Eccles a 'mogul' of success

In the world of dollars and cents, Spencer F. Eccles has done a lot with fellows like Washington, Lincoln and Hamilton . . . and people know it. In the world of blue and red gates and groomed slopes, he's probably done as much if not more . . . and few realize it.

Probably because more people are interested in how the Washingtons, Lincolns and Hamiltons are doing in the world money market, but the only one interested in how deep the snow is at a particular time and how well the skis are turning at the time is Eccles when he skis.

If Eccles had to choose which give him the most return, however, banking would have a difficult time competing.

It is, after all, skiing, he said, that has most shaped his life "in the business world, with my family, in everything I do. What I learned in skiing I carried over into my business life. It has been a guiding force in my life. . . . The discipline, the need to focus, the opportunity to set goals and achieve them. It's all there."

Spencer F. Eccles is, in a suit and tie, chairman and chief executive officer of First Security Corp.

In a puffy parka, orange-tinted goggles and knit cap pulled snuggle down around his ears, he's a skier who not only participates but has become one of its most impassioned supporters.

It is for his support and involvement in skiing over the years that the Utah Ski Archives has chosen to honor Eccles with the S.J. and J.E. Quinney Award for outstanding contributions to the sport. He will be presented the award at the Archives' annual banquet Tuesday evening at the Little America Hotel.

Also recognized will be the U.S. Forest Service for its work with winter recreation over the past 80 years.

Eccles started skiing as a youngster growing up in Ogden. His teacher was Corey Engen, one of the legendary Engen brothers along with Alf and Sverre.

It turns out that young Eccles did, indeed, master the turns. As a member of the Ogden High ski team, he helped his school to two state championships. He went on to compete for the Utah State American Legion co-ed team and competed in the slalom downhill and ski jumping.

Skiing was then, and is now, "a major focus in my life. . . . And, I'm happy to say, now in the lives of my family. If there's one thing I'm most proud of it's that I was able to pass on the love of skiing to my family."

He passed it on to others as well. While attending the University of Utah, Eccles was a four-year member of the ski team, serving as captain his senior year, and was named to the all-American team.