Doris Ann Bachman

Doris Ann Bachman, “Dori”, of Kenilworth passed away Tuesday February 17th at the age of 73. She was born in Chicago, grew up in Des Plaines IL, and was an energetic and able person throughout her childhood and life. She graduated Main East High School in 1959, and could be seen in those years sometimes designing and making some of her own clothes as well as doing engine work on her cars. Dori discovered a love for scuba diving in the 1960’s at a time when it was in the early years of becoming a recreational sport, and earned a NAUI scuba diving instructors license before they even began issuing license numbers. Through that, she eventually met her husband Lowell Bachman who was a scuba diver and a skydiver as well as owner and founder of Para Gear. Dori made only a few skydives but her contributions to the parachuting world were enormous. She worked tirelessly behind the scenes at Para Gear, beginning with the incorporation of the business, at times traveling for the business, all the way through helping manage the accounting work till present day. She took on the role of Treasurer of the Parachute Industry Association, PIA, in what was supposed to be one year commitment. 20+ years later she was still diligently working as the Treasurer of the PIA, attending all meetings, helping to organize and manage its symposiums, and working hard to help grow PIA into what it is today. She was also a trustee of the Skydiving Museum & Hall of Fame since Lowell’s passing in 2008. Those that ever had the pleasure of meeting Dori found her to be an amazing spirit, full of kindness and laughter, hardworking and driven, an amazing mother, sharp witted and just plain fun to be around. She was a fortunate soul and made an incredible amount of friends from all over the world. She will truly be missed.

Dori is survived by her sons Curt Bachman and Chris Bachman who are both involved with Para Gear, as well as numerous other family members.

Instead of services, and per Dori's wishes, a Celebration of Life party will be held in her honor in the coming months, dates and details to follow soon.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made per below in her memory:

Skydiving Museum & Hall of Fame. www.skydivingmuseum.org. 5401 Southpoint Centre Blvd. Fredericksburg, VA 22407.

The Skydiving Museum interview of Dori Bachman can be found here: http://youtu.be/gbCXI7iiDVE

Cure Pancreatic Cancer – Lustgarten Foundation. www.lustgarten.org. 1111 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage, New York 11714