Harry H. Popham Sr.

Obituary

Harry H. Popham, Sr., passed away on August 16, 2000. Born in Mattoon, IL on September 27, 1912.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Nina, two daughter's, Jeretta Garner (Andrew) of Fort Myers, Judi Stater (Brent) of Las Vegas, son, Harry Popham, Jr. also of Fort Myers, three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, two sisters, three sisters-in-law and one brother -in-law.

He became involved early with the love of his life, golf. He grew up across from the Mattoon, IL, Country Club where he later began his career as a Golf Professional. Harry was also employed at the Charelston Country Club and the Madison County Country Club in Edwardsville, IL before finally arriving at Soangetaha Country Club in Galesburg, IL where he remained for 25 years. As an IL resident, he was an avid dedicated Cub fan throughout his life.

He was a member of the Professional Golfers Association of America since 1936, achieving lifetime status. He was also an Accomplished player who at one time held course records at several courses including Fort Myers Country Club.

After his retirement as a Club Professional, he went on to build two driving ranges and a par 3 course in Michigan, all while spending more and more time in his favorite place, Fort Myers.

He first brought his family to Fort Myers in 1945 for the winter season when they were active members of Fort Myers Country Club.

As the years passed and more and more people discovered Florida, the availability of golf at the The Fort became more limited. In 1958, a group of men including Harry spearheaded a movement to build the first private Country Club in Southwest Florida. The Culmination of that effort was the establishment of Cypress Lake Country Club. Building one of the first homes on the course, Harry and Nina continued to live there and enjoy the family, friends and life style they worked so hard to achieve. Even though he was unable to play golf his last few years, he never lost his passion for the game or for life.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2000 at 3:00 PM in the chapel of the Kiser Funeral Home, 9231 Cypress Lake Dr.

The family request in lieu of flowers, memorials be made in his memory to Hope Hospice, 9470 HealthPark Circle, Ft. Myers, FL 33908 or the memorial find at Cypress Lake Country Club.

Kiser Funeral Home 481-4341