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Greg Willard Obituary
Willard died Monday night, according to the league. He was diagnosed with the illness during last season's playoffs and worked only one more game, a preseason matchup in October not far from his Huntington Beach, Calif., home.
Some NBA players, including three-time MVP LeBron James of the Miami Heat, New Orleans guard Roger Mason and Sacramento center Cole Aldrich, tweeted condolences to Willard's family, as did Golden State coach Mark Jackson. More tributes were expected in the coming days, including moments of silence in Willard's memory at all NBA games Tuesday and Wednesday.
"The entire NBA family joins me in mourning the loss of one of our own, Greg Willard," NBA Commissioner David Stern said. "Greg touched all those with whom he came in contact thanks to his extraordinary spirit, dedication and hard work. As a Finals referee, he reached the highest level of his profession while at the same time demonstrating a strong commitment to his family and his community."
Willard officiated 1,494 regular-season games, 136 playoff games, two NBA Finals games, the 2006 All-Star game and Europe Live games in 2006 in Italy, France and Germany in a career that spanned nearly a quarter-century.
All league officials will wear wristbands or patches with Willard's jersey No. 57 for the rest of the season.
"Our thoughts are with his wife Laurie, their children and the rest of the Willard family during this difficult time," Stern said.
Willard spent four years as an official at the college level and four years working games in the Continental Basketball Association before joining the NBA ranks.
He was also active in several youth programs, particularly ones supporting athletics and the performing arts.
"Greg epitomized what it meant to be an NBA referee th rough dedication to his craft, hard work, and integrity both on and off the court," said Lee Seham, general counsel for the National Basketball Referees Association. "He was not only a great NBA referee, but more importantly a wonderful person."
TIM REYNOLDS, AP Basketball Writer
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
44 Entries
anthony geinopolos
October 21, 2014
May u rip
June 18, 2013
I give my condolences to his family.
Jon Lowder
May 4, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
How you can show support
Russ Purnell
April 15, 2013
Greg was one of my favorite student athletes at Edison. So very proud of the husband, father, and professional he became! Thoughts and prayers are with Laurie and family.
April 12, 2013
"like a man whom his own mother keeps comforting,so I myself shall keep comforting you people."ish.66:13..please accept my condolence
Dennis, Julie & Sean Costello
April 11, 2013
Our prayers are with Laurie and the family. I hecame friends with Greg back in 71' as a schoolmate at Wardlow. He was a dear friend, an inspiration and a role model. The impact that he had on our community will be felt for many, many years to come. He was Loved by so many. I am honored to have been his friend. I will speak of Greg often to my own son Sean in hopes that he may grow up to be a man of ethics, integrity & humility. Just like Greg Willard. GOD speed Greg.
Rocky Bettar
April 9, 2013
As a member of the officiating community, I had the privilege to talk to Greg about our vocation. He was always friendly and helpful. He also was respected by his NBA brotherhood. Romans 8:28
Mark Podolak
April 8, 2013
Greg was more than just another kid that I went to elementary school with. He was an example of what was good & right. He was living challenge of what you could be. Of what you should be. The impact of which I can still feel 40+ years later. My sincere condolences to the entire family.
Pam Mattox
April 8, 2013
I went to school with Greg from k-12th grade. He was always a stand-up guy. Our prayers are with Greg's family. My heart felt condolances...
April 8, 2013
My heart goes out to your family. So sorry for your loss
Brenda Burney
April 7, 2013
Saddened by the news of Greg's passing. He fought a very brave battle. My daily thoughts & prayers are with you Laurie, & your family.
mark ardis
April 7, 2013
Met Greg 41 years ago while at Bushard elementary.. He would always ref our games, and i knew he would be a pro ref some day. I always admired his drive and passion. I lioved looking at box scores to see he when he was refing next. He was an amazing guy and im glad to have know him. Please hang in there Willard family, my prayers go out to you. He is forever in all our hearts
Jeff Smith
April 6, 2013
My deepest condolences to the Willard family. I have always admired Greg's tenacity to work hard and achieve his dream of becoming an NBA ref. I often remember the many friendly pickup games Greg volunteered to ref while we were in high school. As a proud father of another Edison graduate, I have always been proud to share these memories with my son and point to Greg as someone I personally knew who worked hard and achieved success and the respect of his peers. Greg will be greatly missed. (Edison Grad 1977)
Scott B
April 6, 2013
What can be said about this man that would be new to anyone that knew him. Greg was an amazing man that cared about everyone around him more than himself. I had the honor to work with Greg before he made it to the NBA and he was thrilled to get the chance to ref in the big league but we all know that he lived his entire life in the Big League. He was a true champion for all of us and will be missed by all.
My deepest sympathy to Laurie and the kids.
Sandy Johnson-White
April 5, 2013
My heart felt sympathy goes out to the Willard Family. I knew Greg in college when he first started out on his quest in "officiating." He was always most comfortable "on the court." He was always a gentleman, kind and deeply caring for all who crossed his path. I am proud to of shared a piece of life with him. May the comfort and peace of God be with you always.
michelle plakas-kaiser
April 5, 2013
rip
Alicia Gooch and family
April 4, 2013
Willard family, I am saddened by your loss. Greg was always doing for others. He was an extraordinary person, father and husband. I feel fortunate to have known him and your family. My deepest sympathy and prayers are with you. God bless you and give you strength.
Debra Allen
April 4, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Willard family and close friends. I had the pleasure of working with Greg when he came to officiate the spurs games in San Antonio. During our security meetinds he always had a smile. Even after a rough game he always said "thank you" with a smile. He will greatly be missed but never forgotten in our hearts.
Dwayne Weaver
April 4, 2013
Willard family,
I'm truly saddened by your loss. As a basketball official, I try to be like Greg. I pray God will comfort you during this difficult time.
Michele McKenzie
April 3, 2013
I was blessed to call him Friend.
Mel Jackson
April 3, 2013
My condolences and prayers to the Willard Family. Greg has always been a "Class Act" and will be missed.
The Mckameys
April 3, 2013
May the God of comfort be with you during these difficult time.
Joan moulletJoanMoullet
April 3, 2013
I was Greg's CubScout den mother and he played Little League with my son Mark Moullett .He was a great kid and I am sure a great man as well.My heartfelt sympath goes out to his family young and old. i know he will be missed by all.
Chris Costello
April 3, 2013
Greg, You fought the good fight, now may you now rest in the Peace of Our Lord Jesus Christ. You touched a lot of lives, all for the good.
God Bless you.
Chris Costello
April 3, 2013
Sorry to hear of your loss Joe the old bartender at Don Jose's.
Joe Weinberg Las Vegas Nevada
Mike Taylor
April 3, 2013
Greg was one of those former Chargers that make being an Edison alumni teacher the best experience ever... You'll be missed and always remembered!! Rest in Peace...
Dave Guido
April 3, 2013
When our boys played volleyball at Edison HS, Greg was always volunteering to help out while he had downtime on the road. He was always helpful and a loving dad. It was always exciting to see him on TV when he was officiating a game.
Our family's thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
Gloshen Family
April 3, 2013
To the Willard Family our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Bob Sottile
April 3, 2013
Dearest Willard Family- We are so sorry for this tragic loss . Our prayers go out for your loved one.
Again with deepest sympathy Sottile Family
Jane Dowling
April 3, 2013
God bless you and your loved ones ~ Rest in peace.
Anna hendon
April 3, 2013
I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you and your family.
April 3, 2013
Offering my deepest condolences during this difficult time, I'm so very sorry for your loss, death is something we are never prepared for, but please find comfort in knowing sickness, pain and death will one day be no more.
April 3, 2013
May you find comfort in the shearer of prayer at this time. Psalm 65:2
chad willard
April 2, 2013
Most people live good lives, this man lived and then died.
He wasn't here long enough, most would say there life was rough, but what's worse then knowing your fate. hurry to heaven so you won't be late.
Stonebuilder
April 2, 2013
He seemed to be a gd family man .A real hard working man .To his family be encouraged.
Marc
April 2, 2013
So sorry to hear of Greg's passing. I first saw him ref an Orange High School game back in the 80's. You could tell by how fit he was and how professional he acted that he would be successful, as he ultimately was. My condolences to the family and friends.
BasketballTopFan
April 2, 2013
BasketballTopFan and basketball fans nationwide would like to offer our condolences and sympathy to the family and friends of Greg Willard.
Rest In Peace !!!
BasketballTopFan
Jonathan Lowder
April 2, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
John Lowe
April 2, 2013
My condolances to the family, this is terrible news. I remember Greg when we lived on Nantucket Dr in HB. He was always reffing or umping somewhere as that was his passion and I'm glad he got to live the dream. RIP Greg!
Michael
April 2, 2013
I met Greg at the PANCAN event last year where he was guest of honor. His dignity and grace in fighting this disease was noteworthy. The respect from others who knew him was evident and moving to me. I have since thought of him very often in my prayers. God bless his beautiful family. Rest in peace
Dwayne Bickham
April 2, 2013
rest in peace
Karen Caldwell
April 2, 2013
To the Willard Family,
I wanted to offer my condolences.
Imagine; life when
when eyes of blind ones see again,
And ears of deaf ones hear again,
When deserts blossom as the rose
And from parched ground fresh water flows,
When lame ones leap just like the hart,
When loved ones never have to part,
Such blessed times you'll realize,
If you keep your eyes on the prize.
When tongues of mute ones speak again,
When old ones will be young again,
When earth will yield her rich increase
And all good things will never cease,
When songs of children fill the air,
When joy and peace are everywhere,
Then, too, you'll see the dead arise,
If you keep your eyes on the prize.
When wolves and lambs will feed as one,
When bears and calves bask in the sun,
A mere young boy will lead them all,
And they will head his childish call.
When tears belong to yesterday,
When fears and pain have passed away,
You'll see how God these things supplies,
If you keep your eyes on the prize.
My thoughts and Prayers will be with you all.
Teresa
April 2, 2013
Just read this. prayers to greg's family. I remember him when I went to many nba games. RIP Greg.
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