In Memory of
Lisle Milton Ramsey
July 19, 1921 - April 25, 2014

 

Lisle Ramsey, an international marketing and management consultant, began his entrepreneurial experience in high school. His favorite English teacher encouraged him to use his writing skill to write for a county newspaper. He soon learned that any story accmpanied by a photograph paid more money than he received for just writing. The 5 cents per column inch he earned as a reporter was used to buy his first camera. Thus, his interest in photography was born.

Since then, he has used his skills in marketing and management to purchase, operate, franchise, and facilitate the sale of more than 100 professional photography studios in the United States. He founded and served as chairman of Lisle Ramsey, Inc. for more than fifty years. He also founded the International Professional Photographer's Guild (IPPG) and operated a color laboratory serving professional photographers across the country. During this time he presented management and marketing seminars to professional photographers in the United States and abroad. He also worked with other small businesses and Fortune 500 companies and trade associations as diverse as Ralston Purina and Continental Airlines.

Ramsey's interest in helping young people led to his founding of International Leadership Network (ILN) in 1990, a not-for-profit organization headquartered in St. Louis, MO. He was an ardent advocate for leadership education, students-at-risk, and recognition of the positive contributions made by so many young men and women but often overlooked by society. Other community organizations benefited from his entrepreneurial skills. He served as president and chairman for the Christian Civic Foundation, was founder, president and chairman of the National Council on Youth Leadership, and president and chairman of Religious Heritage of America.

An experienced and tireless traveler, Ramsey was the official representative of the United States at the 85th birthday celebration of Albert Schweitzer in Africa, presenting tons of donated gifts of clothing, shoes, rice, household and medical supplies to Schweitzer for use in his hospital and leper colony. He always used this amazing gift as the finest example of the great generosity of the true American Spirit.

Lisle Ramsey was born July 19, 1921 to Frances Cook and Julius Ramsey in Monticello, KY. At the age of 3, his family moved to Mason, OH and he graduated from high school in Lebanon, OH. In October of 1951, Lisle was married to Mary E. Lykins. Lisle was preceded in death by his wife, Mary.

In December 2006, Lisle was married in Eau Claire, WI to Kay M. Hartzell. She currently serves as Chairman of the Board for International Leadership Network.

Lisle entered peacefully into the Kingdom of Heaven on Friday, April 25, 2014. Lisle is survived by his widow Kay Ramsey; three children, Max (Lynda), Mary Ann (George) Brengle, and James; his brother Ralph (Wilma) Ramsey. He is survived by five grandchildren; Dan Ramsey, David Brengle, Katie Solomon, Mary Brengle and Jon Brengle. Dear to him were his six great-grandchildren. Zachary, Anna, Owen, Charlotte, Cora and Cooper. Lisle is also survived by nieces, nephews, many friends and colleagues.

Lisle Ramsey's life will be celebrated on Sunday, May 4th at First Congregational Church at 6501 Wydown Blvd. in Clayon, MO. Visitation will be held in the church from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. The memorial service will begin at 5:00 p.m. and will be followed immediately by fellowship in the church hall. A private family burial will take place at Mt. Hope Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to: International Leadership Network (ILN), P.O. Box 190216, St. Louis, MO 63119-6216 or to The Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University, Campus Box 1204, 7425 Forsyth Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63105.