Bill Walton loved Tucson. He loved the University of Arizona. He loved McKale Center.
He loved the Pac-12. The Grateful Dead. His bike.
Bill Walton loved almost everything and everyone he came in touch with, and they loved him right back.
Walton, who passed away Monday at the age of 71, was so beloved because the affection and attention he gave to others was real. It didn’t matter whether you were a fan, a player, a coach, or a referee; he would try his best to make time for you and listen to your story.
Many of us, if we’re fortunate, have our own Walton story.
Maybe it was a quick moment, like snapping a photo with him after an Arizona game. Or perhaps you saw him at a nearby hotel or restaurant. He was hard to miss in public, a real giant among us.
Feel free to share your favorite Walton memories in the comments.
Here are just a few of the countless tributes to Walton today.