(Walnut, CA) The Mt. SAC Relays Family mourns the recent loss of Dan Shrum and Homer White, two men who played instrumental roles in the history of the Mt. SAC Relays.
DAN SHRUM
Former Mt. SAC Relays Director, Dan Shrum (1946-2014), passed away this past Friday, May 30th, after a long battle with a number of health issues. Shrum was the third Mt. SAC Relays Director, serving in that position from 1988 through 1996.
Shrum will be remembered for his quick smile, sincerity and his gift of making people feel like one of his lifelong friends, from the moment you met him. His 9 year tenure at the helm of the Mt. SAC Relays could be best summarized as a period of great friendships, congeniality and fun. Shrum knew everyone in the sport at the time and everyone in the sport had a fondness for him.
A native of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Shrum later moved with his family to Brigham City, Utah where he played football and participated in track, throwing the shot put and discus. He had the privilege to be coached by L. Jay Silvester (world record holder, 4 time Olympian and 1972 Medalist) who instilled a passion for the sport of Track and Field.
Shrum served the track and field community in many ways, including serving as the USA Track and Field Southern California Association President, U.S. Olympic Sports Festival Chairman, 1984 Olympic Games Volunteer and as Mt. SAC Relays Games Committee Chairperson.
Shrum is survived by his son Christopher Shrum, daughter-in-law Lis Lundgren Shrum, daughter Kelly Shrum, Grandchildren Kaylin and Kory Peterson, sister Kathy Benson and brother-in-law Larry Benson.
In lieu of flowers, the Shrum Family has requested any contributions in Dan's memory be made to the Mt. San Antonio College Heritage Hall Project in care of the Mt. SAC Foundation, 1100 North Grand Avenue, Walnut, CA 91789.
A "Celebration of Dan Shrum's Life" will be held on Saturday August 9, 2014 at a time and location to be determined. For additional details, please contact Don Ruh at (909) 790-7474.
Homer White (1912-2014), one of the founding members of the Mt. SAC Relays/LA84 Foundation Youth Days Track and Field Program, passed away peacefully on May 4th, at age 96. White is credited for the idea to propose the Youth Days Program to the Amateur Athletic Foundation (LA84 Foundation today), over 30 years ago. The Mt. SAC Relays/LA84 Foundation Youth Days Program became the very first grant awarded by the Foundation. Since then, the program has served and introduced over 350,000 youth from throughout Southern California, to the Olympic sport of track & field. Next year, the grant will celebrate its 30th annual event.
A long time employee of the Dow Chemical Company, White’s association with Mt. SAC began during the 1984 Olympic Games when he and former Mt. SAC Head Coach, Don Ruh developed a friendship when they volunteered together in the management of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. After the formation of the Amateur Athletic Foundation (the legacy of the 1984 Olympic Games), it was White’s suggestion to Ruh, to have Mt. SAC submit a grant to introduce/teach elementary and middle school children about the sport of track & field and Olympic ideals.
White remained active with the LA84 Foundation/Mt. SAC Relays Youth Days Program during the entire span of the program, serving on the executive board and as a respected advisor in later years. White along with Fred Barton, Naomi Barton, Don Ruh, Sandi Ruh and Seth Rhiner were the original six executive board members that developed the concept of track and field “learn by doing” clinics, culminating in the Youth Days Track and Field Meet, held in Historic Hilmer Lodge Stadium.
For more information please contact the Mt. SAC Special Events Office at 909.274.4840.