Local Sports

A TIMELY TRIBUTE

Family, friends gather to honor Peed at FDCC clock tower dedication

The new clock tower at the Fort Dodge Country Club will serve as a symbolic gesture in remembrance of the passion Lucas Peed shared with the local golf community.

Peed's daughter, Lexi McLeod, sees it as much more: a beacon of both life and love for family and friendship.

A ceremony was held on Saturday morning at the FDCC to formally christen the clock tower. Emotions ran high while honoring Peed, the local businessman and 1992 St. Edmond graduate who died suddenly a little over a year ago at the age of 50.

"I hope that when people see the clock and think of my dad, they remember him for all that he was both on and off the course," McLeod said. "I also hope that people who didn't know my dad will learn about the amazing man he was when they see this clock.

"I hope his story lives on forever. I just want to make sure we thank my dad's friends, who spearheaded the project. I know it was a lot of work figuring out the logistics and then executing it. Also, thanks to the people who donated their time, resources and labor. It's truly the most beautiful piece of art."

Peed's regular playing group at the FDCC - a Wednesday afternoon crew that included Pat Leiting, Kirk Yung, Matt Dutcher, Mark McBride, Brad Baade and Josh Porter - initially came up with the idea to recognize Peed with a memorial fundraiser. A clock tower memorial, designed and crafted by The Verdin Company out of Cincinnati, became the central focus of the group.

Funds were raised to cover the costs of both the unit itself and the landscaping around it. The installation of the structure was completed between the putting green and the No. 1 tee at the FDCC.

"The clock is a wonderful tribute to Lucas," Yung said. "To me, it speaks to the significant impact he had on the Fort Dodge golf community and the deep affection people have for Lucas and his family.

"Lucas loved golf, and he was really good at it, but above everything else, he cherished his friends and family the most."

Leiting and Yung spoke during the dedication, along with Dr. Jesse Ulrich - president of Iowa Central Community College - on behalf of the FDCC board. Connor McLeod, Lexi's husband, also shared thoughts on behalf of the family.

Lucas's wife of over 30 years, Shelley; his children, Lexi and Landon; and grandchildren Tucker, Maren, Cooper, Cameron and Natalie were all in attendance, along with son-in-law Connor and daughter-in-law Jaci.

"My dad would absolutely love (the clock tower)," Lexi said. "I'm so sad he isn't here to see it, but so honored they did this for him.

"He loved the Country Club and the game of golf. (The clock) has completely elevated the look there."

Leiting thanked the family, as well as FDCC head professional/general manager Steve Fuller and course superintendent Mark Siems. He also recognized in-kind contributors Chad Lennon and Woodruff Construction; Matt Bemrich and Bemrich Electric; Cody Jaeschke; Mid-Country Machinery; CID; and Shawn George.

"There are so many people who helped bring this project to life, through generous financial contributions, equipment, materials and their time," Leiting said.

Leiting added that the "generosity of Lucas's friends and the FDCC family has been truly remarkable."

"Lucas was a good friend to many and a dedicated member of the FDCC," Leiting said. "He loved golf, but just as importantly, he loved the FDCC and the members who made it special.

"He was a great ambassador for the game, and a generous supporter of the FDCC. He gave in so many ways, often without ever looking for recognition."

Speaking on behalf of his playing group, Leiting emphasized that "most importantly, I hope this will be a place that Shelley, Landon, Lexi, his entire family and all of us who knew Lucas can look at with a sense of pride and remember the great person he was.

"Thank you to everyone who helped make this tribute possible, and for helping keep Lucas's memory alive."

Peed, the founder and long-time owner of Mid-Country Machinery in Fort Dodge, was a three-time Fort Dodge city champion and the 2022 Lakeside Amateur winner. He graduated from both St. Edmond and Iowa Central.