Robert Fleming, Key Figure in the “Miracle on Ice,” Passes Away
Robert Fleming, who chaired the U.S. ice hockey committee at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics, where the U.S. team won the gold medal, has died on July 31 at the age of 97.
Fleming led the ice hockey committee in five Olympic editions and was vice president of USA Hockey from 1970 to 1981. In addition, he was a director of USA Hockey for 33 years.Fleming was awarded the Lester Patrick Trophy twice: once for his work with the 1980 team and again 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.
As a player, Fleming competed for four seasons for the University of Minnesota and five years for the Rochester Mustangs of the U.S. Hockey League.
He also developed a 43-year career at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where he became Administrative Director of the Clinic and the Mayo Foundation.
Fleming is survived by his wife, Cynthia, as well as four children, 16 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.
