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Gene Selznick Obituary
Selznick died Sunday at Kindred Hospital in Los Angeles after a series of health issues culminating in pneumonia, Dane Selznick told The Associated Press.
Gene Selznick began his career as beach volleyball first began to organize on the Southern California coast in the years after World War II. He soon became one of the dominating figures in the sport.
He also played indoor volleyball, played on the U.S. men's team and went on to coach U.S. teams, mostly women.
"In beach volleyball he was a pioneer," Dane Selznick said in a telephone interview. "He kind of set the pace for a lot of what today's players are enjoying — Olympic gold medals, lucrative paychecks. They've made a comfortable living. My dad never made any money on it. He's kind of like the old timers of other sports."
Selznick began playing at age 19 and he remained in the sport as a club coach as recently as a year and a half ago, his son said.
"He's touched a lot of people in this game," he said.
In addition to Dane, Gene Selznick is also survived by two other sons, Bob and Jack.
JOHN ANTCZAK
Associated Press
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
34 Entries
Craig Ricketts
December 19, 2020
There was never a time I ever saw Gene not having this bright light and life around him. He seemed to always want to make everyone happy and enjoy life. The true beach fun loving soul.
Gary Mortimer
August 15, 2018
I knew Gene Selznick when I worked for him at a wonderful bar/restaurant on the Sunset Strip. In the 1970's it was called the Windjammer. I was the original bartender.
Dyan Harmell
January 8, 2018
I just found out Gene passes away...A real loss for everyone..I was so lucky to have the honor or being friends with such a gentleman...He was so respectful of young or old.rich or poor .a way with his smile. Hand shake or hug to make me feel like he was so happy to see me again.. I was hoping to call and say hi yesterday..thats how he was. Always a friend to everyone lucky to know him...i hope to see you in heaven again and want your big bear hug and bright smile.love you Gene.. God Bless You
Carle Svitil
November 18, 2017
Met Gene on the beach in Ft. Lauderdale in 1973. He cleaned up the beach game on the cities beaches. He was a joy to call a friend and was very well respected, even if none of us did know much of his background. He showed respect, and in return, received it. May he forever Rest In Peace!
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Rick Barragan
February 18, 2013
I just found out a few days ago of Gene's passing. I'm so sad. Gene was such a good man. I worked for him back in the mid 80's at Gladstones 4 fish as a parking attendant. He was the coolest boss I've ever had or will ever have. I also knew his son's Bob and Jack. My condolences go out to all. God bless Gene, he was the best!
December 24, 2012
Merry Christmas, Gene.
Love always,
Rita
Rita
July 28, 2012
Dear Gene,
No wonder the earth-shattering thunder; you've got everyone in heaven playing volleyball and dancing!
Love to Dane, Bobby, Jack.
Rita (Florida)
David Mercer
July 13, 2012
My condolences to the family. Gene was more than a legend in both volleyball and beach volleyball...he was a character and a teacher bigger than life to me and many others. I had the opportunity to be coached by him for one indoor season at San Bernardino Valley College back in 1974. I still remember those days like they were yesterday. He helped me to accept the injury i had sustained to my knee in a car accident just prior to the indoor season but never let it dictate my attitude toward playing. He made me deal with it and taught me that "proper position on the court meant that i would not have to move that much anyway so not to worry about it" Coach Selznick then proceeded to teach me how to read the attack making my court position seem as obvious as driving on the right side of the road! It was a hard time in my life back then but he made it a time of learning and personal growth. I am grateful that i had a chance to know him even in a small way and carry his memory and lessons with me. David Mercer ( Cape Town South Africa )
Beverly Shanks Euler
July 5, 2012
Iam a cousin from way back.I last spoke to Gene about 4 yrs ago. I am so sorry for his passing and your loss. Contact me at :[email protected]. I would love to talk to a family member.
Angie Gomez (Moller)
July 1, 2012
I knew Selznick from the 60's. He put me on the Shamrocks team with Jane Ward and other greats. I was a rookie. First Mexican gal to play with such great people. He was the best! Loved him! He will be missed.
Ron Bara
June 24, 2012
I will miss you Gene. We had some great times! Your energy was energizing.
Joe and Bianca MacConnell
June 17, 2012
My sincere condolences to the family. Your loss is very painful at the moment but know that God will get you through. Psalms 55:22
Freddy Cheers
June 15, 2012
R.I.P you will be missed!
1956 Team USA - World Championships - Paris
Don Hall
June 15, 2012
June 15, 2012
So sorry to hear this. I knew Gene in the 50's. He was awesome on the men's Pan Am team in 1955. When USA beat Mexico for the championship, there was a riot. They put us in a bomb shelter while disbursing the crowd. May God comfort his family as you remember the good times! Proverbs 3:6 Alnet "Scotty" Bailess Pan Am Women's Team 1955
1955 Team USA - PanAm Games - Mexico City
June 14, 2012
Cathy
June 14, 2012
From State Beach to Zephyr Cove.... the smile of Gene Gene the dancing machine will not soon be forgotten. Thanks for making the sand a better place to be. No blocks in heaven....swing away!!!!
Don Hall
June 14, 2012
It was great knowing you "Selz". We enjoyed the competition, and the parties that followed.
The '55 PanAm Games in Mexico City followed by the '56 World Tournament in Paris were highlights in our VB careers. You were the ultimate competitor, a fabulous team-mate, and a delightful traveling companion. Our competition and parties occurred many years ago, but we still revel in remembering the 'good old days'.
Many thanks for the good games, and great times.
Don Hall & Marv Wigley - Stockton YMCA
Chi, Gene and Nancy
Chi DiMaggio
June 13, 2012
Skip Allen
June 13, 2012
My condolences to Dane and family. Gene was a great person , as well as, a great volleyball player, coach and innovator. We always had fun and a lot of laughs when he was around. We will miss him.
Skip Allen (Santa Barbara)
Chi DiMaggio
June 12, 2012
Gene and Dane introduced beach volleyball doubles to the Ft. Lauderdale beach and indoor players. The top Florida men players such as Kenny Haan and Mike Ryan used both power and finesse reflected in Gene's game.
Gene was influential in launching the pro doubles tour going from So Cal to So Florida the first year of its inception.
I had the honor of meeting Gene with one of his outside hitters Nancy Nunez. We compared volleyball stories all night long over Mexican food. My Florida friends sent him pictures to honor him and thank him for his wonderful impact on Florida volleyball and his wonderful friendship.
May he have as must fun in heaven as he did on earth.
Chi DiMaggio
Redondo beach
Randy Figgins
June 12, 2012
Gene is up in heaven telling Jesus how to run the Volleyball tourneyment.
A real Legend of the sport. Last show Gene last year in Santa Barbara , to honor Henry Bergman at East Beach glad i had a photo taken.
Bill Mitchell & Family
June 12, 2012
We are very sorry to hear of Gene's passing.Please know your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
M. Joseph
June 12, 2012
My condolences to the family as you mourn your loss. May the God of comfort give you the strength to get through this most difficult time.
Donna James
June 12, 2012
Thanks, Gene, for becoming part of your sports history. You are now in Heaven to spend Eternity here.
RIP, Gene!
Rob R
June 12, 2012
Rest easy, thank you for your contribution to this amazing sport!
June 12, 2012
To the the family of Gene Selznick - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.
Terry Behrens Hughes
June 11, 2012
You remain with us in our hearts, our thoughts & our beloved memories of you.
Jamie Reichert
June 11, 2012
A Major part of sport history..... thanks for sharing your talent with us
June 11, 2012
I was glad to see the 57' season end. My school homework and studies were a mess. So many hours by the radio. I loved the entire team, what a thrill to see them go unbeaten. One of my heroes in life.
Florida
June 11, 2012
What a loss to the sports world & the world in general! My heart goes out to the family! -Romans 15:33
June 11, 2012
With deepest sympathy to the family during your time of sorrow. Psalms 46:1 says: God is for us a refuge and strength during this difficult time and may God grant you the comfort to endure.
Robyn
June 11, 2012
To the Selznick family: Sorry for your loss. I pray that your family can have comfort from the words of Psalm 145:18. Your family is in my prayers.
June 11, 2012
I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.-John 14:18
May God's gentle peace fill your heart
and comfort your ...soul today and in the days to come,
Green, L.-West P. Bch., FLA 66407
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