Ralph Lee DeShong Jr., founder of Houston-based supplier Landes Inc. (asi/66230), died on March 11. He was 84.

A graduate of the University of Texas and a U.S. Army veteran, DeShong founded Landes in 1970. By 1983, Landes began making purses for retail, before DeShong steered the company into the promo products market in 1986. Today, the firm is known for making bags, totes and other logoed items.

In his later years, apart from work, DeShong especially enjoyed travelling in Italy, through Cortona, the Tuscan hills and Sorrento.

DeShong is survived by his children Diane (Larry), Paige and Ralph (Carol), and by his grandchildren Matthew, Claire, Forrest and August. “Ralph’s youthful, fun spirit will continue to live on in our hearts forever,” DeShong’s children wrote. “Arrivederci, Dad.” Memorial services for DeShong were held on March 19 at Christ the King Presbyterian Church in Houston.