Looking Back
85+ Years of Family, Business, LSU, Community, and the Lone Witness to JFK's Autopsy
RICHARD LIPSEY is known as a renowned entrepreneur, the man behind the famous US wholesaler Lipsey’s, and a philanthropist with a passion for education and community—but that’s only what the world sees.
In this new memoir, Richard recounts his incredible path: his family’s immigration to America at the end of the nineteenth century, his birth in Selma, Alabama, a boyhood shaped by an extended family committed to contributing to their new country, his unexpected role as an aide to President John F. Kennedy during possibly the most elegant social seasons the White House ever saw, and his solemn responsibility as the sole witness to JFK’s autopsy. He shares eye-witness accounts of historic events, including the aftermath of the assassination, and offers unique insights into the personalities of the Kennedy family and the behind-the-scenes mechanics of Washington, DC.
Beyond the halls of government, Richard’s adventures span Arctic hunts for polar bears, the founding and growth of acclaimed family businesses, and years of civic leadership in Baton Rouge. His story is rich with tales of perseverance, the pursuit of excellence, and generations of a family dedicated to giving back to the community, especially his cherished Louisiana State University. Richard recounts how he navigated all these paths, from growing a sporting goods empire to revitalizing the iconic Haspel clothing brand and promoting cancer care and education.
With warmth and candor, he also shares the values that shaped his life: hard work, kindness, and philanthropy. Richard is a man who opts to leave nothing on the table, and Looking Back is a testament to generosity, service, and the idea that we should make the most of life—and leave the world better than how we found it.
About Richard A. Lipsey
Businessman, US Army Veteran, and Community Activist
Richard A. Lipsey, Louisiana State University graduate, 1961; Harvard Business School OPM, 1987. Married to Susan Haspel Lipsey, they have two daughters, Laurie Lipsey Aronson and Wendy Lipsey, and three grandchildren, Anna (New York), Marla (Los Angeles), and Luke (Baton Rouge). While in the US Army (1962–1964), he served as aide to the commanding general of the military district of Washington and was intensely involved with the funeral of President John F. Kennedy (the only military officer to witness the entire autopsy of the president). Richard returned to Baton Rouge and entered the family business, Steinberg Sports Centers. In 1977, he purchased S & S Wholesale Sporting Goods (now Lipsey’s) and grew it into the nation’s largest firearms distributor. He and his family own Haspel, a major line of men’s tailored clothing that originated in New Orleans in 1909. He is the founder and partner of Lipsey Communications, a chain of over three hundred wireless phone stores.
Richard serves on many charitable, civic, and advisory boards, including several at Louisiana State University, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Foundation, and Pennington Biomedical Research Center. He has been honored by many organizations, such as the Boy Scouts of America, Ducks Unlimited, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, and the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers. Richard received the Golden Deeds Award in 2011 and was honored as Baton Rouge Business Laureate in 2012.
Richard has been a volunteer at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center since its inception. He served for more than eleven years on the Board of Directors, including as chairman. He was also a founder of the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Foundation (formerly the Board of Trust) and served as the first chairman.
Richard was appointed to serve on the Louisiana State Board of Commerce and Industry and subsequently on the State Board of Regents by former Governor Bobby Jindal. He served as a cochair for the transition team for Governor John Bel Edwards. Richard is a longtime higher education leader and served on the Louisiana Board of Regents from 2013 to 2021, twice as its chair. In 2023, he was elected to the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame and most recently honored as the Man of Distinction by the Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity.
—FORMER MAJORITY LEADER STEVE SCALISE, US House of Representatives
“Richard Lipsey is the living example of the American Dream and has also had amazing brushes with history. Through sheer hard work and smart determination, Richard built the nation’s largest firearms distributorship (among other businesses), raised a loving family, and made his mark as a nationally respected conservationist. What an amazing life he has lived!”
—MARK EMMERT, past president, NCAA, and past chancellor, Louisiana State University
“Richard Lipsey has led one of the fullest, most impactful, and utterly fascinating lives of all the people I know. Whether as a stunningly successful businessman, a much sought-after public leader, a generous philanthropist, or a deeply committed family man, Richard provides all of us a role model without compromise. All who know him have for decades turned to Richard Lipsey for his wisdom, his energy, and his kindness. His life story—his life’s work—reflects a profound
love of family, community, and country that animates this book. This is a story that shows what it means to be a great American. Enjoy.”
—WILLIAM “BILL” CASSIDY, former United States senator from Louisiana
“Richard danced with Jackie O., stood guard over JFK, and transformed a family business with one location in Baton Rouge into the largest firearms distributor in the world. When he did, he had more time with Susan to serve their community. There are lessons in this book for business and for life.”
—JAMES CARVILLE, American political consultant and author
“Richard Lipsey is a Louisiana legend. He sold me two of the most Louisiana products imaginable: a sixteen-gauge shotgun and a seersucker suit. Anyone who loves Louisiana owes it to themselves to read about this remarkable person.”
—SKIP BERTMAN, former LSU national champion baseball coach and athletic director
“No one has ever done more for Baton Rouge than Richard Lipsey. He is a wonderful family man and businessman. Richard is the number one firearms wholesaler in the USA.”
—CHRIS KILLOY, retired president and CEO, Ruger Firearms
“A great read! The phrase ‘a life well lived’ perfectly describes Richard Lipsey’s journey. A gentleman, patriot, businessman, and servant leader, I am fortunate to call him my friend and mentor.”
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