University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Mourn Loss of Dick Ames
1/30/2019 2:31:00 PM | Football, Athletics
Longtime and generous supporter of Gopher athletics passes away.
Dick Ames, who was a longtime and generous supporter of the University of Minnesota and its athletic department, passed away this morning at the age of 89 in Scottsdale, Ariz. Ames was the founder of Ames Construction, which he started in 1962 and then turned the Minnesota company into one that works on projects across North America.
Minnesota will remember Ames with a moment of silence prior to tonight's men's basketball game against Illinois. Below are statements from Director of Athletics Mark Coyle and head football coach P.J. Fleck.
Statement From Mark Coyle, Director of Athletics
"We are saddened by the passing of Dick Ames, and our thoughts are with his loved ones at this time. He was a great man, who cared deeply about the University of Minnesota and Gopher athletics. He was always willing to give his time and resources for the betterment of our students and was as loyal as they come. He will be greatly missed, but his philanthropic impact on our community will last forever."
Statement from P.J. Fleck, Head Football Coach
"The University of Minnesota lost a great man today with the passing of Dick Ames. He welcomed Heather, myself and our family to Minnesota with open arms and was a tremendous individual and friend. I had the pleasure to get to know him on a personal and professional level and nobody cared more about the Gophers than Dick. He always wanted to know how he could help and wanted nothing more than to see his beloved Gophers succeed. Heather and I will miss his kindness and bright smile, and our thoughts are with his family and friends."
Minnesota will remember Ames with a moment of silence prior to tonight's men's basketball game against Illinois. Below are statements from Director of Athletics Mark Coyle and head football coach P.J. Fleck.
Statement From Mark Coyle, Director of Athletics
"We are saddened by the passing of Dick Ames, and our thoughts are with his loved ones at this time. He was a great man, who cared deeply about the University of Minnesota and Gopher athletics. He was always willing to give his time and resources for the betterment of our students and was as loyal as they come. He will be greatly missed, but his philanthropic impact on our community will last forever."
Statement from P.J. Fleck, Head Football Coach
"The University of Minnesota lost a great man today with the passing of Dick Ames. He welcomed Heather, myself and our family to Minnesota with open arms and was a tremendous individual and friend. I had the pleasure to get to know him on a personal and professional level and nobody cared more about the Gophers than Dick. He always wanted to know how he could help and wanted nothing more than to see his beloved Gophers succeed. Heather and I will miss his kindness and bright smile, and our thoughts are with his family and friends."
Cub Plays of the Week
Wednesday, September 24
Cub Plays of the Week
Thursday, September 18
Cub Plays of the Year
Monday, July 14
2024-25 Gopher Sports Year in Review
Wednesday, July 09