HARRY USHER, the "no-nonsense" GM of the '84 L.A.
Olympics and "right-hand man to PETER UEBERROTH in those
highly successful" Games died Thursday of an apparent heart
attack while in NJ, according to Kenneth Reich of the L.A.
TIMES. Usher, who was 61, "was often given credit, along
with Ueberroth, for producing an Olympics with a surplus of
$232 million, the most in the movement's history." Besides
the Olympics, Usher was also Commissioner of the USFL and
served as Dir of the Amateur Athletic Foundation (L.A.
TIMES, 6/23). Ueberroth, on Usher: "He had boundless
energy. He was a comrade and a partner of mine in a
historic endeavor of the city of Los Angeles. He will be a
sorely missed pal" (N.Y. TIMES, 6/24).
TENNIS LEADER PASSES AWAY: Former Int'l Tennis
Federation and French Tennis Federation President PHILIPPE
CHATRIER died at the age of 72 Thursday. In N.Y., Susan
Adams called Chatrier the "man responsible for the return of
tennis to the Olympics and the renaissance of his home Grand
Slam tournament, the French Open." Adams: "As a player,
journalist, and administrator, Chatrier parlayed a deep
passion for tennis with an instinct for making deals that
showcased the game" (N.Y. TIMES, 6/24).
RIDDER DIES AT 80: Hockey HOFer ROBERT BLAIR RIDDER
died Saturday at the age of 80. Ridder was former Manager
of the U.S. Olympic Ice Hockey Team, and was an Exec Member
of the U.S. Figure Skating Association, VP/Dir of the
Amateur Hockey Association of the U.S. and a member of the
IIHF. He was also a member of the investment group which
brought the North Stars to MN (PIONEER PRESS, 6/25).
