Dick Pope, Jr.

Richard Downing Pope, Jr. (December 12, 1930 - November 8, 2007), better known as Dick Pope, Jr., was a World Champion water skier and an important business leader in Central Florida. Pope was an important innovator in sport of water skiing, including the development of Barefoot skiing in 1947. He is the son of Dick Pope, Sr., the founder of Cypress Gardens theme park.

Personal life

Dick Pope, Jr., was born in Long Island, New York. When he was just 18 months old, the family moved to Winter Haven, Florida. In 1936, his parents, Dick Pope, Sr. and Julie Pope, opened Cypress Gardens, one of the earliest theme parks in America. Dick Pope, Sr. played an important role in the development of Florida tourism and the growth of the sport of water skiing.

Dick Pope, Jr., served in the United States Marine Corps. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was known to carry a scratch pad to make notes about fishing conditions. He was also an expert marksman and champion skeet shooter. Pope and his wife Frances at one time held the husband-wife 12-gauge world title for skeet shooting.

Dick Pope

Dick or Richard Pope may refer to:

Dick Pope, Sr.

Richard Downing Pope, Sr. (April 19, 1900 – January 28, 1988), better known as Dick Pope, was the founder of Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven, Florida. He was also known as "Mr. Florida" and "Mr. Water Skiing." He played a key role in the development of tourism in the state of Florida, and the growth of theme parks as tourist destinations. He was a highly accomplished athlete, and helped to popularize the sport of water skiing.

Personal life

Dick Pope, Sr. was born in Des Moines, Iowa, according to legend during the middle of a tornado, from where he was said to have derived his whirlwind personality and energy for life. At the age of 7, in 1908, his family moved to Lake Wales, Florida. For a while, he lived and worked in New York City.

In 1926, while in North Carolina, he met his future wife, Julie Pope. Together they spent most of their lives in and around Winter Haven, Florida. They were active members of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Winter Haven. They had two children, Dick Pope, Jr. and Adrienne Pope Watkins.

Dick Pope (cinematographer)

Richard "Dick" Pope, B.S.C. (born 1947) is a British cinematographer who has worked numerous times with British film director Mike Leigh. He has twice been nominated for an Academy Award, for The Illusionist and Mr. Turner.

Filmography

As cinematographer

Other credits

Academy Awards and nominations

Other awards and nominations