NSGA recently learned that Lawrence W. ”Scotty” Cummins, who was a chairman of the board of the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) and was instrumental in building the foundation of the Management Conference and Team Dealer Summit, passed away Dec. 28, 2013 at his home in Walla Walla, Wash. He was 98.
Cummins served as NSGA Board Chairman from 1969-70, was part of the planning committee for NSGA’s first Management Conference in 1965 and was on the Board of Directors of the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame. Cummins was the president and owner of Scotty Cummins Athletic Supply in Walla Walla from 1947 until his retirement in 1970. Cummins Athletic Supply serviced the equipment needs of high schools, colleges, and institutions in South Central Washington and Northeastern Oregon.
“We were very saddened to learn of the passing of Scotty Cummins and we extend our condolences to his family,” said NSGA President and CEO Matt Carlson. “Mr. Cummins’ love for sports was evident by all the time and effort he put in to help strengthen the sporting goods industry.”
Cummins was offered professional contracts with both the New York Giants football and baseball teams but turned them both down to go into coaching and education. He was involved in the development of sports programs at the grade school, high school, and college levels.
He was very active in promoting youth activities in his community, serving on the boards for the Borleske Stadium and Borleske Parks and Recreation, the Walla Walla Booster Club and the Walla Walla YMCA. Cummins was inducted into the Whitman College Sports Hall of Fame in 2008 and a newly constructed baseball locker room was dedicated in his name.
Cummins is survived by his wife of 22 years, Maxine, along with four grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, four step-grandsons, and six step-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Peggy and son, John. A private family service was held Jan. 3. Memorial contributions may be made to the Walla Walla YMCA, 340 S. Park, Walla Walla, WA 99362, Fort Walla Walla Museum, 755 Myra Road, Walla Walla, WA or a charity of the donor’s choice.
