Louise Ireland Humphrey

1918 - 2012

Louise Ireland Humphrey

Louise Ireland Humphrey, Former President of the Metropolitan Opera, Civic Leader, Sportswoman.

Louise Ireland Humphrey passed away at her home at Woodfield Spring Plantation on Sunday, March 18, 2012.

Louise is survived by her sons, George (Patience) and Watts (Sally), seven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert "Bud" Humphrey, and daughter Margo Bindhardt, her brother Tim Ireland, Melville Ireland and a sister, Kate Ireland. Louise will be remembered as a philanthropic civic leader and enthusiastic sportswoman.

She was born on November 1, 1918, daughter of Robert Livingston Ireland, Jr and Margaret Allen Ire-

land. The family tradition of philanthropy and public service as well as their love for the outdoors greatly influenced Louise. During the years she resided in Cleveland, she lent her time and talents to over 40 Cleveland area organizations. The titles Louise held included Director of the National Health Council, President of the National Home Caring Council, Life Director of United Way, Director of National City Bank, Chairman of the Home Nursing Committee and Case Western Reserve Medical School Resources Committee, President of Cleveland Homemaker Association, President of Day Nursery Association, President of the Northern Ohio Opera Association, and President of the Visiting Nurse Association. She served as trustee for the Wildlife Conservation Fund of America and was the longest serving board member, serving as treasurer for 1981-2003.

Louise had a passion for the opera, starting with the Northern Ohio Opera Association where she served as President from 1962-1984. In 1984, she was elected as a member of the board of the Metropolitan Opera. In 1986 she became the first woman President of the Metropolitan Opera, serving in the role through 1991. The acclaimed Met tenor, Andrea Velis stated, "The entire staff, from artists to stagehands viewed Louise with trust and affection". Jim Kinnear, now Honorary Chairman of the Met Opera Board and her partner in fundraising said, "Louise was direct, you knew what she wanted and she was very good with people . Louise was a wonderful leader and totally dedicated to the Met".

In the early 60's Louise and Bud built a home at Woodfield Springs Plantation in Miccosukee, Florida, where her dedication to philanthropy and civic services continued. She became a Florida resident in 1982, a few years after Mr. Humphrey's death. Louise served as chairman of the development committee for the Tall Timbers Research Foundation from 1990-1998. She was Director of The Community Foundation of North Florida, a member of the Florida Federal Wildlife Federation Conservation and a trustee of the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra . She also served as a trustee of The Archbold Medical Center, Archbold Memorial Hospital, Pebble Hill Foundation, Thomasville Cultural Center, Thomasville Entertainment Foundation, and Florida University School of Verterinary Medicine.

Animals and hunting were a very important part of Louise's life. As a child in Cleveland she loved riding her ponies and always had her own dog. This love of horses and dogs attracted her to fox hunting and competing in hunt horse shows. From 1954 to 1972 she was the first woman Joint Master of the Chagrin Valley Hunt. With her son Watts she developed a premier pack of English beagles which over the years she would hunt in Cleveland, Florida, Kentucky, and Maine. In the 1950's she founded the Duck Blind kennels to breed and raise Labrador Retreivers who would compete at the national level in field trials. More importantly, her dogs were her constant hunting and personal companions. Later in her career, with her son, Watts, Louise continued to persue her love of horses through successfully breeding and racing thoroughbreds.

Louise, being an avid sportswoman, which included her love of quail hunting and migratory bird shooting, was the first woman in 1984 to be appointed by three consecutive govenors to the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission. She served on the commission from 1984-1999 and was presiding chairman in 1991 and 1996. Previous Executive Director Bob Brantley said "she was flexible enough to host a black-tie dinner for the Opera in New York and the next day fly south for a Florida State Hog Hunters' barbecue - and charm both!" "She was also," he said, "fair-minded and tough when dealing with the widely diverse and passionately held views of hunters and fisherman." For this work, and for her service to the Tall Timbers Research Foundation, in 2001 she was inducted into the Florida Wildlife Federation Hall of Fame. In addition, in 1992 she received a Doctor of Humane Letters from Florida State University for her contributions to education and the fine arts.

Summed up by her dear friend, Tom Vail, "I have always loved and enjoyed Louise Ireland Humphrey, and respected her many accomplishments. She was a special lifetime friend, and represented the best there is and was an example for all of us."

In lieu of flowers donations to Archbold Medical Center, Grayson Jockey Club Foundation, and the Metropolitan Opera will be appreciated.

Services will be private.