Larry Scarinzi called me this morning and let me know that Leroy Ducharme passed on last week at his home in florida of a heart attack.; He was 76 years old. Leroy and Larry were in the USAF together, and were flying buddies. Leroy designed the Lieutenant , a classic legal airplane, and won stunt at the Mirror Meet in 1955 flying the old MM pattern. There are many more things that Leroy accomplished than I have listed here.

De Hill

Leroy was a great friend. His passing is a true loss to his family, his friends and our hobby!
Leroy and I worked together, on an International Missile Development Program, back in the '80s. At this time we learned that we had both flown CL "Stunt" back in the mid 50's and promised we would try to do it again, together, someday.
In late 1999 or early 2000, after we both retired, we finally got together and flew at a local field in Titusville, FL.. Leroy was always a pleasant and helpful flying partner. I regret that I have not seen him since the KOI 6 or 7 years ago as we lived quite a distance apart.
Sincere condolences tohis family.
May he rest in peace.
Roger Vizioli

     Leroy's EASY was published in the January 1957 issue of FLYING MODELS.  I remember buying that issue and reading the article in 1957 when I was 16 years old (I will be 72 in June). The EASY was a cleverly designed airplane what could be flown in Stunt Events (with landing gear) and Combat events (with landing gear removed).  I never built Leroy's EASY, but I still have that issue of FLYING MODELS.  It contains, not only the article describing construction, but full sized patterns of the ribs and other major parts.  Leroy Ducharme was one of many well known modelers of the 1950's and 1960's that we looked up to and whose careers we followed.   I am sorry to hear of his passing.....it reminds us that we are all getting older and we should continue to enjoy this great hobby as long as we are able.        

Rodger    Here is my Easy built in the mid 1990's. I built one in 1956 from the article. I still have the Magazine

Terrence You and I are the same age.     My date June 6th 1940

Terrence    I used a Fox .35 and flew it in a couple of Classic contests. It was not a stellar performer
Ed

The first I heard his name was in Larry Scarinzi's article on his Blue Angel. Larry mentioned one of the design features was the overhanging rear fuselage; he called it the "Ducharme Hangover" after Leroy's Lieutenant design.  Much later did I actually see a copy of the lieutenat plans , and later the Easy plans.  Thankfully at least these two designs have been documented and shall remain in our heritage.

I never had the pleasure of meeting Leroy, but I feel like I have lost another hero.  May he rest in peace, may his family and friends be blessed with comfort in their grief.

Allways sad to hear of another UC flyer passing on. Best to friends and family.
Dan