LPA Presidents
Term of Office 1957 - 1960
Diagnosis: Cartilage Hair
Considered "The Biggest Little Star in Hollywood", show business veteran Billy Barty's career in film, radio, television and stage spanned 73 years and paired him with several generations of stars, from Mickey Rooney to Tom Cruise. The 3 foot, 9 inch tall founder of Little People of America, Billy Barty died on December 23rd, 2000 at the age of 76.
Born William John Bertanzetti in the coal mining town of Millsboro, Pennsylvania on October 25th, 1924, Barty was born with Cartilage Hair Syndrome Hypoplasia, one of some 400 forms of dwarfism. While his condition limited his physical size, it failed to limit his drive or personality, which became evident as he grew up in Los Angeles, where his father found work as a machinist at Columbia Studios.
Encouraged by his parents to be part of society, not apart from society, 3-year-old Billy decided to be part of a movie shoot outside his home, wandering up to one man, tugging on his pants leg, and flipping upside down to spin agily on his head. The stunt introduced Barty to director Jules White, owner of the pants, and introduced a move that would be popularized by street dancers 60 years later.
White put the precocious, blond-headed toddler in several films, launching a career that ultimately reached into 8 decades of film, starting with silent pictures and including George Lucas's special effects extravaganzas. From the start of his career, Billy Barty co-starred with some of Hollywood's highest flying stars, from Busby Berkley vehicles like "Roman Scandals", which featured Barty and a young starlet named Lucille Ball, to the string of "Mickey McGuire" films that paired him with Mickey Rooney, to the 1937 Frederic March picture "Nothing Sacred", in which a feisty, 13-year-old Barty bit March on the leg.
In later years, Barty's energetic, comic presence supported sex symbols like Elvis Presley ("Harum Scarum") and Tom Cruise ("Legend"). Barty also co-starred with Val Kilmer in the fantasy adventure "Willow", kept pace with comedian Chevy Chase in several pictures, and disappeared under heavy makeup for "Masters of the Universe" as well as several of the "Star Wars" episodes, and Sid and Marty Krofft shows, (including "Sigmund and the Sea Monsters" and "H.R. Puffnstuff") during the 1970s.
A skilled musician as well as a character actor, Barty brought his sisters Evelyn and Dolores (known as Deede) into show business in the 1930s as part of his Vaudeville team, "Billy Barty and His Sisters", the girls singing and supplying guitar accompaniment, while Barty drummed and performed impersonations and stand-up comedy bits.
The act retired in the 1940s when Barty considered abandoning show business for a career as a journalist, enrolling at Los Angeles City College as a journalism major and serving as the sports editor of the school's award-winning newspaper. Despite his small size, Barty lettered in a number of sports at City College, and after transferring to what is now California State University at Los Angeles. Barty received his bachelors degree from CSULA, and later was awarded an honorary doctorate from his alma mater (1995).
The late 1940s and 50s offered Barty too many opportunities to refuse in the new medium of television, where he became a popular guest actor on a number of programs before he joined Spike Jones and His City Slickers. Apart from appearing regularly on the comic bandleader's television shows, Barty toured the US and Europe with his orchestra through the 1950s. Barty hosted his own children's hour, "Billy Barty's Big Show", and appeared frequently as a guest star on what are now classic TV series- from "Get Smart" and "Rawhide" to the later 1970s hits "The Waltons" and "Barney Miller" to recent runs of "Frasier".
Though his acting career earned Billy Barty a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (1981), he was also honored for his second career as a philanthropist and humanitarian. In October of 2000, Billy Barty's 43 years of charitable work was recognized when he was presented the first of an award from the Long Beach International Film Festival which will bear his name, The Billy Barty Humanitarian Award.
Barty began his work on behalf of people with disabilities with his founding of The Little People of America in 1957, the only charity supporting the needs and interests of individuals challenged with forms of dwarfism. In 1975, Barty launched the LPA sister organization, The Billy Barty Foundation. Both organizations offer medical information as well as financial, social and medical support as well as scholarships to those Barty encouraged others to think of as "Little People".
Barty felt it was critical to encourage people to recognize individuals with dwarfism as people first, and to become aware of the challenges presented to people of small size. Barty, with his typical humor, would arch an eyebrow and encourage reporters to perform a day's work on his height level, or "try being (his) size and going into a public restroom."
Married for many years to a woman he claimed to have proposed to the day they met and the father of 2 children, Billy Barty had suffered ill health in his final months, first after an accident in May of 2000 that left him with a shattered eye socket, and later from heart problems and a respiratory infection. Billy Barty had been receiving treatment for his heart and lung ailments at Glendale Memorial Hospital in California when he died on December 23rd, 2000 from a cardiac arrest. His wife Shirley passed away in 2007.
Billy Barty is survived by daughter Lori Barty Neilson, son Brandon, and a granddaughter.
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Events: Founder/President/Member
- Oranized and Hosted First LPA Meeting - Reno, Nevada April 2-4, 1957
- Charter member of LPA 1957
- Elected First President of LPA 1957
- Chairman of First National Convention Las Vegas, Nevada 1960 139 Attended
- Awarded First Scholarship, funded by DeVry Institute 1960
- Proposed a plan to organize LPA into 14 Districts 1960 -62
- Elected First Director of District 12 1960
- As Founder Designated Permanent Member LPA Board of Directors 1960
- Chairman of LPA Convention, Las Vegas, Nevada 1961
- Editor of LPA Newsletter
- President of Los Angeles Chapter 1962 -64
- Chairman of LPA Convention, Hollywood, Calif. 1967
Term of Office 1960-1962
Diagnosis: Pituitary
James Daniel "Dan" Turner was born in 1922 in rural North Carolina near Ridgecrest, just east of Asheville.
Dan attended schools in Black Mountain, N.C. and graduated from high school there in 1941. While attending school and to prepare for a career in show business, Dan took ballet and tap dance lessons.
The start of World War II inspired Dan to seek other employment options. Dan worked for over five years during the war in the post office at an Army Hospital. His job was terminated due to a reduction in the military labor force.
Dan later worked as a page at a Miami Beach FL hotel for two seasons. This job was full of many fun times and fodder for lots of great stories. Following the Florida caper and having the previous clerical experience, Dan took a job working with the North Carolina Highway Commission. Dan worked there for over 35 years before he retired from what became known as the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT).
During his early employment with NCDOT, Dan continued to live with his mother, brother and sister in Ridgecrest. He became an active member of the Black Mountain Lions Club. He, as well as one of his aunts, had Pituitary Dwarfism. During this time Dan was about 4’5” tall and weighed around 90 lbs give or take 2 or 3 lbs.
Dan learned that the actor, Billy Barty, was putting on a convention for little people in Reno Nevada in 1957. Dan was one of the original 20 people who were instrumental in forming Little People of America. It was at this gathering that he met Launa (Bingaman England) Shelton, another dedicated founding member of LPA and who would become his future wife.
In 1961 Dan, Art Noble and Robert Hinkson filed incorporation papers for Little People of American at the Secretary of State’s office in Indianapolis Indiana. Dan made the following statement: “As the 2nd president of this organization, there is nothing more important to me than "Little People of America, Inc." I believe in the organization and will always strive to help any little person when it is in my power. My association with this organization and with the members has made an impact on me personally that cannot be described with words.”
In 1962 Dan served as the national newsletter editor for LPA and also as conference chairperson for the LPA Conference held in Asheville, NC. The conference was held in late fall with 80 delegates attending. After consideration for families with children, it was determined that all future conferences would be held in the summer when most schools are not in session.
Dan and Launa nee Bingaman, England, Shelton, Kinzel, were married in 1968. Launa moved to NC and found employment with the Sate of NC. Dan and Launa were appointed as the Historians for LPA, Inc. Together they initiated a scrapbook program at the chapter and district level which continued until the late 1990’s.
They were strong supporters of LPA in District 3 and were the co-hosts for the 1974 LPA Convention held in Asheville, North Carolina at the Grove Park Inn.
In 1982, Dan and Launa were very excited about attending the 25th anniversary celebration of LPA to be held in Reno, NV the place where LPA began. Sadly, Launa passed away unexpectedly shortly before the conference. Dan continued to be as active as possible in LPA and attended every national conference until his death in 2002.
Events as President/Member
- Charter Member of LPA - 1957
- Vice President of LPA - 1957 - 1960
- Elected President of LPA - 1960
- LPA Injcorporated in the State of Indiana - 1961
- District Directors Appointed - 1961
- Eastern Regional Meeting in Washington, D.C. - 1961
- Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada - 1961 137 Attended
- Membership decided to hold all conventions in the month of July -1962
- National Newsletter First Issue - 1962
- LPA song written by Dennis Binion - 1962
- Newsletter Editor - 1963
- Chairman of Convention in Asheville, N. C. 1963
- Co-Historian of LPA, with his Wife, Launa 1971 to 1979
- Proposed and Implemented a Scrap Book Initiative that was Adopted by Districts and Chapters 1972
- Co- Chair, with his Wife Launa, LPA Convention in Asheville, N. C. - 1974 389 Attended
Term of Office 1962 - 1964
Diagnosis: Pituitary
Bob Gene Brower was born July 24, 1927 in Mexico, Missouri to Harry and Ruth Brower. There are few details of Bob’s youth. He identified him self as a pituitary dwarf. In 1947 he married Marcella Porter and they took up residence in Des Moines, Iowa. In the early 1950’s they adopted their first daughter Vickie. Subsequently they adopted Cathy and Charles. Bob found employment in the grocery business where he worked for over 30 years. He held a number of positions in Iowa and Arizona and was Controller for several grocery operations.
Over the years Bob spoke before professional and Service groups about employment and the keys to success. In 1959 he received a mailing list from Ana Dixon, who was provided assistance and clerical support to a new organization called Little People of America. Bob and Marcella reviewed the list and decided to take a trip through the west and meet some of the people on the list. The trip covered 6,500 miles during which they met many little people including some that had been in show business with Marcella.
In 1962 Bob was elected President of LPA. During his two year term of Office the first medical consultations occurred at the Des Moines Convention in 1963 and workshops and discussion groups were introduced at the annual meeting. The 1964 annual meeting was held in Phoenix, Arizona, Bob’s home town. Bob continued to serve LPA as Director of District 10 and Treasurer of the Phoenix Chapter.
Bob was killed in a car accident in 2001 near his home in Segulin, Texas.
Events as President/Member
- Joined LPA In 1960
- Lenonard Langer, MD was introduced to LPA by Angelo Rossitto - Dr. Langer later became first Chair of Medical Advisory Board
- First Medical Consultations at Convention in Des Moines, Iowa - 1963
- Workshops and Discussion Groups Introduced at Annual Convention - 1963
- Dennis Binion wrote the "LPA Song" Approved by Membership 1964
- Jerry Austen proposed creation of "Little People Village". Proposal rejected by Executive Committee
- Permanent Address of LPA established at P.O. Box 126, Owatoona, Minn. 1964
Term of Office 1964 - 1968
Diagnosis: Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia
Lee Kitchens, a native of Fort Worth, Texas was born in 1930 to average size parents He received his public school education in Fort Worth and received a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas in 1955.
He was a registered professional engineer in the State of Texas and a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers, a charter member of the Belt Line Chapter of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers and recipient of their 1978 engineer of the year award. He held patents on semiconductor devices and calculators.
Lee was employed with Texas Instruments for over 30 years, serving in several divisions with assignments in design, manufacturing, and administration, including engineering manager for the Holland and Italian calculator facilities. His last assignment was Manufacturing Engineering Manager of the personal computer division in Lubbock, Texas.
He took a strong interest in civic affairs having served as:
- Technical Consultant - Pilot School for the Deaf
- First Goals for Dallas program.
- Curriculum consultant on digital electronics - Eastfield Jr College
- Chairman - Long Range Planning - Preston Hollow Methodist Church – Dallas, Texas
- Scoutmaster - Troop 77 – Richardson, Texas
- Director and President - Human Growth Foundation – Minneapolis, MN
- Delegate - White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals – Washington, D.C.
- Director and Vice President - United Cerebral Palsy Association – Dallas, Texas
- Vice President - Coalition of Texans with Disabilities
- Chairman - Texas Commission on Human Resources Task Force – Austin, Texas
When he moved to Lubbock, Texas he continued his interest in civic affairs as:
- Trustee - St Johns United Methodist Church – Lubbock, Texas
- Governor's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped - Austin, Texas
- Director - Easter Seal Society – Lubbock, Texas
- Treasurer - Coalition of Texans with Disabilities – Austin, Texas
- Texas Planning Commission for Develop-mental Disabilities – Austin, Texas
- Director – Texas Alliance for Minority Engineers – Arlington, Texas
- Mayor - Village of Lake Ransom Canyon, Texas
- Advisor - Southwest Collegiate Institute for the Deaf - Big Spring, Texas
- Director at Large - Human Growth Foundation – Minneapolis, MN
Lee met Mary while he was attending SMU. After they were married they both obtained a pilot’s license. They flew regularly until he was transferred to Europe when he sold their plane.
Lee heard of LPA in 1959. His Attorney saw Billy Barty on the “Ralph Edwards Show”, and Lee got on Billy’s mailing list. He attended the 1960 LPA convention in Las Vegas. Originally he said that he and his wife Mary attended because they thought it would be good for their two adopted children Alan and Sandra. Alan had been diagnosed as a dwarf but grew to average height. Sandra was diagnosed with achondroplasia. “In fact,” he said, “it has helped Mary and I as much as it helped our children. I feel it has been invaluable because it helped my self confidence. I became at ease speaking before a large group of people. I knew they were not looking at me because I was different. It made all the difference to me.”
Lee was elected President of LPA in 1964 and served two terms which ended in 1968. During his term of office The LPA Foundation became firmly established and it established several program for members. Dr. Victor McKusick, Geneticist, made an appearance at the the 7th Annual meeting and established a strong program for individuals with skeletal dysplasias at Johns Hopkins University Hospital. Lee was able to obtain a donated computer and put the LPA Membership list on computer.
He was a devoted and contributing member of LPA for over forty hears. He was director of District 8 and was the host for the first LPA annual meeting held in Austin, Texas in 1967. As his career wound down at Texas Instruments he took on the job of LPA data base coordinator. Through his efforts LPA hired its first employee who worked as a receptionist and membership coordinator.
Lee died May 12, 2003 after a short illness. He was preceeded in death by his wife Mary and their two children, Alan and Sandra.
Events as President/Member
- Joined LPA - 1960
- Director of District 8 1962 -1967
- Louis Sharrer, Selected as Montana" Handicapped Person of Year" 1965
- Anna Dixon Named National Goodwill "Worker of the Year" 1964
- Victor McKusick M. D., Johns Hopkins Hospital, spoke at national convention in Glaucester, New Jersey 1965
- LPA Membership placed on Computer 1966
- Convention Program Published with pictures, bios, and advertising - 1966
- Art Linkletter's "House Party" devoted one entire show to LPA 1967
- LPA Foundation discussed and organization founding began 1967
- Established LPA Database 1972
- Vice President of LPA Membership 2000 - 2002
Term of Office 1968 - 1970
Diagnosis: Achondroplasia
Chuck was born Dec. 5, 1933, in Tracy, Minn. to Charles Henry Bedow and Flora Hays Bedow. He graduated from Ivanhoe High School in 1952 and attended Mankato Commercial College and earned a certification in business in 1954.
Chuck began his 42-year career with Federated Mutual Insurance Companies of Owatonna, Minn. in September of 1954 and retired from Federated in February of 1997. Chuck began his career at Federated in the rating department and then in underwriting, moving on to eventually become senior marketing services manager in charge of field operations. During his career as a marketing representative trainer, Chuck touched the lives of hundreds of young men and women who would go on into the insurance field. He was a member of the Federated Insurance Quarter Century Club for more than 30 years.
Chuck joined Little People of America, Inc. in 1961 as a member of District 9. He was twice District 9 director, served as the national treasurer of LPA from 1962 to 1964, national vice-president from 1964 to 1968, and national president from 1968 to 1970. He was convention chairman for the national convention five times. During his presidency, he formed the Little People Medical Advisory Committee, bringing together physicians from across the states who had backgrounds in genetics and short stature, orthopedics, radiology and other specialties within the medical field of dwarfism. He represented LPA on the President’s Committee For Employment Of The Handicapped, a precursor to the federal legislation to improve access to jobs and opportunities for handicapped people. On Sept. 11, 1986, Chuck was honored with the prestigious Rose and Jay Phillips Award by the Courage Center in Minnesota, in recognition of exceptional courage and determination in achieving vocational independence and for community involvement and leadership.
Chuck married Sally Ann Wright, of Hooks Texas, in 1964. Their Daughter Jill was born in 1967 and their son Jack was born in 1971.
During the years Chucklived in Owatonna, Minn. where he served on the boards of many local service organizations and often in leadership roles.
In 2001, Chuck and wife Sally moved to Port Lavaca where they spent their retirement years raising highly acclaimed, award winning American Eskimo Dogs under the kennel name BeSota.
Chuck, 82, passed away at his home in rural Calhoun County June 20, 2016. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Virginia
Events as President/Member
- Joined LPA - 1961
- Director of District 9 1962 – 1964
- Chairman of LPA Convention Des Moines, Iowa – 1963
- LPA Treasurer 1964 - 1966
- LPA Vice President 1966 -1968
- Elected President LPA – 1968
- First Chapters Formed - 1968 Phoenix, Arizona - Dal-Worth, Texas
- LPA Representative to President's Committee on the Handicapped - 1969
- Chairman LPA Convention - Minneapolis, Minn. - 1969
- Medical Advisory Board Formed - 1969
- Membership Handbook Published - 1969
- Membership Grew over 90% 1968 - 880 1970 - 1551
- Rose and Jay Phillips Award for Community Leadership - 1986
Term of Office 1970 -1974
Diagnosis: Achondroplasia
Joe was born in Hood River, Oregon, November 11, 1934.
He completed his schooling in Hood River, and then enrolled in Pacific University where he graduated with a B.A. in Education and a certificate in Speech Pathology.
After leaving school he found employment with the Godendale, Washing school district where he provided speech services at six of the district’s schools.
Joe joined LPA in 1962 and soon thereafter was elected Director of District 11 in 1964. He married the former Martha Brinkman and they had two children Dalla and Darin.
He was re-elected District Director in 1966 and 1968. In 1968 Joe was appointed Chair of the Handbook committee which developed and printed a member's manual and guide. The handbook was distributed in 1969.
Joe was chair of the convention committee that hosted the 1970 LPA Convention in Portland, Oregon. Originally the convention was scheduled at the Tyhee Motor In in Olympia, Washington. The motel burned to the ground in early 1970 and subsequently was scheduled into the Portland Hilton.
During his term of office as President of LPA attendance at the annual convention grew to 425 by the Chicago convention in 1972; the LPA Foundation awarded its first scholarhiip, and Dr. Victor Mckusick and Katherine Smith were each awarded life time membership in recognition of their support of LPA. And, during his term of office, the first Short Stature Clinic was held at Johns Hopkins and the first Employment Survey was completed and distributed.
During the years following his Presidency Joe remained active with LPA. In 1977 he was a delegate to the White House Conference on the Handicapped. In the late 1980’s he attended travel school and upon his retirement he worked as a travel agent in Portland. He was appointed National Travel Chiarman and coordinated travel arrangements at National Conventions for several years through the 1990’s. In 2004 he accepted an appointment as National Historian.
His wife Martha passed away in 2010.
Events as President/Member
- Joined LPA in 1962
- Director of District 11 1964 1968
- Chair of Handbook Committee 1968
- Published Members Handbook 1969
- Chair of Convention Portland, Oregon 1970
- First Short Stature Clinic at Johns Hopkins Hospital 1971
- LPA Foundation Awards First Scholarship 1972
- Life time Memberships to Dr. Victor McKusick and Katherine Smith 1972
- Employment Survey Completed and Distributed 1972
- Delegate to White House Conference on the Handicapped 1977
- Appointed LPA National Travel Chairman 1984
- Appointed LPA Historian 2004
Term Of Office 1974 - 1980
Diagnosis: Achondroplasia
Gerald Rasa was born December 6, 1946 in Higginsville, Missouri. His parents were Mr. & Mrs. Clifford Rasa. He graduated from Higginsville High School in 1964 and from Central Missouri State University, majoring in Public Relations, in 1968. He later obtained a Master Degree from the University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, Missouri. Following his graduation in 1970 he became an Assistant Professor of English at Elmhurst College, now Elmhurst University, in Elmhurst, Illinois. While at Elmhurst he placed an LPA Brochure inside an Elmhurst College Time Capsule that will be opened in 2071. He married Mary McGrath in 1972. They had one child Jason who was born in 1974.
Gerald moved on and became Director of Public Relations at Theil College, in Greenville, Pennsylvania in 1974 where he remained until 1979. In that year he accepted a position at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville as Director of Public Relations. He married Kitty Phillips in 1979 and they had one child, Allison.
Gerald became a member of LPA in the early 1960’s, and was Director of District 6 from 1966 until 1974. During this time he was Editor of LPA Today from 1968 – 1971. Gerald was Chairman of the 1972 LPA Convention that was held in Chicago, Illinois. He was elected President of LPA in 1974 and served three terms thru 1980. During this time he also served as President of the LPA Foundation in 1975.
In 1988 Gerald was Historian for LPA and created the Seasoned Sage Society to assist in preserving the history of LPA. In 1993 he received the Kitchens Meritorious Service Award and was Newsletter Editor for the District 13 Newsletter.
Gerald passed away September, 29, 2020.
Events as President/Member
- Joined LPA in early1960’s
- Director of District 6 1966 – 1974
- Editor - LPA Today 1968 – 1971
- Elected President of LPA 1974 – 1980
- President – LPA Foundation 1975
- Dr. Charles Scott Presented with Honarary Membership 1974
- LPA Cookbook published 1974
- Third Short Stature Clinic at John’s Hopkins Hospital 1974
- Ideal Weight Chart for Achondroplastic Men and Women Published
- Billy Barty Foundation Created 1975
- Eleanor Jones retires as Adoption Committee Chair after 10 years 1976
- LPA Information Booth at President Committee for Employment of Handicapped 1976
- Billy Barty presented with Lifetime Membership 1976
- “My Child is a Dwarf” authored by Joan Weiss 1976
- Bob Hinkson appointed Magistrate Judge in North Carolina 1976
- LPA Handbook and Idea Machine Published 1977
- “In Ginny’s Backyard” authored by Ginny Brown (Foos) 1978
Term of Office 1980-1982 & 1984-1986
Diagnosis: Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia
Robert was born in 1949, the second in a family of 5 children. Four years after his birth in Chicago his family moved to Florida.
He attended high school in Jupiter, Florida. One summer he attended a youth camp where he worked at RCA and developed an interest in electronics. After High School Robert attended the University of Florida where he obtained a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering with a focus on biomedical applications. While attending the University of Florida he acted as a lobbyist for the Florida Coalition of Disabled Students. The Coalition of Disabled Students were successful in their efforts as the legislature appropriated $2.5 million for architectural changes at Florida’s college campuses. From 1978 to 1980 Robert helped develop and distribute “The Green Sheet” which was a directory of adaptive aids and equipment for individuals with disabilities.
Robert Joined the South Florida Mini-Gators Chapter in 1975. He became involved with the recreation committee and the employment committee. He was elected Asst. Dist. 4 Director in 1979 and ran for and was elected President of LPA in 1980. He immediately established a monthly communique for National and Chapter officers which was call the Golden Sheet. In 1982, during the last year of his first time in office the 1st International Little People Convention was held in Washington, D.C. and the 25th Anniversary of LPA was held in Reno, Nevada.
In 1981 Robert met Angela Muir, President of Little People of New Zealand, while she was visiting the U.S as a Winston Churchill fellow. During her stay she researched American disability civil rights law and public relations programs. Seven months after meeting they were married in a New Zealand ceremony which was followed by an American ceremony in Florida.
He was elected President of LPA again in 1984. His term was marked by: the first LPA Convention held outside the United States in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; an appearance on the Phil Donahue Show; inauguration of the LPA Foundation National Fellowship Program; and application for 501-C3 status as a tax exempt non-profit organization. At the conclusion of 1984 LPA membership had grown to 3,000.
In 1985, Robert, LPA, and the International dwarf community, became embroiled in the reality of Dwarf Tossing. The first report of dwarf tossing originated in Australia but the practice quickly spread to Europe. A coalition of dwarf organizations protested the practice. The European Parliament agreed and issued a proclamation condemning dwarf tossing.
In the US, in 1985, a Chicago bar owner announced his intention to introduce dwarf tossing in the U.S. Robert appointed Craig McCulloh, a legislative aid, and LPA member from Pennsylvania, to head up the LPA response to the planned Chicago event. Through negotiation and pressure from the Chicago Mayor’s office the planned event was cancelled. However, dwarf tossing events were soon announced in three other cities. Again public pressure and advocacy cancelled these events. The Dwarf Tossing issue was around long after Robert left office. Florida banned the practice in 1989 followed by a New York Law enacted in 1990. In 2011, 26 years after the Australian Dwarf Tossing incident, an effort to repeal the 1989 Florida law was initiated. After vigorous advocacy, by Robert and Angela Van Etten and many others, the repeal effort failed in the Florida Legislature.
Robert employment history has been extensive. and worked for the Archetecture and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board in Washington, D.C. The Architecture and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) hired Robert as an Electrical Engineer. in January, 1981, Robert traveled to Washington D.C to start this new job. Upon reporting to work he discovered that the newly elected President, Ronald Reagan, announced a job freeze which was back dated to November 7, 1980. The media picked up Robert’s story as 1 of 1800 hardship cases affected by the job freeze and after three months of lobbying on Capitol Hill he got his job back. However, it was a case of winning the battle but not the war. His position was reinstated but not the research money needed to be effective in his work. As a result, he only stayed with the Access Board one year.
Robert and Dr. Steven Kopits, then head of the Little People Research Fund, discussed and agreed that Robert would be an ideal candidate to start analyzing the data Dr. Kopits had developed and collected from the many surgical interventions he performed to adjust and correct for skeletal dysplasias that were presented by his patients. Robert left this position in 1982 just prior to the time he and Angela relocated to Ohio.
In 1983 Robert began work at the Cleveland Metro Hospital, as a Rehabilitation Engineer, assigned to a medical clinic. Patients who had spinal or arthritis issues would present and Robert would research and recommend specific adaptations to facilitate their activities of daily living. This position, which was grant funded, terminated in 1984 at the conclusion of the grant.
In 1985 Robert set up a small business which he named Adaptive Living. The focus of the business provided disabled individuals, employers and organization with information and services about adaptive devices for activities of daily living and/or employment. Most of his work involved consultation, research and development of plans to accomplish specific goals to meet the needs of his clients. In 1998, he took on a consulting contract with the Florida Department of Vocational Rehabilitation as a Rehabilitation Engineer. He met with the Counselors and their clients to identify their individual needs and provide information about suitable adaptations. Robert continued Adaptive Living until his retirement in 2020.
Events as President/Member
- Joined LPA - 1975
- Assistant District Director – Dist. 4 - 1979
- President of LPA 1980 – 1982
- First issue of Golden Sheet published - 1980
- Parent’s Counseling Training Program – Johns Hopkins – 1981
- Billy Barty Footsteps placed in front of Grauman’s Theatre in Hollywood 1981
- Under the Rainbow – 1981
- 25th Anniversary Convention, Reno, Nevada - 1982
- 1st International Little People Convention, Wash, D.C. 1982
- “The Little People Documentary” Jan Krawitz and Tom Ott – 1982
- President of LPA – 1984 – 1986
- LPA Foundation elects first President – 1984
- Handbooks for LPA Officers and Chapter Distributed – 1984
- Short Stature Library Introduced – 1984
- LPA Foundation National Fellowship Program – 1984
- Phil Donohue Show Features Little People – 1984
- Annual Convention in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - 1985
- National Convention Master Manual – 1985
- Board of Directors first mid-year meeting - 1985
- Application for 503-C3 Non-profit status – 1985
- Dwarf participants in Les Autres Games - 1985
- Purchase of inhouse computer for Membership tracking - 1986
- Parents Brochure – 1986
- LPA Membership exceeds 3,000 – 1986
- Chicago Mayor files injunction to prohibit Dwarf Tossing – 1985
- Dwarf Tossing in Chicago bar cancelled – 1986
- Parenting Skills video produced by the Parents Group – 1986
- Dwarf Athletic Games at LPA Convention Dearborn, Michigan – 1986
- District 4 Director – 2002
- Vice President of Kniest-SEC Group - 2003
Term of Office 1982-1984 & 1988-1990
Diagnosis: Diastrophic
Mary Vidaurri Flores Carten was born on August 24, 1943 in Dallas, Texas, the daughter of Secundino and Sara Flores.
Mary lived a remarkable life of 74 years. She and two sisters were dwarfs who with four other siblings were raised by good, hard-working parents. Mary grew up during a time when a Mexican-American child was discouraged from speaking Spanish in school and dwarfism was a social stigma.
As a child, Mary showed signs of the determination that would become a hallmark of her life. Despite physical and medical issues that often accompany dwarfism, Mary would not let them impede living - she magnified her strengths to live a rich and full life. For many years, she could walk without assistance and when old enough, she earned a driver’s license that opened a larger world. When the years began to wear down her small body, instead of slowing down she used crutches to speed up, and eventually used an electric-powered scooter to go to places in her neighborhood, town and the world. She could speak, read, and write Spanish and English, and attended the same middle and high schools as other children in her neighborhood.
Mary dreamt of a marriage, family and home. After completing high school and attending Texas Woman’s University, she pursued various job opportunities in insurance and banking. At the age of 23, she met Mickey Lawrence Carten who would become her husband and with whom she would create the home and family she so dearly wanted. Mary and Mickey married on April 27, 1967 in Dallas. As a dwarf couple, they did not hesitate to show that they could do whatever others could do. They purchased a beautiful home in which Mickey, an accomplished big-band trumpet player, played music Mary loved and would dance to. They owned cars and went on vacations. They were interviewed by local newspapers that wrote in wonderment about the dwarf couple living the American Dream.
Part of that dream was to have children. Notwithstanding the prejudices and difficulties each of them had faced as a dwarf child, Mary and Mickey knew that any child they had, dwarf or not, would be raised in the warmth of a loving, nurturing, and supportive home. After trying for several years, they were ecstatic to learn in early 1970 that they would soon be parents. On December 21, 1970 Mary gave birth to a healthy, beautiful, dark-haired girl they named Monica Lynn.
Mickey doted on his daughter and Mary was overjoyed at the beautiful family she had created. However, in October 1972, Mickey passed away and the life Mary and Mickey had made was shattered. But, the resolve to succeed which had been a force in Mary’s life carried her. The family was now Mary and Monica, her baby daughter, her ‘babe’. Mary would stop at nothing to ensure they had a wonderful home and that Monica had every opportunity to succeed. With Mary’s encouragement and support, Monica participated in dance, music, scouting and sport. Mary taught Monica the importance of academics and hoped that one day Monica would become a medical doctor.
In addition to being a dedicated parent, Mary lived life with gusto. She easily made friends and loved to talk. She got involved in organizations, especially in one that defined a large part of her life – Little People of America (‘LPA’), a nation-wide organization devoted to the issues and causes affecting dwarfs across America. Becoming president of LPA, Mary helped guide it during the 1980s. Her work took her across the USA, from Alaska and Hawaii to New York and Florida, as well as to Mexico and Australia. And wherever Mary went, Monica went, learning the importance of understanding peoples, marveling at places and appreciating differences.
Mary’s dreams for Monica were realized when Monica finished her college education with honors in Chemistry and Spanish and was accepted into one of the most prestigious medical schools in the country - UT Southwestern in Dallas. Mary was so proud when, four years later, Monica received her medical diploma, and a photographer captured a beaming Mary with Monica, in cap and gown, seated next to her.
Once Monica started her medical career in Denver, Colorado, Mary moved there in 2002. Even though age was demanding its toll, Mary still did not slow down. In Denver, she found joy in snowy days and, not simply content watching the beautiful snow fall, got out into it. When Monica went skiing, Mary would go to the resort and watch her daughter ski down the mountain. But Mary would not settle for just watching – she wanted to ski. So, with modified skis, Mary learned to ski in her beloved Rocky Mountains.
Mary’s outdoor activities weren’t limited to skiing. She river rafted in Colorado. She explored Lake Powell in southern Utah on a houseboat and, when that seemed too slow, she would hop on a jet ski or into a powerboat.
Besides adventure, Mary liked to travel. She would eventually travel to Puerto Rico, to the United Kingdom, and from there through the ‘Chunnel’ tunnel to France on the Eurostar high-speed train and then on to Spain.
Mary is survived by her daughter, Monica Lynn Carten of Barcelona, Spain.
Biographical information courtesy of Grove Hill Funeral Home, Dallas Texas.
Events as President/Member
- Joined LPA 1966
- Dal-Worth Chapter President 1974 - 1978
- Director District 8 1978
- Chairperson LPA Convenion in Dallas, Texas 1978
- Membership Coordinator 1980-1982 1986 - 1988
- First Woman President of LPA 1982 -1984 & 1988 - 1990
- Short Stature Symposium - Philadelphia 1983
- Membership Category of Supporting Member added 1983
- Short Stature Symposium, Dupont Institute, Delaware 1984
- Short Stature Clinics Available in all LPA Districts - 1984
- Dwart Tossing banned by Florida Legislature
- Secretary of LPA Foundation 1984 -86
- New LPA Logo adopted - Designed by Julie Rotta
- LPA Brochure and "MyChild is a Dwarf" Spanish Editions - 1984
- LPA Adoption Brochure Published
Term of Office 1986 - 1990
Diagnosis Crohns
Daniel was born in Tucson, Arizona in 1952. After high school Daniel attended the University of Arizona and graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In 1972 he began work as a Mechanical Engineer and that same year he became a member of LPA in District 10. He held various chapter offices and was elected Director of District 10 in 1973.
He left Arizona in 1974 to work at the Mare Island Shipyard in Richmond, Calif. The US Navy scheduled major overhauls of Nuclear Submarines at Mare Island including equipment replacement, testing and final sea trials. Daniel worked there for fifteen years until 1989. He was Chief Test Engineer the last eight years of his employment.
Following his employment with the U.S. Navy Daniel worked in the private sector and with Non-profit organizations. In the private sector he capitalized on his Engineering and Project Management skills in the manufacture of custom medical instrument prototypes, supervised the design and construction of portable sawmills, managed marketing for a warehouse and distribution facility, and worked as a Field Engineer, and Finance Director.
In the non-profit sector he was employed as Operations Director for the Youth Sciences Institute in the South Bay for eleven years as Operations Director where he was heavily involved with Fund Raising Projects, on line marketing. Also he was Marketing Director for an agency placing people with disabilities in jobs.
Events as President/Member
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Joined LPA – 1972
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Director, District 10 – 1974
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Joined San Francisco Bay Area Chapter – 1974
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SFBAC Chapter President – 1977
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LPA National Membership Director – 1978
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Co-Chair Annual Conference in Los Angeles – 1980
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Member LPA Foundation – 1979 to 1982
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Chairman of the 25th Anniversary Convention, Reno, Nevada – 1982
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Circulation Coordinator – Books and Printed Materials – 1981 to 1990
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Conference Photographer – 1982 to 1994
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Member of Bylaws Committee - 1981 – 1984
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Presented with Lifetime Membership - 1985
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President, Little People of America, Inc. 1986 – 1988
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Achondroplasia Questionnaire initiated - 1986
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LPA member weight study – 1987
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Royalty Contest retired – 1987
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Obtained Non-Profit status from IRS – 1987
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Minority outreach committee established – 1987
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1st International Conference on Achondroplasia, Rome, Italy – 1987
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Vendors invited to annual conference – 1988
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Editor of LPA Today – 10 years over three terms ending in 1998
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President of LPA Foundation = 1990
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Dwarf puppet for Kids on the Block – 1992
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Membership Director – 1992 to 1994
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Vice President – 2000 to 2002
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Co-Chair LPA conference in San Francisco, CA - 2004
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Member of Historian Committee – 2020 - 2022
Term of Office 1990 - 1994
Diagnosis: Achondroplasia
Term of Office 1994 - 1996
Diagnosis: Achondroplasia
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Ruth was born in 1960, the second child of George and Wendy Ricker. She has an older brother. She attended public schools in Calais, Maine and graduated from high school in 1978. She attended Northeastern University and graduated with a degree in Business Administration in 1984.
After graduation Ruth went to work for the U.S. Department of Education in the Office for Civil Rights as a Technical Assistance Specialist.
Ruth's first LP contact was with Meinhart Raabe who, at that time, was a representative for the Oscar Meyer Co. Meinhart had a brief show business career when he appeared as the Mayor in "The Wizard of Oz".
She became a member of LPA in 1966 and was active in District 1. She was District Director form 1980 to 1984, Chairperson of the Boston LPA Convention in 1983. Ruth was elected Sr. Vice President 1990-94, and President 1994-96.
Significant Events as President/Member
- Director District 1 1980
- 1st International Conference 1982
- Chairperson LPA Convention Boston, Mass. 1983
- Leadership Training Study 1985
- Distributed Questionnaire to LPA Members on Dwarf Terminology
- Presented a revision to Design Accessibility Standards
- Revised and Republished "Dwarfism Family and Professional Guide"
- Distributed Women's Health Care Survey
- Appointed a Genetic Ethics Coordinator
- Published "Little People of America Comes to Terms with Genetic Testing"
- Member LPA Foundation
- International Correspondence Coordinator
Term of Office 1996 - 2002
Diagnosis: Achondroplasia
Leroy was born March 30, 1947 in Arizona. His family moved to Northern Idaho where he graduated from High School. He attended Northern Idaho College where he received an AA in Industrial Electronics. Soon after graduation he began work in the Electronics field and in 1978 was employed with General Telephone Co. In Coeur d’Alene Idaho as a Network Analyst in the Switching Systems Division. In 1993 Leroy moved to Moorpark, California, where he worked at GTE.
Leroy became a member in 1972. His first National Conference was in 1973, in Oakland, where he met Donna Michaels. They were married in June of 1974. They have two children Leann and Zachary.
He was active in LPA from the beginning of his membership. He held some Chapter leadership positions including Assistant Director of District 11. He served as Director of District 11 from 1986 to 1992. During his term as District Director a Short Stature Symposium was held in Spokane, Wash. In 1989 and Donna and LeRoy were co-Chairs of the LPA Convention of 1990, that was held in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Soon after moving to California Leroy and Donna joined the Los Angeles Chapter. In 1995 Leroy and Lyle Meyers were asked to review the LA Chapter by-laws. After the review the LA Chapter adopted revised By-Laws in 1996. Leroy was appointed Assistant Director of District 12 in 1995, elected President of LPA in 1996, and served three terms through 2002.
Leroy retired from GTE in 2010. He and his wife Donna live in Moorpark, Calif.
Significant Events as President/Member
- Assistant Director of District 11 1984-1986
- Director of District 11 1986 - 1992
- Short Stature Symposium Spokane, Wash. 1989
- Co-Chair with Wife, Donna LPA Convention in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho 1990
- Review of LA Chapter By-Laws 1995
- Assistant Director of District 12 1994-1995
- President of LPA 1996-2002
- Monica Pratt first LPA Employee 1995
- Dwarfism List adopted and managed by LPA 1998
- Dan Kennedy appointed Web Master 1998
- LPA establishes lpaonline.org as domain name 1998
- Supporting members can vote in LPA elections 1999
- Matt Roloff biography "Against Tall Odds" published 1999
- U.S. Drivers with certain disabilites can deactivate air-bags. 2000
- ANSI adopts 48 inches as new standard height in new and remodeled structures 2001
- Paul Miller named Commissioner of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission 2000
- Billy Barty, founder of LPA dies December 23, 2000
- Hawaii becomes District 14 2001