Richard Austin Lane

On Saturday, December 10, Richard Austin Lane, 73, died in a tragic accident. A lifelong resident of Greensboro, he was the son of the late Huldah York Lane and Wilton Austin Lane. He is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Betsy Hunsucker Lane, and his two much adored children, Richard Austin Lane, Jr. and Marcy Rankin McKenzie; his sister, Claudia Lane Deaton and husband Bill; his nephew Richard Eugene Stafford, and many endeared family members.

Richard was a graduate of Grimsley High School and the College of Textiles at North Carolina State University. After graduating from N.C. State with a degree in textile chemistry, Richard joined his father and uncle at Lane’s Laundry, a company founded by his grandfather. He eventually took over the company and transitioned it from an extensive residential laundry to a commercial operation, where he was instrumental in the development of specialty finishes for the apparel industry. This led to a long and successful career with The Ralph Lauren Corporation, where he served as Director of Technical Research and Development. In this role, he traveled extensively throughout the world and was widely recognized as a leader in the origination and development of complex textile products and finishes. Ever the innovator, Richard’s next venture was the development of an insect repellent process now used on apparel and other products worldwide. He created and founded the company now known as Insect Shield, which has helped prevent insect-borne diseases across the globe. Richard was a longstanding member of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists.

Richard had many hobbies and was as passionate about them as he was about his work. He was an avid sailor and loved time spent on his Sou’Wester 50 sailboat, Indigo, sailing from Maine to the Bahamas and all points in between. A 3rd generation sailor, he found much of his true happiness on the open seas. He was also well known in the car racing community - from crewing at Le Mans in France to racing his own cars at Virginia International Raceway. He was a long-time member of First Presbyterian Church as well at the Greensboro Rotary Club where he was a Paul Harris Fellow. He had friends in every walk of life, and every corner of the world, but his family brought him his greatest pride and joy. Richard Lane was truly an exceptional man.

A service will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Monday, December 19, at 1:00 pm. A reception for friends and family will be held immediately following the service at the Mullin Life Center.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com

Memorial contributions may be made to Victory Junction, 4500 Adam’s Way, Randleman, NC 27317; www.victoryjunction.org or to the charity of your choice.