Dick Pope Jr.

Dick Pope Jr.
Born
Richard Downing Pope Jr.

(1930-12-12)December 12, 1930
Long Island, New York
DiedNovember 8, 2007(2007-11-08) (aged 76)
CitizenshipUnited States
OrganizationCypress Gardens
Known forWorld Championships, inventing barefooting
SpouseFrances Pope
ParentDick Pope Sr.

Richard Downing Pope Jr. (December 12, 1930 – November 8, 2007), better known as Dick Pope Jr., was a World Champion water skier and an important business leader in Central Florida. Pope was an important innovator in the sport of water skiing, including the development of barefoot skiing in 1947. He is the son of Dick Pope Sr., the founder of Cypress Gardens theme park.