Former Andretti publicist Hank Ives dies

Hank Ives

HUBERT F. (HANK) IVES Widely-known and respected Southern California journalist Hank Ives passed away in his Balboa Island home Dec. 31 from pneumonia complications. He was 92.

Born in Pasadena on Feb. 7, 1926 to Franklin and Henrietta Ives, he attended Pasadena High School and Pasadena Junior College before enlisting in the Navy at age 18, serving as a signalman on the SS Francis Parkman. Following his service, he enrolled at the University of Southern California to study journalism. An avid sports fan from the time he read his first Sporting News at age 10, Ives started his own sports public relations business in the 1960s.

He was a columnist for the Pasadena Star-News for two years, but his proudest and most lasting project was a weekly newsletter about junior college football titled "JC Gridwire" that he published for 48 years, until 2008. He and his publication's extensive contributions earned him berths in the California Junior College Coaches Hall of Fame, as well as the National Junior College Athletic Association Hall of Fame.

During the 1970s and 1980s, Ives' diverse career included working with the Special Events Department of the Los Angeles Times, promoting such major events as the L.A. Rams Charity Game, Pro Bowl, indoor/outdoor track meets and many more.

His connection to motorsports started in 1975, when he became a key figure in the successful launching of the Grand Prix of Long Beach, now America's most successful street race, which enters its 45th year in April. He also was the publicist for such international racing stars as Mario and Michael Andretti, Geoff Brabham and Nigel Mansell.

A dedicated Los Angeles Angels fan who was a regular Opening Day attendee, Ives enjoyed playing golf and fantasy sports through his retirement years. He especially loved fishing with his grandkids and attending their school and sporting activities. During his lifetime he was a member of the PCC Good Old Boys, Pasadena Optimist Club, Balboa Island Historical Museum and served as president of the Pasadena Jaycees in 1960.

He is survived by his wife Joan, nine children (sons Tim Ives, Brad Amster, Steve Amster, and Jeff Amster; daughters Sandra Garcia, Debra Schultz (Doug), Sharon Allen, Susan Amster, and Linda Vitullo (Ralph), 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Per his request, no funeral or services will be held and his ashes will be scattered at sea.