Ralph Evinrude

Ralph S. Evinrude (September 27, 1907 – May 21, 1986) was an American business magnate best known for being the Chairman of Outboard Marine Corporation, and the husband of singer and entertainer Frances Langford.

Evinrude was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Bess and Ole Evinrude. Evinrude's father had emigrated from Norway in 1882 [ [http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAevinrude.htm Biographical information from Spartacus] (last accessed September 10, 2007)] and had developed the first commercially feasible outboard motor, thus creating a new industry and form of recreation. In 1927, Evinrude joined the family firm, Elto Outboard Motor Company after two years at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Ole Evinrude died on July 12, 1934 and Ralph Evinrude took over running the company. In 1936, Elto Outboard Motor Company merged with Waukegan, Illinois-based Johnson Motor Company to form Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC). cite web | title= Biographical information from UWM Lubar School of Business | url=http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/Business/alumni/gallery/evinrude.html | accessdate=10 September | accessyear=2007|]

In 1936, the Board of Directors of OMC elected Evinrude president and director. In 1953, he was elected vice chairman of the board and chairman of OMC's Executive Committee. cite web | title= Biographical information from National Marine Manufacturers Association | url=http://www.nmma.org/awards/?WinnerId=85 | accessdate=10 September | accessyear= 2007| ] He became chairman of OMC in 1963. During his 55 year career in the family business, Evinrude expanded the company's product line to include boats, lawn mowers, snow mobiles and chain saws, and expanded operations world-wide. In 1982 when Evinrude retired as chairman, OMC had more than 9,000 persons employed in operations throughout the world.

In 1955, Evinrude married Frances Langford and moved to her estate in Jensen Beach, Florida. They shared interests in business and boating and spent much of their time aboard their convert|118|ft|m|sing=on yacht "Chanticleer". They opened a resort in Jensen Beach called "The Outrigger".

During his later working years and during retirement, Evinrude supported a wide variety of philanthropic activities. Some of his interests focused on Florida and the marine industry, but others benefited Milwaukee-area hospitals, institutions of higher education and the arts.

Evinrude died at home in Jensen Beach at the age of 78. OMC has a test center in Stuart, Florida which bears his name.

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