"Two things in life make me cry; death of a loved one and helping others."
These were the exact words of Tennis Foundation Ghana President, Roger Crawford upon hearing the passing of Ghana Tennis Hall of Famer, Isaac Lartey.
To Mr. Crawford, "Abee" as he was popularly known, was not only a Tennis Legend but also one of many mentors he had as a young tennis player.
"The truth is that we reconnected after so many years and we picked up right where we left off and I am so glad we were able to honour him when he was alive."
George Gamel, childhood friend and long time doubles partner of Isaac Lartey said in an interview from his Virginia Beach house in the US said: "I have lost a great friend who nobody can replace." The duo played for the Ghana Armed Forces in the 1970's.
"Abee" will forever be remembered as one of the best doubles partners of all time. A lefty who partnered the likes of Anthony Dove and won countless laurels all documented in the annals of Ghanaian Tennis History.
Isaac Lartey was inducted into the Ghana Tennis Hall of Fame at a colourful and emotional ceremony in August 2019 at the National Tennis Centre.
A Statement issued by the Co-Chair of the Ghana Tennis Hall of Fame, Mr. Giovanni Amenuveve Adinyira read: "I am saddened to hear of the passing of Isaac Lartey. Mother Ghana has lost a great son.He was a trailblazer in our game on both the Ghanaian and West African Terrain. It was a privilege to work with him during the inaugural GTHF Induction, a true gentleman. He said: "tennis is like life, give your best, anticipate possible challenges, win or lose, play your best." He will be missed but not forgotten."
Isaac Lartey is the second Tennis Hall of Famer to pass on in less than a year after being inducted. A few months ago, Joseph Apeletey Atiso died after a sudden heart attack in Germany.
