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 Long-time BWAA leader Mike Hennessy, inducted into the United States Bowling Congress Hall of Fame for meritorious service during ceremonies in Kansas City, Mo., in April, died peacefully in his sleep on Aug. 10 in Charlotte, N.C. He was 78.
The cause of death was not immediately known. Hennessy had been hospitalized since July 7 when, according to family members, he was injured after collapsing on an escalator at the Charlotte airport. He was subsequently placed in an induced coma, and developed other complications before losing his battle.
Hennessy was born in New York City in 1929, but spent most of his life in the Dayton, Ohio, area where he graduated from the University of Dayton before joining the staff of the Dayton Daily News as a sports writer, copy editor and humor columnist. He opened M&G Advertising, an advertising agency specializing in bowling, and later worked for a local television station.
His passion for bowling led him to a position as executive director of both the Greater Dayton and Ohio bowling proprietors associations where his “Bowlers First” marketing project attracted more than 100,000 new bowlers to the sport. He and his wife produced a children’s bowling activity book, “Let’s Go Bowling,” which resulted in more than 200,000 copies being sold world-wide.
The ultimate “jack of all bowling media trades” also did tours of duty as both media director and tournament director for the Ladies Pro Bowlers Tour. He worked in marketing with the fledging Bowling, Inc., and made dozens of appearances as a motivational speaker at bowling events. He helped organize the first ABC/WIBC Senior Championships, and was involved with Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America in development of both the Merit Star of the Game program and the National Family Tournament.
Hennessy, who was living in semi-retirement in Bluffton, S.C., contributed dozens of bowling articles to the sport’s major publications, and served terms as president, executive director and chairman of the board of the Bowling Writers Association of America.
He was the 1994 recipient of BWAA’s Mort Luby Sr. Hall of Fame award and is a member of both the Dayton and Ohio bowling halls of fame.
Hennessy is survived by his wife of 57 years Gerry, 10 children and 24 grandchildren - Michael and Carrie Hennessy (Michael, Liam, Audrey, Adeline), Colleen and Charles Dalton (Sara, Dan, Abbie), Maureen Engel (Jason, Siobhan, Caitlin), Sheila and Gary Garrison (Katherine, Megan, Shannon), Siobhan and Wayne Wallmow (Chris, James), Sean and Seble Hennessy (Jessica, Brian, Abigail), Kathleen and Kirk Herath (Spencer, Max), Moira Hennessy, Bruce and Mini Hennessy (Riley, Rowan, Keegan, Kallyn), Patrick and Sharon Hennessy - 8 great grandchildren, brother Gerald Hennessy and numerous other family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lions Club of Bluffton, The Hospitality House of Charlotte and the Ohio Right to Life.
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It has been a bad year for veteran bowling writers – Joe Lyou and Frank Kietz dying in California last spring and now Mike Hennessy.
Lyou and Hennessy started out writing bowling for daily newspapers and then branched out to other fields although remaining faithful to their journalist roots.
Last May in Kansas City, Hennessy was inducted into the USBC Hall of Fame and nobody who was in the auditorium ever will forget Mike’s speech. His wit was always a part of his charm.
The Bowling Writers Association of America decided to set up an interview booth at Bowl Expo last June and Hennessy was put in charge of making all the arrangements. He not only organized the project, but he also sat down and wrote many of the mini stories.
Hennessy’s work with proprietors, bowlers and writers never will be forgotten.
But in my mind, his fantastic family is Mike’s legacy.
Dick Evans, BWAA President
After Joann, Bill Vint and I returned from Dayton to attend Mike's funeral, many thoughts have gone through my mind. First of all, following the funeral, people were gathered in small groups telling Hennessy stories, and all were laughing. I joked with his two youngest sons about all the good times we had. What was evident were the many friends that came to honor Mike, and the genuine love they had for this special man. And above all, what a wonderful family. The six girls and four boys and their thousands of grandchildren are taking very good care of Gerry, who is holding up beautifully. She's a strong person who will be smothered by her family to make sure she is ok. I was thanked over and over again for attending, but my reply was that it was my honor to be a part of Mike's family for a few days, and we recalled the special time we had in Kansas City with his family and again in Orlando with our bowling family. We finished off the day with everyone downing a shot of Irish whisky. Mike would have liked that.
For 78 years, Mike had one heck of a life. He didn't get short-changed and neither did any of us who were lucky enough to know him.
Steve James
Executive Director, BWAA
I will miss Mike dearly. He is one of the few people in bowling that wore no hats or had any particular industry integer bias. He simply cared about bowling and set out to do what he believed was right for our sport and our industry. He had a loyalty that was to none other than to the good of all. He is a man that I admire very much.
Jeff Boje'
President
USBC
Mike Hennessy was involved in many facets of the bowling industry. None will miss him more than those of us in the media. He had a vast knowledge of the game and his marketing skills which were enhanced by his great personality, were a tremendous asset to the Bowling Writers Association of America.
As president of BWAA this past two years, I will be forever grateful for his counsel and experience. You could always rely on Mike to bring ‘reason’ to a discussion when it looked like issues would be difficult to resolve.
Mike and Gerry had a wonderful family and one could only hope that his wisdom, sense of humour and love of his fellow man, will carry on with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He will be greatly missed.
Hazel McLeary, Life Member
Bowling Writers Association of America
Mike Hennessy loved people. He loved tolaugh and he loved to make others laugh. And he was the first guy in line if anyone asked for help.
All of us who knew him could tell you a lot of stories, but I’d like to share just a couple of reflections about the Mike I knew.
First, from my first exposure to bowling back in the early 1970s, Mike was everywhere. He was a writer. He was a tournament director, a PR man, a public speaker. He ran an ad agency. If you needed a photo, he’d appear with a camera. He worked for the Ohio bowling proprietors and he was the lone shining star in the failed Steve Ryan/Strike Ten Entertainment regime. He has been an integral influence in BWAA as an officer, board member and executive director for years. But the most impressive thing was, he was good at all of these things!
Secondly, when Mike finally got recognition that was long overdue, he demonstrated what a perceptive human being he was. In my considerable experience of listening to “Meritorious Service” speeches at a variety of halls of fame, they are notoriously long and dull. How exciting is a well-done league standing sheet, or a roster of committees you served on? When Mike got his chance during the USBC Hall of Fame ceremonies in Kansas City, he brought the house down. He had that magical ability to say thanks, and to make ‘em laugh.
Mike was a big man in more ways than his stature. He was filled with common sense and practical wisdom. Everyone who knew him called him a friend. He’s gonna leave a big hole to fill.
Bill Vint, BWAA Board member
On behalf of the Professional Bowlers Association, we give thanks to Mike Hennessy for all he did for the sport of bowling during his great career. We are proud of his accomplishments and glad he has his rightful place in the USBC Hall of Fame. We are happy he was able to entertain such a great crowd of bowling enthusiasts with his rare and special humor and writing ability during his unforgettable acceptance speech this year. Our sympathy goes to Mike’s great family. Thank you and thanks again for Mike’s dedication to the sport of bowling.
Fred Schreyer, CEO
Tom Clark, COO
Professional Bowlers Association
Mike was one of the few people in the industry who worked with and for virtually all industry components and was a friend of all. His knowledge, experience, and sense of humor will be missed by everyone in bowling, but his impact shall remain!
John Berglund
Executive Director
Bowling Proprietors Association of America
Mike Hennessy was one of the kindest, friendliest and funniest people I've ever met. No matter where he was working, including several years at Bowling Headquarters in Wisconsin for Strike Ten Entertainment, he always helped me learn more about the sport of bowling and the industry in a way that continues to make being involved in this sport fun. Thanks Mike for allowing me the chance to work with and know you.
Mark Miller
United States Bowling Congress
When I joined the BWAA, Mike was the Executive Director and Bruce Pluckhahn was President. I remember Mike telling me that he was glad to have a writer from a daily newspaper and made me feel quite welcome.
I met him that first year at the BWAA meeting and learned of his quick wit. He was a very nice gentleman who treated me with respect.
I regret I could not be at his Hall of Fame induction due to family illness. I am grateful for the opportunity to have met him and I will miss him. I just know he is laughing with Dick Weber, Joe Norris, and Joe Lyou and all of heaven is laughing with them.
DON WRIGHT
Wright In The Heart Of Texas
http://www.southernbowlingwriters.com
www.KDHNews.com
I recall Mike fondly when I was President of the California WBA and I asked him to do a workshop for us. Workshops can be iffy and people do occasionally tend to become bored. When Mike got started he had the group in the palm of his hand and not one person left. Informative and entertaining as well. He will be missed by all.
Mary Lynly
Mike was always a joy to be around.
One of the great things about being a member of the Hall of Fame is that we get to rub elbows with guys like Mike. However, there are very few guys like Mike.
His address to the collegiate players at the collegiate nationals was the most memorable ever delivered.
Mark Jensen
When it came time for getting the job done, he was always focused on the task at hand - until, of course, there was a break. Mike was always quick with a smile and not afraid of a good laugh - whether on himself or one someone else.
Mike was a great supporter of the Bowling Writers and, even though we who knew him, are better for the experience, the Bowling Writers will miss his keen sense of direction and his ability to get the job done and make people feel at ease.
Craig Mathews, Sr
BWAA member
The Bowling News-Missouri
When we were working at the Miller Doubles tournament in Reno, Mike was warming up the crowd before the televised finals. In the middle of his instructions, he addressed an imaginary person in the audience and said, "No, madam, I'm not Burl Ives." He then continued his presentation and again addressed another imaginary person in the audience. "No, madam, I will not sing 'Blue Tail Fly.'" His wit and unflappable demeanor will be missed. My heart goes out to his wonderful family. I am happy that Mike was inducted into the USBC Hall of Fame, and that he was at this year's BWAA meetings and Bowl Expo, organizing a "rag tag bunch of bowling writers" into a group cranking out press releases about attendees. I will miss Mike along with Joe Lyou and Ted Gruszkowski.
Joan Taylor
Morris County (NJ) Sunday Record
Sports Reporter
I've had the pleasure of knowing Mike for over 25 years. He was the tournament director for the PWBA for several years, and always had a smile and humorous way of looking at situations that would come up. Mike was a genuine, wonderful human being that cared about everyone around him, and the sport of bowling. I'm so glad that I was at his induction into the USBC Hall of Fame. He, and his sense of humor, will be deeply missed.
Virginia Norton
USBC Hall of Fame
Mike Hennessy’s death leaves a void not only to his Family and Friends but also to the Bowling Industry.
I had the honor to work with Mike as we served on the BWAA Board of Directors.
He had a wonderful sense of humor and was so quick-witted.
We served as co-chairs of the awards committee when we merged and it was here that we developed a special bond.
Thank You Mike! We will miss you.
My heart goes out to his wonderful Family.
Joan Feinblum
The bowling game has lost one of its most precious commodities. Mike Hennessey, recently inducted into the USBC Hall of Fame, was tireless and creative, and was, perhaps the wittiest member of the Bowling Writers Assocciation of America.
He will be sorely missed.
John Jowdy
Bowling This Month Magazine
Syndicated publications
I was so hoping to receive better news about Mike. He is at peace now after fighting a valiant battle. I pray his family can reflect on all he did and all he meant for his bowling family over the decades.
Patricia Clayton
It just won't stop! I'm so glad Mike got to enjoy his Hall of Fame induction and show off his great inspirational way of speaking while accepting a well deserved honor. I got my first taste of his speaking talents when he addressed the annual convention delegates while representing BWAA as its President. I also enjoyed some time with him when I took an advertising agency to Connecticut to meet with the head of Strike Ten.
Don Gates
Mike was indeed one of my most favorite people in the BWAA. He always had a smile for me and many, many words of wisdom. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Chris Beard
I felt especially close to Mike, because he was the one got me to join the BWAA.
I remember the night he was organziing the BWAA bowling tourney in Billings and needed info on the centers.
He was very surprised I knew info on each one.
I think we talked for nearly an hour.
One of the most enjoyable conversations I've ever had.
He will be dearly missed.
Curt Backa
I have only known Mike for a few years but my life was truly enriched by his wit and wisdom. I got to know him when we served together on the BWAA/NWBW Merger Task Force and his insight and knowledge were keys to a successful merger of these two organizations.
As mere mortals we are all deeply saddened by our personal loss of a great man and a good friend. God must have decided he needed to perk things up in heaven and Mike was just the ticket. If I listen closely, I can hear the laughter of the angels as Mike holds court.
Mike will live forever in our hearts.
Jackie Wyckoff
BWAA Board of Directors
He was always there to help with words of encouragement, a sound suggestion, a caring smile, a corny joke. That was just the kind of guy Mike Hennessy was.
Hennessy was an invaluable resource for me when I was a rookie bowling columnist. Story ideas aplenty, an endless list of contacts and a calm demeanor that was assuring even under deadline - that was Hennessy's way....
While I was fortunate to know the man who was actually a predecessor of mine, there are many others who knew him better. Hennessy even called Erma Bombeck, then Erma Fiste, a colleague when he was sports editor and she was features editor for the University of Dayton News.
Debbie Juniewicz
Dayton (Ohio) Daily News
Over the years, Mike continued to be my mentor. He always had time to talk to me, give me advice and guidance. Mike was like that with everyone. He would always take time to talk with people about the bowling business or life in general. I try to continue on in Mike's shadow and hope that I make smart decisions while keeping a sense of humor.
Pat Marazzi, Executive Director
Bowling Center Association of Ohio
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Bowling made its first formal appearance at the Associated Press Sports Editors Convention in Minneapolis on June 27, sponsoring breakfast under the banners of the Bowling Writers Association of America, USBC and Strike Ten Entertainment, to expose some of the nation’s most influential sports editors to some of our sport’s great story lines.
Hosting the event were BWAA board member Tom Clark, who came out of the newspaper ranks before joining the USBC and PBA, and two of our sport’s most prominent stars in 2008 – Chris and Lynda Barnes.
It was the first time bowling has reached out to the APSE, providing the group with a variety of things they should know about bowling, but probably didn’t know. The goal is to eventually garner more coverage in newspapers and on their web sites, but the mere presence of bowling on the agenda is a good strong step for our sport as we try to grow.
Among those attending were USA Today Sports Editor Monte Lorell and Associated Press deputy sports editor Mary Byrne, two individuals who may be highly influential in improving exposure for bowling.
USBC and Strike Ten Entertainment have agreed to renew the breakfast sponsorship for 2009. The 2009 APSE convention will be held in Pittsburgh, Pa., June 24-27.
Here is the APSE PowerPoint presentation
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