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Ernie Vandeweghe
1928 - 2014
Ernie Vandeweghe
1928 - 2014
Obituary
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BORN
1928
DIED
2014
Ernie Vandeweghe Obituary
The death was confirmed Sunday by the NBA through its NBA history Twitter feed and by granddaughter and pro tennis player CoCo Vandeweghe in a Facebook post Saturday. The cause, time and place of death were not given.
Vandeweghe averaged 9.5 points and 4.6 rebounds in 224 regular-season games for the Knicks from 1949-56. In college, he averaged 19.1 points in four seasons at Colgate.
"I am so lucky to have spent so many years with him learning and growing," CoCo Vandeweghe, ranked 40th among WTA players, said in her Facebook post. "He is now in a better place with his beloved wife. He will be missed dearly. Love you Pal."
Ernie Vandeweghe's wife, Colleen, died in 2010. She won the 1952 Miss America pageant.
Born in Montreal, Vandeweghe went to medical school while in the NBA and was a physician in the U.S. Air Force. He was chairman of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and served on the Olympic Sports Commission. He also was the Lakers' team physician when the team moved to Los Angeles from Minneapolis.
Kiki Vandeweghe played 13 seasons in the NBA and was a two-time All-Star who averaged 19.7 points for his career. Daughter Tauna won a U.S. swimming championship in the backstroke and competed in the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Son Bruk was a beach volleyball player, and daughter Heather captained the U.S. women's polo team. Coco is Tauna's daughter.
Ernie Vandeweghe grew up on Long Island and played football, basketball and baseball at Oceanside High School.
Copyright © 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
21 Entries
Tom Federico
September 3, 2017
I grew up in NYC and was a Knick fan. Ernie was one of my favorite players. I would watch the Knicks play at the 68th Street Armory, Madison Square Garden and on TV. Seats were cheap then. I am now 83 years old. Ernie had a great shot from the corner, they only counted 2 points then. Players like Ernie and his Knick teammates were great role models for us kids back then.
Jerome Bokina
December 20, 2015
I WILL REMEMBER
JERRY BOKINA
November 16, 2014
To a truly beautiful man, a star inside and out. You were my very favorite teamate on the old Knicks. RIP old friend. All who knew you will mourn the loss and wish you well as youjoin your wonderful Kay. Love ya always. Ritchie
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November 14, 2014
I know these notes will be of great comfort and blessing to our family. Thank you to all who took the time to write, call, send a card and pray . Ernie is where he wants to be , beside his Angel. Charlotte
Ed Paul
November 13, 2014
Kiki and Tauna
I got to meet you both and your Dad in the mid 1980's when he was an advisor to the company I worked for. He was always a class act, in good times and bad. I am proud to have known him and have fond memories of meetings with him. My sincere sympathies to you and the rest of the family.
Brenda
November 12, 2014
Not only was Ernie a great athlete, professional, and gentlemen himself, but also he passed his athletic gift on to generations that followed. What a great role model; what a great man! Much can be gleaned from his life story. Desiring that the promised Paradise be both comforting and appealing to those he left behind. With much respect and admiration for Ernie Vandeweghe, I offer my heartfelt condolences.
November 10, 2014
Rest in peace dear Ernie....you now can join your beloved Kay , arm in arm, in the Kingdom of GOD. A truer gentleman never lived. You were the best of all men and an interesting old friend from the Weisbadden days. God Bless ! Best to your extraordinary family. HRW
November 10, 2014
I'M SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. MAY THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT, COMFORT AT THIS TIME.
Bobby Wilcox
November 10, 2014
A more powerful part of American history than some people are aware of. Now, he's gone from us. Thank you, fellow veteran, for your service. Thank you, friend of athletics. And thank you, good man of great deeds! We need more men like yourself to inject some integrity into this life.
November 10, 2014
REST IN PEACE OLD FRIEND..AS YOU NOW JOIN YOUR WONDERFUL KAY IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD...WE MET AS BOYS, STAYED IN TOUCH FOR LIFE....CERTAINLY A TRUE GENTLEMAN AND THE BEST ATHELETE I EVER KNEW. GOD BLESS.....AND CONDOLENCES TO YOUR WONDERFUL FAMILY......HAL
November 10, 2014
May God grant peace to you,and may the memories that you've shared be the comfort that you seek.Know that God is looking for ways to help you...expressing sympathy and regret to the family..........
Stacy
November 10, 2014
May the God of all comfort be with family and loved ones.
Harry Simpson
November 10, 2014
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Rest Ernie, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
B Lucas
November 10, 2014
Many things are in the power of a man to do. No matter if is physical or mental, men are capable of great things. We all have to remember that we are dust and away we fly. We all have one thing in common our time comes. Remember the good times and fond memories, our loss will be lessened. My sincere condolence for your loss.
Johannes Rozestraten
November 10, 2014
Patriarch of one of the greatest American athletic families ever!
DS
November 10, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
November 10, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Al
November 9, 2014
While I'm not old enough to remember Ernie Vandeweghe playing, I had the pleasure of watching his son Kiki while he played for UCLA and the Denver Nuggets. As such, I'm sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Vandeweghe. Keep in mind that God has promised to bring comfort and happiness to those who mourn at Matt. 5:4. I hope this happens for this family as well as all who continue morning due to the loss of loved ones.
Rev. 21:3-4
November 9, 2014
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
November 9, 2014
RIP Ernie. When we were kids we played football and basketball against each other.
Ray Quigley, class of 1945 Malverne HS
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