Robert Fleming, Chairman of the 1980 Olympic Ice Hockey Committee, Dies
The ice hockey world mourns the loss of Robert Fleming, who was president of the United States ice hockey committee during the 1980 Olympic Games, known as the “Miracle on Ice.” Fleming passed away on July 31st at the age of 97.Fleming led the ice hockey committee in five editions of the Olympic Games and served as vice president of USA Hockey between 1970 and 1981. In addition, he was a director of USA Hockey for 33 years.
His dedication to the sport was recognized on two occasions with the Lester Patrick Award, one for his work with the 1980 team and another for his outstanding individual contribution to hockey. In 2004, he was inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame, along with the 1980 team.
Before his distinguished administrative work, Fleming had a hockey career, playing four seasons for the University of Minnesota and five years for the Rochester Mustangs of the U.S. Hockey League.
Fleming also had a successful 43-year professional career at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where he became Chief Administrative Director of the Clinic and the Mayo Foundation.
He is survived by his wife, Cynthia, his four children, 16 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.
