Former United States Golf Association president Harry W. Easterly passed away on Thursday, June 16 in Richmond at the age of 82 following a long, courageous battle with cancer the Virginia State Golf Association said in a release.

Easterly was president of the VSGA from 1965-1966. In 1968, he became an executive committee member for the USGA and soon became treasurer as well as serving on the USGA’s junior, public information, championship, and rules committees.

In 1976, Easterly took over the helm of the USGA as president and, during his two-year term, became very well known not only for his diligence in enforcing The Rules of Golf but also for how he skillfully and sensitively handled a death threat against Hubert Green at the 1977 U.S. Open at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Okla.

“Despite all his many wonderful contributions to this game, Harry was never one to heap praise or bring attention to himself; he was truly the perfect gentlemen – and with incomparable leadership, he was the perfect leader of this association,” commented VSGA president Grant E. Key III. “Our thoughts and prayers remain with Harry and his family. The world golf community has lost a tremendous person and terrific ambassador for this game.”

Known as one who craved challenges and sought opportunities to better golf, in 1980 he resigned his post at Richmond’s Wheat, First Securities to become senior executive director of the USGA. In addition to his administrative successes, Easterly was a longtime VSGA championship participant and the runner-up at the 1956 VSGA Amateur Championship. He served as non-playing captain of the United States team for the 1980 World Amateur Team Championship conducted at Pinehurst’s No. 2 Course. The U.S. squad led every round and won the 12th World Amateur Team Championship by 27 strokes. Team members included Jim Holtgrieve, Jay Sigel, Hal Sutton, and Bob Tway.

“We had high expectations for Virginia’s first true home golf facility,” said Troy Peery, VSGA Foundation president, “but somehow with Harry’s guidance we found a way to surpass those expectations. It’s a tribute to his hard work, unfailing efforts, and true love for this game. His energy and spirit will forever remain a part of golf in Virginia.”

Though Easterly was very reluctant to step into the spotlight, in 1996 he was honored as the VSGA’s President’s Award recipient, given for at least 25 years of service to the association. He was also honored as the USGA’s Isaac B. Grainger Award for 25 years of service as a volunteer.

In addition to Mary, his wife of more than 60 years, Easterly is survived by sons Frank and Harry Jr., daughters Natalie and Tighe, 10 grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

The memorial service is set for Tuesday, June 21 at 4 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 6000 Grove Ave., Richmond, Va. 23226-2730, Phone: (804) 288-2867. The burial service is private.