RIP: Bert Lancaster

[dj]

Wilbert "Bert" Lancaster passed away yesterday, July 26. Born in 1928, Bert was a sprinter at Penn State ('50, 6th in '49 NCAA 220) and Philadelphia's Central High School ('46). He was one of the founders of the Philadelphia Pioneer Club in the 1950s, was the Meet Director for the 1969 AAU indoor championships, and Founder and Meet Director of the Martin Luther King Games (Liquori-Ryun Dream Mile in 1971 was the meet's crowning moment.) He also served as President of Middle Atlantic AAU. As an official he worked the Penn Relays for more than 40 years.

Above all, Bert was a gentleman and a great friend. He was proud of his accomplishments, but prouder still of his friendships and associations. For a man with as many accomplishments as he had, it was difficult to know many of them because he wouldn't speak of them unless prodded.

Every spring he'd show up in the Relays office with a box of oranges one week, and a platter of spare ribs another. He knew that pizza and soda--despite being a staple for work-studies and volunteers--didn't make for the feast he could provide.

I know of no one who ever adequately paid back Bert for all the kindnesses he extended.

The following is a March 1969 Sports Illustrated feature on Bert, written by Roy Blount, Jr.:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/ ... /index.htm

[BillVol]

Re: RIP: Bert Lancaster

Very nice tribute, dj. God bless his surviving family and friends, which I am sure are many.

[no one]

Re: RIP: Bert Lancaster

Most here know Burt L played the role of Jim Thorpe in the movie "Jim Thorpe: All American". One of my coaches, a '48 Olympian in the 800m, played a bit part in racing Lancaster/Thorpe in the 1500 / per decathlon. He had to work hard to look like he was getting beat, and he stood on the 2nd tier of the podium looking at the winner Thorpe in admiration.

We later noticed him attending the famous Pierce summer all comers meets in SFV. We would call out to him "Hey look! Its Jim Thorpe" He would flash that million dollar smile and reply "Hey fellas!" For an aspiring and young trackster that was pretty keeno 8-)

[tandfman]

Re: RIP: Bert Lancaster

Most here know Burt L played the role of Jim Thorpe in the movie "Jim Thorpe: All American".

Not the same Lancaster.

[lonewolf]

Re: RIP: Bert Lancaster

That was my first thought too, confusing Bert with Burt until I remembered Burt died several years ago.

[no one]

Re: RIP: Bert Lancaster

oops, apologies to Bert and Burt

[Halfmiler2]

Re: RIP: Bert Lancaster

I had the privilege of working with Bert and his daughter Lori for years in the Penn Relays paddock. For several years, he would get a few hours off from the paddock on Saturday afternoon to go run the Age 75+ heat of the Masters 100 meters. A true gentleman and friend. I am very saddened to hear of his passing. May he rest in peace.

[Halfmiler2]

Re: RIP: Bert Lancaster

Bert's assignment at Penn Relays with Lenny Christian (who also passed away not long ago) was to clerk the gate into which runners would enter the Penn Relays paddock. I imagine that Saint Peter may have already assigned them to do likewise at the Pearly Gates. That could be good news for those of us in track & field.