This afternoon locals will be remembering longtime Ballard businessman and sports fan Lafa Lane, Jr. who passed away on Friday, January 6 at 95 years of age.
"He was a very kind and generous man. A courteous man. I miss him," said longtime friend and Ballardite Tom Treece.
A leader in both business and sports, Lane had many notable accomplishments throughout his life.
In 1934, he set a Kansas State High School record by running the mile in 4 minutes and 32 seconds at the Baker Relays. Later, he moved to Los Angeles, where he boxed professionally under the guidance of world champion Al McCoy and beat every fighter in his weight bracket.
In 1939, Lane and his family relocated to Washington, and he worked in the grocery business before serving in the US Army during World War II.
Upon his return from the war, Lane worked for Federal Old Line Life Insurance Company and became one of the top producing agents in Seattle.