So Long Arnie

Mourning Arnie tonight. Grew up a short walk to his course, Bay Hill (Orlando). He and his family good friends to my parents. My first paying job in life was on his greens crew as a high school student. One of my tasks was carefully removing weeds from the putting greens with a steak knife, not marring the surface. More than a few times he would be playing through and stop to inspect my work, was proud he never complained, as he was prone to do when his beloved course was not meticulously maintained. Pic here is my Mom and Dad at one of his famous New Year’s Eve parties, where they would dance the jitterbug with he and wife Winnie, she and Mom were big buddies.

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Author: craigcrawford

Trail Mix Host. Lapsed journalist, author & retired pundit happily promoting nothing but the truth for Social Security checks.

18 thoughts on “So Long Arnie”

  1. That is a great picture.

    I think I’ll have an Arnie Palmer (the version with a little alcohol)

  2. Arnie was my dad’s favorite and is the first of two pro athletes I remember as a kid.  The other was Bart Starr.  Mom met Arnie and got his autograph and a pic when he played Shoal Creek back in the 70s or early 80s.  Verysorry to hear of his death.

  3. Sj, where’s my star? My mom and aunt bought salt rising bread at this little bakery over in Mountain Brook, the toniest area in Birmingham when I was a kid.   I agree about the excellent toast it made.  It was the only toast I didn’t put something sweet on to eat it.  Butter only for me. Haven’t heard of or thought about salt rising bread in decades. Later in life I came to like sourdough bread – still do in fact. They remind me of each other.

  4. Got some “Palmer” here myself KGC, never tried adding a little boost, but maybe now is the time. So many memories, including drinking the lemonade tea he invented before it was marketed elsewhere. One of my favorites, how he would occasionally call the house looking for my Dad to play golf but sometimes Dad would have me say he wasnt there. He didnt enjoy playing with Palmer because Arnie was so intense, even in a casual game, it wasn’t much fun. As Dad says, he always played like it was the final round of the Masters.

  5. Moving statement from Jack Nicklaus:

    I just got the news at about 8:45 that Arnold had passed. I was shocked to hear that we lost a great friend—and that golf lost a great friend.

    At this point I don’t know what happened, and I suppose it is not important what happened. What is important is that we just lost one of the incredible people in the game of golf and in all of sports. My friend—many people’s friend—just wore out. I know he was in Pittsburgh trying to find out how to make himself better. That’s what Arnold has always tried to do. He has always been a fighter and he never gave up on anything. He didn’t give up even now. Maybe his body did, but I know Arnold’s will and spirit did not.

    I wish I had another chance to talk to him, but I am so glad we talked a couple weeks ago on his birthday (Sept. 10), when he sounded great. So Barbara and I are just in shock and incredibly saddened. Our hearts, thoughts, prayers and sympathies go out to Kit, his kids, grandkids, great grandkids, and his entire loving family.

    He was one of my best friends, closest friends, and he was for a long, long time. I will miss him greatly.

    Arnold transcended the game of golf. He was more than a golfer or even great golfer. He was an icon. He was a legend. Arnold was someone who was a pioneer in his sport. He took the game from one level to a higher level, virtually by himself. Along the way, he had millions of adoring fans—Barbara and I among them. We were great competitors, who loved competing against each other, but we were always great friends along the way. Arnold always had my back, and I had his. We were always there for each other. That never changed.

    He was the king of our sport and always will be.

  6. Pogo,

    You get ?? stars & a big thank you for the reply.

    Funny how food & memories tie into each other. We talk about bread, Mr Crawford & Katherine Graham Cracker about drinking some “Arnie Palmers.” Comfort comes in many guises through shared experiences.

  7. Another Arnie memory. When he had just turned 80 he and Dad were on the practice tee. Dad went over and said, “I’ve been wanting to congratulate you.” “For what?” “For joining the 80’s club.” Arnie responded, “You son of a bitch.”

  8. And another Arnie memory: when I ran for the state legislature in 1982 (unsuccessfully) he and Winnie graciously hosted a fundraiser at the club. That morning he summoned me to breakfast and sternfully said, “I want you to understand this isn’t an endorsement. Every president since Kennedy asked for my endorsement, and I turned them all down.”

  9. Tiger Woods:

    “It’s hard to believe that Arnold has passed, and I’m deeply saddened by his loss. He meant so much to the game and to me personally. I knew that I could always call him for advice, and I looked forward to seeing him at Bay Hill and the Masters. Arnold touched so many people. My kids were born at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies, and his philanthropic work will be remembered along with his accomplishments in golf. It was an honor and privilege to have known Arnold, and I’m forever grateful for his friendship.”

  11. I also must share that Mom was a great comfort visiting Winnie as she succumbed to ovarian cancer, something Arnold greatly appreciated. The picture on this post was the first New Years party after Winnie passed (2000), think you can see his love for their support.

  12. craig, condolences to you and especially to your dad.  loss of a dear friend is like a chunk has fallen from the mountainside of one’s life… the shared history gone in an avalanche.

  13. Lovely memories Craig, thanks for sharing.  Sorry for your loss, and your Dad- imagine it will be extra tough for him being the last of them.  Will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers.

  14. pogo, try seeded California sourdough rye. great plain, toasted or grilled and makes a better reuben than any others I’ve tasted.

    sjwny, yes, yes toasted salt bread!! also enjoy toasted irish soda bread but can only find it at stores around st pat’s day.

     

    btw, what happens to all the ads with celebs who die during the seasonal contract… thinking of thos one with arnie

    also interesting to watch at golfchannel King of comedy: Nealon, Palmer shoot TV ad

  15. Craig, how awesome you knew Arnold Palmer…always a class act. A fellow Pennsylvanian from Latrobe…the home of Rolling Rock brewery (now gone) and those 7 ounce pony bottles.

  16. Craig, my condolences for the latest loss that has touched your family. As people age, resilience is not just a word, but a way of life.
    Flatus

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