L B. Icely, Leader, Dies

Lawrence Blaine Icely, 65, for 32 years pres., Co.. died Aug. 8 at Presbyterian hospital, , fol- lowing an operation. Icely had been ailing for severa! years and had bounced back from several severe sessions. He seemed to be convalescing amazingly well from the operation when a blood clot suddenly de- veloped. He was born at Leaf River, III., Nov. 22. 1S84 and was educated in Chicago public schools. In 1907 he married Kathryn Flynn who, with their daughter, hnd two sisters, survives him. Icely first became active in the sports goods business with the Spalding organiza- tion. He came from work the west coast to form the Wilson company as a phase of Thomas E, Wilson's operations and de- veloped that company Into major standing Lawrence Giain* Icely In the Industry. Icely was a tremendous worker and kept in close touch with ail L. B. Icely probably would have been internal elements or the v^ilson business around now if he hadn't worked so hard through a steady program of expansion as for all of us in his life-long campaign of well as giving generously of his time, effort preaching the gospel of spoi ls as a counter- and ability to the promotion of sports and balance for the strains of high-pressure the growth and stabilization of the sports American life. But he liked that strenuous goods industry. He was a leading factor in program and glorified in building up a big the organization of the Athletic Institute business from a string start So he and the National Golf Foundation and dur- lived every minute of a crowded life of ing World War II worked wisely and dili- achievement. gently In coordinating sports" activities with the war effort. Walter Ring Dies in New Rochelle In so many activities he sacrificed his personal convenience and comfort to con- Walter Ring, widely known for his sales tribute to the general advancement of the work in golf, died Aug, 19 of a hemmor- industry in which he was engaged. In a hage. after a day's confinement in a New keenly competitive field he rejoiced In the Rochelle, N.Y,, hospital. Ring had attend- well merited respect and admiration of ed the Tam O'Shanter tournaments at Chi- men who were business rivals but com- cago as a representative of Fred Corcoran, panions in the common cause of promoting arranging details of the Women's PGA the national pursuit of happiness. tournament program and becoming ill had flown to his home In New Rochelle. He had More than any other one man Icely was suffered from a stomach trouble for some responsible for the development of young years. men and women in highly successful Ring, a native of Boston, became a star careers in professional athletics. Golf, in salesman of sports goods while selling particular, saw Icely as a kindly and help- roller skates. He then switched to golf and ful counsellor to Gene Sarazen, Patty Berg, was with the L. A Young Golf Co. when Sam Snead and dozens of other youngsters the Walter Hagen line was being estab- who grew into fame and fortune as his lished and later was with the Goldsmith proteges. Personally, and in his official organization, then with Dunlop, During capacity, he was a true friend of profes- the war he was in government work at sional arid amateur golf. In numerous criti- Washington and after the war handled cal spots his judgment and cash helped lines of sports goods prior to his engage- pro golfers. ment by Corcoran for tournament promo- He had magnificent poise and humor that tion work. eased many a tense situation. He never He is survived by his widow, a daughter missed a chance to help. He got out of a and a son. Buriarwas at Boston. hospital last November to attend the PGA Walter Ring was a beloved character of national convention at Southern Pines and whom cheerful tales will be told in golf never let it be known that he was a sick business for many years to come and whose man until he had to be flown back to Chi- passing is sharply lamented by the thou- cago for treatment. sands fortunate enough to have known him.