From USPA.org:
The U.S. Parachute Association mourns the tragic loss of Ted Strong, one of the sport’s great pioneers. Ted started jumping in 1958; he was a competitor, coach and rigger-turned-innovator who formed Strong Enterprises in 1961 so that his friends might jump safely. Through the ’60s and ’70s, Ted helped lead the way in the transition from military surplus to modern sport equipment. In the ’80s, he helped pioneer what is arguably the single-most influential technological advancement in skydiving in 50 years–tandem jumping–which opened our sport to the general public and made it the thriving recreational industry it is today. Ted’s innovations carried over to the sport aviation community with comfortable, reliable emergency bailout rigs, as well as into the military market with numerous technological advancements. An innovator and visionary, Ted was awarded USPA’s Gold Medal for Meritorious Service in 2002, and in 2010, he was inducted into the first class of the National Skydiving Museum Hall of Fame. Those who knew him remember with affection his humility, a kind and generous spirit, and the infectious smile that lifted spirits wherever he went. Remarked USPA President Jay Stokes, “Skydiving has lost one of its greats, an influential pioneer who has made a lasting impact on the sport. We will all miss him greatly, but his legacy will not be forgotten.”
