1928 - 2014
Ernie Vandeweghe, a New York Knicks player in the post-World War II era and father of former NBA star Kiki Vandeweghe and three other top athletes, has died. He was 86.
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.
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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.
Tom Federico
September 03, 2017 | Fremont, CA | Acquaintance
Valenda Newell
November 25, 2016 | Indianapolis, IN
I WILL REMEMBER
JERRY BOKINA
Jerome Bokina
December 20, 2015 | MN
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
November 16, 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
November 14, 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.
Ed Paul
November 13, 2014 | Fullerton, CA
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.
Brenda
November 12, 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.
November 10, 2014