Howard Prechtel has Passed

[Al Myers]

Howard Prechtel has Passed

[Tom Ryan]

Sad news indeed. Yes, many of us knew him, including me.

[Joe Garcia]

This really made me sad. I always referred to him as ‘Uncle Howie’ as he seemed like that favorite uncle that everyone has. Even though he wasn’t a chiro, how many of us did he adjust over the years at the meets with good results? He also reminded me of Jimmy Stewart, with his gentle, polite manner, and kind of deliberate thoughtful way of talking with you. I’ll always remember him and his clodhopper shoes when he went out on the lifting platform. You always felt good after being around him. Rest in Peace, Howard.

[Steve Angell]

I first met Howard at the 1993 IAWA World Championships in Boston. He came up to me after my first continental snatch and gave me some pointers, and went on to help me throughout the meet. He came over to England for the Gold Cup that year in Burton England. He used to have a disabled girl come and watch him train her name was Becky Summers. He said she had more grit and determination than anyone he had ever met. Sadly she passed away, and Howard created an award in her honour “The Becky Summers true grit award” I remember him telling everyone about her at the awards ceremony, then to my utter surprise awarded me the Becky Summers true grit award. That meant SO much to me. This great man, a war hero, a world champion weightlifter and founder of the IAWA Gold Cup, thought me worthy of this award. This trophy to this day is one on my most prized possessions.

I went on to meet up with Howard at every World Championships and Gold cup For around the next ten years, and he was always one of the first lifters i looked for when i arrived at the venue, to both greet him, and also have him adjust my neck. To this day no one has ever crunched my neck as good as Howard.

I have been deeply saddened all day today at the news of Howard’s Passing. He was a mentor, father figure, hero, and out and out great man in my mind.

I wanted to honour Howard in my training tonight, and did a 410kg 903lbs Ironmind Eagle Loop deadlift in his memory. This is the sort of feat of strength that would have appealed to Howard.

You can see the clip here.

I am now planning what lift i will do at next years Gold Cup to honour his memory. I have something planned, but you will have to turn up to see it.

God Bless and Rest in Peace Howard, the world has lost a great man.

[Denny Habecker]

I will always remember Howard’s friendly smile, and how he helped me and many other lifters feel better by giving them those miraculous adjustments before they lifted. It was great to see him last year at the world’s. He was truly at great lifter and a great man.

[Al Myers]

Thanks Denny for those kind words about Howard – I placed them in the “tribute blog” on the website. I only wish I would have met Howard sooner (when he was actively involved in the USAWA). From reading everyone’s experiences regarding Howard, I know we would have “hit it off” and been good friends. I have some of his same obsessions regarding trying “weightlifting stunts” that I probably shouldn’t be doing. I have only felt like I have really put my life at risk ONCE lifting – and that was when I did that big Roman Chair Situp like Howard did. It wasn’t until it was over did I think of the consequences of what could have happened if I missed it! Al

[Ben Edwards]

Very sorry to hear the news of Howard’s passing.

Al, I think you’re referring to the Roman Chair Situp that I helped spot. That was crazy! I was very nervous and that was just spotting the lift.

https://goalorientedtraining.wordpress.com/

[Al Myers]

That’s right Ben, and truth be known, you were the reason I was worried I might be killed if I missed the 1000 pounds! haha Al

[Thom Van Vleck]

Al…..there’s been LOTS of times your life has been in danger, I’ll never forget working out with you and having the cow come in that we had to pull the dead calf out of……and when that cow kicked back with the force crush a mans skull and just missed your knee……that thing connects and you become a bench press specialist for life!!!!

Thom Van Vleck
Jackson Weightlifting Club
Highland Games athlete and sometimes All-Rounder

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