Jerry Allen Riedinger

I am very sorry to report that Jerry Riedinger, husband of Peggy Jordan Riedinger passed away last night in an airplane accident. Jerry was flying a friend’s Extra 300L from Arlington to Ephrata, Washington. The accident occurred near the western edge of the Snoqualmie Pass.

Jerry was known by everyone as a humble and conscientious aviator. He was an inspiration to many in his sport of passion: aerobatics. Jerry flew in the upper levels of competition, served as an aerobatic judge, was a frequent contest director, served on the IAC’s government relations team and mentored many. Jerry was also a prolific philanthropist who donated widely to aerobatic causes.

Jerry has many friends who will remember him for a long time for his positive and pragmatic approach to problem solving. He traded in dry, witty, astute observations always delivered with a little twinkle in his eye.

Professionally, Jerry was an experienced intellectual property lawyer. But to everyone who knew Jerry outside of work, Jerry was a pilot’s pilot. An aviator of the highest caliber and distinction.

Many people know about Jerry who have never met him because of stories told for such a long time. He wasn’t madcap or effusive but he was funny as hell, sometimes in a beautifully intellectual way, and I never had or imagined I could have a bad time in his company. I will miss him terribly and I know I’m not the only one.

My deep condolences to the many people who will miss him.