physically shaken his hand can feel such enormous loss. I really feel as though I lost someone close to me. Will never sell my 15m Phanny now.

soliver - 11-8-2015 at 03:57 PM

Kudos to you Bobby for your big heart,... We will miss Don for sure.

God bless and Rest in Peace, Don.

I just emailed Chris (Pokite) to let him know.

Todd - 11-8-2015 at 06:43 PM

Very sad news. I first met Don at JIBE and was promptly told that Angus had a wind direction switch hidden in the brush. He then asked me not to mess with it.

:lol::lol::duh::duh: Don I will miss you. Go find AJ and have a blast!

http://vimeo.com/24184033
This is Don and I at the end.


3shot - 11-8-2015 at 06:53 PM

That is awesome to see Don at the end of that video then fades to the sunset and mellow music. Good stuff!!!

shehatesmyhobbies - 11-8-2015 at 07:05 PM

I have watched that video so many times the last two weeks!

ssayre - 11-8-2015 at 07:10 PM

Thanks for sharing Todd.

What is it about pkf? Such a good hearted community. Even though I've only met a couple people in person it seems we all share the same vibe.

My thoughts and prayers to friends and family.

BeamerBob - 11-8-2015 at 08:02 PM

Awesome video and it's great to hear his voice again. I bet that hanky he was wearing around his neck was to protect his trach he got on the first chemo/radiation treatments. The treatments made his neck swell and made it difficult to swallow for a period of time. Thanks for sharing Todd.

Kamikuza - 11-8-2015 at 08:18 PM

damn... RIP Don.

lunchbox - 11-8-2015 at 09:01 PM

Although I never met Don, I feel sad that he's gone. He contributed so much to this forum and I will miss reading his posts.

I will be flying the Red Devil I brought from him a few years ago in his honor.

Rest in peace my brother!

nfleech - 12-8-2015 at 03:20 PM

Thank you all for the kind words of my Father, he was one hell of a husband, dad, friend and teacher! I think everyone who knew him grew from knowing him, as a son of his I was constantly given opportunities to learn and succeed under his tutelage, I would not be who I am today without him and tomorrow I strive to be half the man he was.

Everyone on this forum was one of his friends, he enjoyed talking to great lengths with you all about the trim of kites, efficiency of foils (I was always a tuber) and just basic kiting knowledge. Like all of his other endeavors in life, Dad did everything possible under the power of wind and the lines of a kite and he sure knew what the hell he was doing. He started kiting in 2003, I was 13 and an adamant surfer bound that I would never ride a wave with anything other than a surfboard. Watching him smile ear to ear whether on land or on water made me think, "hell, Dad is having a blast! I want to have some fun too!!". Needless to say from that point on we flew together, no matter what the surface or medium. We had an amazing time traveling, talking about different designs, and even building our own boards! We learned together from there on out, I will forever cherish those times spent with Dad, Bobby Muse, Chad Golden, Angus Campbell, Rich Miller, and so many others I've met because of Don Leech.

Tomorrow we will be holding the "Downy for Don" from 51st avenue Isle of Palms to Station 28.5 Sullivan's Island (A formidable downwind leg) in honor of Don at 4:30pm. I know many of you will not be able to make it, but if you have a chance to fly a kite at that time please think of the man who taught us all so much, made us laugh and smile and realize how precious life truly is.

Don Leech

Blue Skies and Strong Winds

Much love,

Nate Leech

acampbell - 12-8-2015 at 05:02 PM

I'm on Jekyll tomorrow at 430 p flying a phanny. Bless you Nate and family.

soliver - 12-8-2015 at 05:10 PM

If there were wind tomorrow in the ATL, I would join, but the forecast is complete junk 'round here... I'll be thinking of Don tomorrow and flying in my mind.

Nation wide SOFKA flight for Tridude!!!!

BeamerBob - 12-8-2015 at 05:36 PM

Thanks Nate for getting the word out. You beat me to it. Don and I spoke a great deal about riding on Ivanpah, and he was always amazed at the speeds that came so easily out there.

I can't ride at 4:30 EDT but I'll match up with the same sun position you guys will have and I'm gonna fly it like I stole it. I'm gonna get dirty and burn some rubber on Ivanpah and do it all in honor and memory of Don. :lol::lol::duh::duh:......

shehatesmyhobbies - 12-8-2015 at 07:00 PM

Nate the honor was all mine, couldn't wait to meet your dad face to face, glad I did, he made a difference to so many of us.

I will do what I can to get a kite up to fly with you guys tomorrow, but here at home unfortunately.

Keep your chin up Nate, you made your Dad proud, and I know you are proud of who he was.

mougl - 12-8-2015 at 08:29 PM

Very sad news. I had the honor of meeting, and sharing the wind with Don. I have never met such a great person and he inspired me to help anyone and everyone I can with kiting, or otherwise. No matter how dark the day, he always found the ray of sunshine and shared it with everyone. Heaven has gained another angel. I love you brother. Untill we meet again...

Cheeks - 12-8-2015 at 10:48 PM

:(:(:(

Proletariat - 12-8-2015 at 11:25 PM

Damn. Don was one of our veteran leaders. He helped me a ton when I was getting started and when I showed up to JIBE from Colorado a few years back (without a buggy, mind you), Don was the first person to welcome me and make me feel like part of the family. Then he promptly sold me a harness :)

I will be thinking of him next time I go out. Wish I had been able to spend more time with him, but I'm thankful for the brief times I had. I'm sorry for your loss, Nate.

PHREERIDER - 13-8-2015 at 06:35 AM

all into one, the elements bind us and deliver us. a deep saddening loss for all, the spirit persist despite the limits of our body experience and its energy is eternal and truly free beyond the fears of our human ego. being a part of Don's human experience has enriched my experience and grateful for his sharing and engaging nature. Don, a real champion at life, helped make us all stronger at living

our experience together and sharing happiness is the prize.

here we are pheasting on life! Don, Nate, Angus, and myself , this is the" back on the horse " after his first surgery. very much a celebration, just as todays session will be honoring Don.

https://vimeo.com/33264538

abkayak - 13-8-2015 at 09:53 AM

i fly tonight thinking of Don...bless him, his family and friends

shaggs2riches - 15-8-2015 at 10:07 PM

I would like to send out my sincere condolences to Don's family and friends. He was always a knowledgeable and friendly person. Always seemed to have his heart in the right places. I had a few conversations with him on here on the forum and in messages. I bought my 12m speed 2 from him back in 2010, and to this day, it is still my favorite kite in my quiver. RIP Tridude.

AnnieO - 19-8-2015 at 08:37 AM

Prayers to Don's family. I've been off PKF for awhile and this is the first thing I see coming back. Very sad indeed. Don sold me his 2.5 Bullet which is hands-down the most fun kite I have in my quiver. I could tell he was a class act all the way and the best possible ambassador of the kiting sport.

The wind's up here today and I will fly the Bullet in his honor. RIP Don.