E. Louise Priest

E. Louise Priest

age 87, of Indianapolis, passed away Sunday, October 22, after a brief battle with a very aggressive cancer. She was born May 16, 1930 in Indianapolis to Jesse Lynn and Laura May (Reed) Priest

Ms. Priest, a 1947 graduate of Arsenal Technical High School, was a professional in the field of aquatic education and safety for over 50 years. She received her undergraduate degree from Indiana State University, her graduate degree from George Mason University and did additional graduate work at Shaftesbury University in London. She was a member of Alpha Chi Honor Society and Psi Chi Honor Society.

Considered one of the most influential professionals in the field of Adapted Aquatics, Louise began as a volunteer for the American Red Cross at National Aquatic School in northern Indiana, also working for the aquatic programs of the YMCA. Her career led her to positions as staff member of several ARC chapters and eventually to ARC National Headquarters where she wrote the American Red Cross text, Adapted Aquatics, and was technical advisor for the ARC films "Focus on Ability" and 'Watersafty." She led clinics and workshops nationally and internationally, promoting aquatic education, safety awareness and techniques in the field of Adapted Aquatics. She has been called the "Mother of Adapted Aquatics." She encouraged young professionals as mentioned by Dr. Steven Langendorfer in an article published in the International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education (Vol. 8 No 2). In 1980, Ms. Priest became the Executive Director of the Council for National Cooperation in Aquatics (CNCA), a group of more than 25 national organizations with interest in cooperative projects and information sharing. With a grant from Eli Lilly to develop a program of Adapted Aquatics in Indianapolis, CNCA moved to offices at the IU Natatorium. In addition to her hands-on work in development and implementation of the program funded by Eli Lilly, Louise created and was managing editor of CNCA's National Aquatics Journal for 10 years. Following her years at CNCA, she joined the staff of Elis & Associates (aquatic safety management schools.) Her later professional years were spent as a consultant in aquatic safety, training, and risk management.

Ms. Priest was a Master Teacher and Clinician of AAHPERD (American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance), an ARC Instructor Trainer in Water Safety, Adapted Aquatics and Lifeguarding, an Instructor for Special Populations for the YMCA, an Ellis & Associates NPWLTP Instructor. She was the recipient of numerous awards, including The International Swimming Hall of Fame John Williams Adapted Aquatics Award, CNCA National Honor Award, AAPHERD Meritorious, Honor and Service Awards. The ATHS Alumni Association presented her with the Hanson H. Anderson Award in 1997 and the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2001. She is listed in Who's Who, Who's Who in American Education, World Who's Who of Women, Directory of International Biography, and American Biographical Institute.

Louise enjoyed hobbies as an amateur herbalist and mycologist and a master leathersmith, and also baking and cooking for friends and family.

Louise Priest was preceded in death by her son, David Fisher, her parents, brother, Carl A. (Sylvia) Priest, and sister, Virginia M. Priest She is survived by sisters Bonnie G. Priest of Indianapolis and Christina C. Priest (Keith) Morrison of North Carolina; niece Tante Morrison, nephews Glenn (Sally) Priest, Kent Priest, Neal (Pat) Priest Keith Priest, Craig Priest Brian (Amanda) Morrison, Scott (Linsey) Morrison, Terry (Judy) Fisher, great nieces and nephews, and numerous cousins, friends and colleagues.

A private family ceremony will be held with the scattering of her ashes.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Family and friends may leave a message of condolence by visiting the online obituary at www.arnmortuary.com.