V5 N. 73 A Few More R.I.P.s to Report

Ernie Cunliffe sent this information along to us, a few of whom we've already recognized.  New to us are Benjamin Garcia,  Sharon Marie Callahan (McKinff), Evelyn Furtsch (Ojeda), and Dave Rodda.

Benjamin B. “Benny” Garcia (1933 - 2015)

Obituary Guest  View Sign Benny Garcia was born in La Luz, New Mexico on July 31, 1933. He died peacefully at home from complications of Parkinson's Disease on Feb. 13, 2015, with his loving wife of 58 years, JoAnn, at his side. Benny excelled at sports at Alamogordo High School. He was a member of the 1950 AHS State Championship football team. The team was coached by Rolla Buck, and some of his teammates included Byron Caton, Gus Najera, Bobby Lee, Sato Lee, Ignacio Cedillos and Bobby Fritz. Benny also excelled at track and field, where he set the New Mexico state record for javelin in 1951. Benny received a track scholarship to Arizona State University, where he continued to throw the javelin for four years. Thereafter, he became a member of the 1956 United States Olympic Team. He competed in Melbourne, Australia, where he placed eighth in javelin. Benny served honorably in the U.S. Navy. He was an avid handball player and golfer.

Benjamin Benny Garcia 1956 team.  Died Feb 15th 2015, age 81. Listed at 8th in Javelin, but my Olympic
book does not show him in the top 8 and in fact it appears he had no mark on his 3 qualifying throws.

Sharon Marie Callahan ( McKniff ) 1968 team
Died April 30th 2015 age 63.  High Jump.  Made team at a 16  year old. Did not place.


Evelyn Furtsch (Ojeda) 1932 team.(this is correct as she was 101 when she died. Gold medal in
4 x 100 relay with a World Record of 46.9 . Died March 5th, 2015.

Dave Rodda .  Assistant Coach 1980 and 1988.  

Lots more info in the magazine but I figure you would do research in Google or Olympian List of Athletes

to keep the post short since there are so many.  (Ernie,  I did find this additional one on Roy Griak, gb)

Roy GRIAK

Obituary |  Condolences |  Gallery

Age 91, of Plymouth Passed away peacefully at home on July 9 surrounded by his adoring family. Roy is survived by his love, Kay Richardson; sons Seth (Monica) and Jason (Nikki White); grandchildren Matt, Leah and Vincent; sister Dolly; nieces and nephews; and many, many athletes and friends. Preceded in death by beloved mother Mildred, father Milan, brother Steve and sister Kay. Roy graduated from Morgan Park High School in Duluth (1942). Always a patriot, Roy proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Infantry duringWorld War II (1944-1946) in the South Pacific. When he returned home, he said he was returning to paradise. Roy earned a bachelor's degree in education (1949) and master's degree (1950) from the University of Minnesota, where he earned letters in both cross country and track & field. He started his teaching and coaching career in 1950 at Nicollet High School, followed by Mankato Public Schools and St. Louis Park High School. At St. Louis Park (1952-1963), his cross country team won two State titles (1955, 1961) and his track & field team won three State titles (1958, 1962, 1963). Roy became the men's cross country and track & field coach at the University of Minnesota in 1963, where he led the Golden Gophers for 33 years (1963-1996) and worked as an administrative assistant from 1996 until the time of his death, totaling 52 years of service to the U of M. He led the Gophers to Big Ten cross country titles in 1964 and 1969. His 1968 cross country team finished second at the Big Ten meet and placed fourth at the NCAA Championships. He led the 1968 track & field team to a Big Ten championship. He coached a total of 49 cross country and track & field All-Americans, including three NCAA champions, and his athletes earned 61 Big Ten Conference individual titles. Roy served on coaching staffs for more than 10 U.S. international teams, including the 1972 Olympic games in Munich and head manager of the 1980 and 1984 U.S. Olympic track & field teams. He was inducted into the Drake Relays Coaches Hall of Fame in 1993, the University of Minnesota `M' Club Hall of Fame in 1996 and the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2001. In 1996, Minnesota honored Roy by naming the nation's largest annual cross country meet after him. More important than the championships and accolades is the impact Roy had on everyone in his life. Roy had an amazing ability to make everyone feel important. His smile was contagious and genuine. The ripple effect of his influence will be felt for generations. Roy's spirit lives on in the hearts of those who knew him. Visitation 5pm-8pm on Tuesday, July 21 at Washburn-McReavy, 50th Street & Hwy. 100, Edina and service at 12 noon on Wednesday, July 22, with visitation one hour prior at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Ave. S., Minneapolis. Private family interment at Oneota Cemetery in Duluth. Memorials preferred to the Roy Griak Endowed Scholarship Fund for Track & Field at the U of M.

Published in Pioneer Press on July 12, 2015