Richard W. McEwen

McEWEN, RICHARD W., 89, and retired CEO of Burdines, passed away on October 23, 2009 in Macon, GA. After graduating from the University of Toledo with a degree in Business Administration, he joined the US Navy and served as captain of a PT boat in the South Pacific as well as an instructor of Celestial Navigation at the University of Notre Dame. He spent his entire career in retailing, including 18 years at Burdines. Mr. McEwen served on the boards of Sun Banks, Inc, Wometco Enterprises, Supreme International (Perry Ellis), Lennar Corporation, Pueblo International, Sound Advice, Amerivend Corporation and served as advisor to several retailers and banks. He was a Trustee of the University of Miami and a member of the Orange Bowl Committee. He was a founding Co-Chairman of Greater Miami United and Metro Miami Action Plan. At some point in time he served as a Chairman or active member of the Florida Philharmonic, the South Florida Health Action Coalition, the board of the United Way of Dade County, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the Florida Retail Federation, the Governors Council of 100 and as a member of the Medical Review Board of the State of Florida. In 1983 he was named the Miami News Business Leader of the Year. In 1984 he was recognized by the city of Miami Beach as Outstanding Business Leader and he received the 1984 Brotherhood Award from the National council of Christians and Jews. He received the Gold T Award from the University of Toledo for Outstanding Achievement in his Field of Endeavor and in 2005 he received the University's Outstanding Alum Award. For relaxation he played drums, fished, traveled and golfed. Mr. McEwen is survived by his wife of 66 years, Martha, a son, Michael, a daughter, Joellen, four grandsons and two great-grandsons. A Memorial Service is planned for Thursday, October 29 at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Macon, GA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association. Sign the online register at www.hartsmort.com. Hart's Mortuary at the Cupola, Macon, Ga. has charge of arrangements. To visit this Guest Book Online, go to www.MiamiHerald.com/obituaries.