October 28, 2025 Nolan Hughes

John Handegard, who was inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame in 2009, died this past weekend at the age of 87.

Upon his retirement, Handegard held multiple PBA records and remains the oldest player to win a PBA Tour title.

The Oregon native spent decades chasing his dream on the PBA Tour. Handegard's perseverance paid off when he won the 1995 PBA Northwest Classic at the age of 57. 

Handegard defeated three PBA Hall of Famers — Mike Aulby, Norm Duke and Mark Williams — in the stepladder finals.

While he waited years for success on the PBA Tour, his triumphs came early and often on the PBA50 Tour. Handegard won three PBA50 Player of the Year awards (1991, 1995 and 1996) and stepped away as the all-time titles leader with 14.

Handegard’s record stood for more than two decades until Walter Ray Williams Jr. surpassed him in 2021. Handegard’s 14 wins, which includes one major title, remains tied for second all time with Pete Weber.

In 2009, Handegard was inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame as part of the first class honoring players for their PBA50 achievements. The next year, he was inducted into the USBC Hall of Fame via the Veterans category.