Squaw Valley founder Cushing dies

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NEWPORT, R.I., Aug. 21 (UPI) -- Alexander C. Cushing, who helped get the 1960 Winter Olympics for California, died Saturday at his Newport, R.I., summer home at age 92.

The Nevada Appeal reported that Cushing, a Harvard Law School graduate, helped found the Squaw Valley USA in 1946. Three years later, the ski resort opened with a double chairlift, a rope tow and a 50-room lodge.

"Alex has left his vision for Squaw Valley USA's future with his wife and current president of Squaw Valley Ski Corp, Nancy W. Cushing, as well as the board of directors to fulfill," David Robertson, Squaw Valley Ski Corp Trustee, said in a news release.

Cushing, who had earlier practiced law and worked for the Justice Department, convinced the International Olympic Committee to have the 1960 Winter Games in California after it had been awarded to Austria, the report said.

Time magazine featured him on its cover in 1959 as a pioneer of skiing in the United States.

Also surviving are three daughters, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.