William Larry Eichler

William Larry Eichler, 73, of Henderson, passed away suddenly July 20, 2010. He was born Oct. 6, 1936, in Toppenish, Wash., to Ruth (Naff) and William Eichler. Larry grew up in the Northwest, graduating from Highline High School in Seattle, and Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1959 until 1964 and was honorably discharged as a submarine officer. He remained in the Naval Reserves, retiring as captain. Upon discharge from active duty, Larry took flying lessons and was hired as a commercial airline pilot in 1965. His career lasted over 30 years, the last five as a line check captain and instructor. Larry loved UNLV basketball and became a loyal fan shortly after his arrival in Las Vegas in 1969. Eventually, he became a member of Southern Nevada Officials Association and refereed many area high school basketball games. Through this association, he made many lifelong friends. In 1977, he married his soul mate, Janice. Together, they spent many fun years boating on Lake Mead, going to the UNLV games and taking many trips. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sister, Carolyn Eichler; niece, Melinda Callaway, of Seattle; and beloved dog, Abby, who he rescued in 1977 from a local shelter. Memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 27, at Palm Mortuary, 7600 S. Eastern Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89123. A celebration of life will follow at Double Play Sports Bar & Lounge, 9495 S. Las Vegas Blvd. Donations may be made to Special Olympics Nevada, 5670 Wynn Road, Las Vegas, NV 89118, or to Nevada SPCA-No Kill Animal Sanctuary, 4800 W. Dewey Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89118.