About a week before the sad day when Arnold Palmer and Jose Fernandez both died, I had come across another tribute for someone less well-known that also provided valuable reminders of things we shouldn’t take for granted and traits we should strive to develop and display.
Arnold Palmer Dies at 87
The American golf legend died on September 25 due to complications of heart problems. “Arnold transcended the game of golf,” said friend and rival Jack Nicklaus in a statement. “He was more than a golfer or even a great golfer. He was an icon. He was a legend…He was the king of our sport and always will be.”
Verandah Club Superintendent Dies After Accident
Garry Higgins, who served as the Old Orange golf course’s superintendent since 2012, died July 19 of complications stemming from an accident that happened at the Fort Myers, Fla., property two weeks earlier. Details about what caused the injuries were unavailable.
Executive Chef Walter Scheib Found Dead in New Mexico
Scheib, 61, was discovered in the Taos Ski Valley after being missing for almost a week. Scheib, who gave the keynote address at C&RB‘s 2010 Chef to Chef Conference in Palm Beach, Fla., served as Executive Chef of the Greenbrier Resort before bringing his talents to the White House for 11 years.
Billy Casper Dies at 83
The professional golf legend died on February 8 of a heart attack. His legacy includes a prolific PGA Tour record, founding the Billy Casper Youth Foundation, and establishing the Billy Casper Golf management company.
PGA Life Member Charlie Sifford Dies at 92
Sifford was the first African-American to compete in PGA-sanctioned events after the “Caucasian-only” membership clause ended in 1961. Sifford received the Presidential Medal of Freedom last November.
Joe Perdue, CMAA Academic Advisor, Dies at 64
Perdue, who served in the role since 1986 and was responsible for the initial development of CMAA’s Business Management Institute, died in Atlanta on January 19 after a long illness.
Chef Peter Timmins, CMC, Dies at 57
The Executive Chef of The Everglades Club in Palm Beach, Fla., leaves behind a legacy as a culinary mentor from his 40-year career. He was scheduled to present at the 2015 Chef to Chef Conference.