A SHINING LIGHT
I have many great memories of Bill that I will never forget. Having attended UCLA in the early 80’s and being a huge sports fan, little did I know that I would have the opportunity to cross paths many times with Bill and Lori. We both served on the board of the San Diego Symphony and then regularly saw one another at various charity events around town. Hall of Famer, of course, but even nicer human beings filled with care and compassion.
I first met Bill at his home in San Diego. A friend of mine had bid on an item at a charity auction that was a dinner at Bill’s house. We had no idea what to expect. It turned out to be a crazy night of fun, checking out the teepee in his backyard, enjoying a great meal together and then watching a VHS replay of the 1973 NCAA National Championship, arguably Bill’s and college basketball’s greatest game ever played. Sitting on the couch next to Bill and watching the game was surreal.
I have a few other fond memories. I will never forget Bill coming to my office one day for a meeting. Of course, he brought his own tall chair. I had quite a bit of UCLA memorabilia at the time, included a signed Pyramid of Success by John Wooden. Bill was looking around and suddenly started dialing his phone. I asked him who he was calling and he said, “Coach Wooden! I’ve got to tell him about this!” Well, the Wizard of Westwood did not answer so Bill starts leaving him a message about me and my office shrine to UCLA and then he hands me the phone. I’m not even sure what I said but blurted out some awkward message. That was Bill.
Another memory involves a friend of a friend who asked me for a favor. This person’s father was an usher at Pauley Pavilion for something like 50 years. He was a huge Bruin and Bill Walton fan. The guy wanted to do something special for his father so he had purchased a seat from Pauley when the arena was being renovated. Somehow they found out that I had a connection to Bill and asked if I might see if Bill would be willing to sign the seat. I was a bit sheepish about this but thought it was a compelling story so I reached out to Bill. He was thrilled to hear about it and even seemed to remember my friend’s dad. Bill went very much out of his way on a trip up to LA to meet with this family and sign the seat for his father, creating the gift of a lifetime for a longtime fan and UCLA volunteer. That was Bill.
Finally, A few years ago, I was taking my family up to a UCLA game at Pauley. I knew Bill would be doing the broadcast so I reached out to tell him I would be there and to see if he might have a minute to say hello before the game. Bill said, “Of course!,” just stop by the table…it will be great to see you.” The next thing we know Bill is wrangling the entire family out to center court at Pauley for photos. That was Bill.
Bill became a shining light in the life of anyone he ever met. I feel grateful to have known him and I miss him.
Paul Hering