Famed basketball coach Pete Newell Sr.

Perhaps you saw this:
Famed basketball coach Pete Newell dies at age 93
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/localnews/ci_11012112
11/17/2008

Since we lost Charlie on the day that the Santa Cruz High basketball team won the California State Championship, the SCHS hoops coach, Pete Newell Jr., has reached out to me on rare occasions. That day has inextricably linked us - the worst day of my life - one of the best days of his. He has been sort of a father figure and mentor to me, sometimes giving me some tough love comments that I know I really needed to hear. I gave him the tickets to that game that Simon and I never made it to. Of course, I'll never stop wishing Charlie had been with us that day instead of with his two friends at the beach...

Pistol (Jr) himself has no children. Today he lost his father. Pete Sr. is without question a legend in the game of basketball, and I'm sure his son is a reflection of his intense passion for the game, and deep compassion and caring for people. 93 is a lot of years, and to think the life that went into those years makes it seem even more historic and legendary, and sad to me. My thoughts and prayers are with the Pistol and the Newell family at this time of great loss and grief.

I'm well aware that some of us on this list have already lost our fathers in one way or another. Some I also knew well and they were truly great men in their own right. It is a hard thing to face, knowing that no one lasts forever, not even the best ones, the ones we think will be there forever. But I guess we are still here to carry on their legacy as best we can, so their memories and goodness, even greatness, can live on in us.

Please take care.

Love,
--Scott;

picture is from the Sentinel, 2003