Obituary: Gary Comer, Chicago Philanthropist
October 6, 2006
Gary Comer, founder of the Lands’ End mail-order clothing company and a noted Chicago philanthropist, died Wednesday of prostate cancer at age 78, reports The Chicago Tribune.
A native of Chicago, Mr. Comer donated more than $80-million to the creation and expansion of the Comer Children’s Hospital at the University of Chicago. He also provided $30-million to the Gary Comer Youth Center, which was built not far from where he grew up.
In 1962, Mr. Comer established Lands’ End, selling sailing equipment, rain suits, and sweaters. In 2002, Sears, Roebuck bought the company for $1.9-billion.
