He was best known for being the owner of the eponymous John Nike Leisuresport chain of dry ski slope complexes .
Leonard John Nike OBE DL ( 5 July 1935 -- 25 December 2016 ) was an English businessman , and a Bracknell - based leisure and hotel entrepreneur .
Leonard John Nike was best known for being the owner of the eponymous John Nike Leisuresport chain of dry ski slope complexes .
Leonard John Nike OBE DL ( 5 July 1935 -- 25 December 2016 ) was an English businessman , and a Bracknell - based leisure and hotel entrepreneur .