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.

Lane later formed Ballard Mortgage Company, the first mortgage company in the state of Washington to open a branch office, expanding to Burien, Rainier Valley, Everett, Bellevue, Tacoma, Kent, and Lake City.

"He was very much an entrepreneur and supported businesses all across the board," said Treece.

Treece met Lane in 1967 when he did legal work for Lane.

"He became a very close friend," Treece said.

Treece said Lane was an avid sports fan and in 1966, Lane bought the Seattle Rangers, the professional football team that was the precursor to the Seattle Seahawks.

In 1968, Lane made an offer to buy the Boston Patriots and move the team to Seattle but the deal fell through.

The following year Lane sponsored the first NFL game played at Husky Stadium, between the San Francisco 49ers and the Cleveland Browns.

Lane's other businesses continued to do well and in 1972, he helped form the Ballard Bank of Washington and served as the first Chairman of the Board.

He initially retired in November 1972 but soon returned from retirement to work with his brother Robert at Metro Mortgage Company.

He retired again in 1987, vowing to spend his remaining years golfing, which he did, Treece said.

"He was an avid golfer. He played golf just about every day until he died," said Treece, adding that Lane shot his age when he was 67 and was recognized in Golf Digest and the Everett Herald.

Lane was a real southern gentleman, said Treece.

"He was a guy's guy. He was always up for a drink, boating, watch boxing, and talk business," he said. "What I'll miss most is his sense of humor,"

In addition to his close friend, Lane is survived by his four children, Sue Lopes, Betty Jean Nichols, Kevin Lane, and James Lane; brother Richard Lane and sister Rosemary Kolodziejczak. In addition, he leaves behind seven grandchildren and many more great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held at Bleitz Funeral Home in Fremont, 316 Florentine St., on Thursday, January 19th, at 1:00 p.m.