Bowling News
Bill Chrisman, Co-Founder and CEO of Storm Bowling Has Passed
In Loving Memory of Bill Chrisman Co-Founder and CEO of Storm Bowling
June 19, 1949 – September 28, 2023
From Storm Bowling
BRIGHAM CITY, Utah – It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bill Chrisman, the esteemed co-founder and CEO of Storm Bowling. With profound grief, we bid farewell to a visionary leader who dedicated his life to revolutionizing the sport of bowling.
Bill’s passion for bowling was unmatched. Under his guidance, Storm Bowling soared to new heights, becoming a global leader in the industry. His relentless pursuit of excellence and commitment to innovation forever transformed the game we all love.
Beyond his professional achievements, Bill will be remembered for his kind and compassionate nature. He touched the lives of countless individuals, inspiring and empowering them to pursue their dreams in the world of bowling.
Bill’s legacy will continue to live on through the countless bowlers he mentored and the lasting impact he made on the sport. His unwavering dedication and unwavering spirit will forever be cherished by the bowling community.
During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers go out to Bill’s family, friends, and colleagues. May they find solace in the memories they shared and the legacy he leaves behind.
Rest in peace, dear Bill Chrisman. Your passion for bowling will continue to inspire generations to come. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
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Storm Bowling | bill & barbara chrisman inducted into hall of fame
For over three decades, Bill and Barbara Chrisman have wielded their influence and achievements as co-founders of Storm Products, Inc., a renowned name in the world of bowling manufacturing. Their impact on the sport transcends the mere creation of bowling equipment for Storm, Roto Grip, and now 900 Global, encompassing a far-reaching legacy.
Together, this dynamic duo has been stalwart supporters of bowling, with a particular emphasis on women’s bowling. They’ve generously sponsored numerous bowlers and bowling tournaments worldwide, including prestigious events like the USBC Senior Queens, National Golden Ladies Classic, and PBA/PWBA Striking Against Breast Cancer Mixed Doubles.
Before the inception of the Storm brand in 1991, and the introduction of the company’s inaugural bowling balls, Bill Chrisman was at the helm of High Score Products. In its sixth year as a one-product company, it specialized in producing the U Clean/U Score Urethane Bowling Ball Cleaner. Bill’s leadership paved the way for Storm to become an industry innovator, notably introducing bowling balls with distinctive fragrances.
Individually, Bill Chrisman has made significant contributions to the sport at the association level. He served as a director on the Ogden (Utah) Bowling Association Board from 1981 to 1989, earning induction into the association’s hall of fame in 1994 for his outstanding performance. In 2005, he was further honored with induction into the Utah State USBC Hall of Fame for his meritorious service.
Bill’s unwavering dedication led to special recognition from the USBC in 2014 when he received the prestigious Joyce Deitch Unity Award. This award is reserved for individuals who have played pivotal roles in bowling, serving as motivators, visionaries, leaders, and innovators.
As a formidable team, the Chrismans have amassed numerous accolades from the bowling industry. These include the 2016 International Bowling Media Association Alberta E. Crowe Meritorious Service Award, the 2014 Billiard and Bowling Institute of America’s Industry Service Award, recognizing their contributions to the sport’s promotion, the 2003 William Landgraf Memorial Award for Distinguished Service, and the 2013 John Davis Memorial Award.
Their commitment to making a positive impact extends to philanthropy. The Chrismans have generously supported various charitable causes, including donations to Susan G. Komen Bowl for the Cure, BPAA Hall of Fame Xtravaganza, the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame, and Weber State University.