Sidney Herold Lazard peacefully passed away at his Dallas home on Tuesday, November 3, 2015. Sidney attended Tulane University and was a lifelong New Orleans resident until 2001, when he moved to Dallas, Texas. Mr. Lazard was a strong businessman who developed a reputation of integrity as an oil and gas operator and general producer in several explorations. His involvement was crucial in the drilling of numerous wells, and he maintained his foothold in the business as a royalty owner with widespread interests. A nationally and internationally recognized bridge player, Sidney was recognized as one of the all-time great bridge players and was inducted into the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) Hall of Fame in 2000. His acclaim as a bridge player goes back to a 1958 Spingold win and continued until 2002 at the Kaplan Blue Ribbon Pairs. He was best known for his strong bidding and confidence in taking risks at the table. In 2001, Mr. Lazard established the Sidney H. Lazard, Jr. Sportsmanship Award in honor of his son, who died in 1999 after battling cancer. The annual award celebrates sportsmanlike characteristics and aims to recognize those who “play hard but fair and hold no grudges.” Preceded in death by his son and first wife June Gurvich Lazard, as well as his parents Jules Calmay Lazard and Rosemary Herold Lazard, Sidney leaves a lasting legacy to all of those who survive him. This includes his wife of 15 years Betsey Yuill Wolff Lazard, daughter Wendy Wolff-White, son-in-law Zachary Adam White, grandchildren Jake Alexander Wolff, Ava Harper White and Emma Olivia White, and nephew Louis Gurvich, Jr., as well as numerous cherished family members. Lovingly referred to as Papa by many, Sidney’s stories of bridge and business are legendary, and his acts of service and compassion will continue to live on through the many organizations he supported. Services will be held at Sparkman Hillcrest Monday, November, 9, 2015 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Sidney H. Lazard, Jr. Sportsmanship Fund via The Foundation for the Preservation and Advancement of Bridge, 6575 Windchase Blvd., Horn Lake, MS 38637-1523. Donations can also be made in Mr. Lazard’s honor to the Jewish War Veterans of America, Jules Lazard Post 580, New Orleans, or to any animal rescue of your choosing.
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