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Bill Walton
1952 - 2024
Bill Walton
1952 - 2024
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1952
DIED
2024
Bill Walton Obituary
Bill Walton was a Hall of Fame basketball player who won two championships with UCLA and two more after he joined the NBA, then became a star commentator after his playing days ended.
We invite you to share condolences for Bill Walton in our Guest Book.
Read the full obituary in Legacy's headline news section.
(Photo: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
64 Entries
Susan Johnson
March 30, 2025
Bill- I will miss you riding your bike past my house out to the point- you made the time to stop & say Hi!!❤
BB
March 25, 2025
Bill, a fan of yours, you, as a basketball player, you, as a decent human being. Thank You for letting me observe parts of your life. RIP, Bill. BB, Pennsylvania.
Peter Kravetz
March 15, 2025
My wife and I met Bill Walton in Tempe Arizona in Feb. 2022..Spoke for 25 min..Never talked basketball with him...Talked concerts, hikes, and bike rides...he made an impression to my wife and I...Here we were talking to the greatest college basketball player of all time....And we were just having a cool chat about concerts...I kept prodding him to give me the best concert he ever seen. Bill gave the best answer in a way only he could......"My next one!"
Kory lunak
March 10, 2025
Bill Walton was the greatest center I ever saw, I followed him from college to the pros. He was the man.
Kory lunak
Salt Lake City Utah
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William Ruiz
February 6, 2025
Bill Walton,
Thank you for always being yourself and for consistently going the extra mile. Your achievements in your public and professional life have garnered widespread recognition, which is truly important. However, there's another side of you that may not have received as much attention from the public, though many have noticed it.
I am grateful for your genuine nature and remarkable ability to go above and beyond. My family and I are thankful for your appreciation, which genuinely reflects your sincere character. Arizona University entrusted my granddaughter Gabi with artistically painting a high stool/chair to be presented to you as a token of gratitude and love. Gabi aimed to capture your essence as a compassionate artist, and you personally reached out to her to convey your thanks.
Thank you
Grandpa William Ruiz
Valenda Newell
January 5, 2025
Bill was a player who loved and respected the game of basketball. He didn´t play for the fame and money. He proved basketball was his passion, If you have ever watched him play it was evident.
Much Love & Respect (RIP)
Patrick Bayles
December 16, 2024
I knew his Mom, she was my childhood librarian and she kept it quiet in the library. But she obviously didn't silence her son who was bigger than life. We love you Bill. Thank you!
Peter Kravetz
July 21, 2024
My wife Cathy and I had the great opportunity of meeting Bill in Tempe Arizona...We spoke to him for about 30 minutes, he was so so personable and cordial....What Cathy and I took from the meeting and have used this line from Bill many many times....We asked Bill what is the best concert he has ever been to....Bill's answer was so great..."MY NEXT ONE" What a great answer....
Jordan Cooper
July 10, 2024
Bill Walton was a friend of my cousin Katrina McClain-Johnson. I was the youngest to receive scholarships for football and basketball as a middle schooler from USC and SCSU. I was the strongest pound-for-pound football player too. I touched the top of the backboards in HS and broke them in middle school. Bill Walton energized my way.
Mark S.
July 6, 2024
I was waiting for the chance after a game at Pauley (get in line) to tell Bill that I graduated from high school with his Trailblazer teammate Bobby Gross, especially after Bill described Bobby as "The best human being ever"!! I also miss the banter between Bill and Dave during the broadcasts of the "Conference of Champions" games.
Matt Hannon
July 1, 2024
Simply the best of my generation. Will be missed! Thanks Big Red.
Anthony Johnson
June 26, 2024
Followed the "Red Head" during both his UCLA and NBA career, just by his demeanor you can tell he was a well rounded individual who had concern for anyone he came in contact with I´m sure he received great parenting and I´m sure he was a fine parent himself my condolences to his family.
Gregory Veith
June 11, 2024
My favorite player of all time
God Bless Bill Walton
Ken McGowan
June 8, 2024
Pretty cool guy...enjoyed watching him play and commentator the game...he will be missed...
Louis, Bryson
June 7, 2024
Watching Bill Walton play in Portland during the 1977 season and talking to him at a Basketball Officials camp during the summer time. Listening to him shout at me from the stands during Luke's game @ USD High School. From one red head to another Rest in peace big man, rest in peace.
Randi Hawkins
June 7, 2024
I met Bill Walton backstage at a Grateful Dead concert in Santa Barbara, California on June 4th, 1978. I encountered him many times in our mutual neighborhood of Hillcrest, San Diego California, and watched him play with the San Diego Clippers. Always gracious and jovial, he is and will be missed. RIP Bill, enjoy the party in Heaven.
Robert Lawrence
June 6, 2024
Bill was a hero of mine when I just started playing basketball in junior high school. My dad went to ucla and he was an avid fan of basketball and therefore I became one as well. Robert Lawrence
faith tobin/brad j.herscot
June 6, 2024
Dear Walton Family my beau Brad and I extend our condolences to the family.best faith/brad
Steve Tallman
June 6, 2024
Steve Tallman
June 6, 2024
Steve Tallman
June 6, 2024
I suppose this is the way....Bill would have wanted it. As the "Conference of Champions" goes...so does Bill Walton.
If you disliked Bill...most likely you admired him for the person he was. Outgoing, authentic....a diamond in the rough. He lead by example with humility and a generous dose of sunshine. Always optimistic...rarely down.
I have to say this passing hurts. He lead our Trailblazers to their one NBA title. One, that featured a "teamwork" oriented offense..of which he was the cog. Dr. Ramsey...designed it and the rest of the team gave their egos...to the team. A classic touch to the teams of long ago.
Bill was a PAC 12 Homer, unabashedly so. He affectionately called so many games as a broadcaster...that his career there rivaled his college and NBA playing stints. At least, to this humble observer.
We were lucky to have him in our lives. To enjoy his opinions and rambunctious laugh. Our lives just lost one of the great ones. You all were blessed....
RIP, Bill.
Steve Tallman
Dennis J. Wahl
June 6, 2024
I was fortunate to go to the same grade school as Bill, Blessed Sacrament. We played together on the school´s basketball team, coached by Rocky Graciano, when I was in 7th and 8th grade and Bill was in 6th and 7th. Bill´s brother Bruce was my age and he played on the teams too. We often carpooled together and knew each other´s families well.
Although Bill played for Helix and I played for St. Augustine in high school, we still saw each other once in a while. With the help of his growth spurt, Bill had some great games late in his sophomore season. I stopped by his house one day to say hello and mentioned in that conversation that considering those games, he was going to have a great basketball career in both high school and college.
Of course I had no idea he would become such a great basketball star and such a unique personality. As time went on, we saw each other occasionally at basketball games and concerts, and he always remembered me as we said hello. It is a great loss that he is no longer with us but the way he touched so many of us in such a positive way will stay with us as long as we live.
Dennis J. Wahl
Blessed Sacrament, Class of 1965
Ivan Hall
June 6, 2024
Rest Well BE
Jerry Janda
June 5, 2024
Hello Bill. Your a man of great stature. Remembering you and me (Jerry Janda) playing " one on one" after school at B.S. After school while our mothers made chit chat about us stuttering. `´ We were both raised by nuns". We split up at high school. You went to Helix and I went to Crawford. We would see each other at S.D. Concerts, and we would reminisce our glory days with father, Hardy and our coach, Rocky Graciano. Loved your family in La Mesa and enjoyed watching you grow up and up and up. REST IN PEACE
Jerry Janda
Nikki Perry
June 4, 2024
Nikki Perry
June 4, 2024
Nikki Perry
June 4, 2024
My boyfriend Ron Duquette was the Blazers ball boy in 1977 and he still has his shoes 47 years later and a sock and a lot of love for his childhood hero and adult hero too. #32!
Nikki Perry
June 4, 2024
My partner was the ball boy for the Blazers when Walton played, a fellow red head, Walton was his hero His high school basketball number was 32. He has his old shoes and told me of a time when all the players would call him Opi, and Bill would always stick up for him and say in his deep serious voice, "His name is Ron " that kindness and respect Bill showed to an 11 year old boy stuck with him his entire life.
My days have been dark but I found hope in listening to Bill Waltons gratefulness, his view and attitude, his strength and fearlessness to stand by his opinion and his one of a kind playful and goofy personality- i've been listening to his speeches and watching highlights and you know what, the sun is shinning.
Ronnie duquette. (Ballboy)76
June 4, 2024
When I was ballboy for the blazers in 77 I have red hair I was 11 years old the players use to call me Opie and bill use to say in a deep voice his name is Ron. There was a reunion camp from the championship year years later and bill and Luke said I could attend in lake Tahoe I just had to get there. I was so happy to get to attend that was a great memory. Ronnie
Tim Belardine
June 4, 2024
I grew up in Eastern Ohio but I became a huge Bill Walton fan when he played for UCLA. He was 4 or 5 yrs older but my friends and I would race home to watch the late night games on cable tv. I´ve since read 6 or 7 books about Bill/UCLA.Great memories and a great person. RIP BILL
Kenny Cross
June 4, 2024
Bill was super awesome in anything he did. I loved watching him play basketball, but as a lover of Pac-12 basketball and watching his analysis on ESPN and Pac-12 Network, there was none better. He discussed the games in depth but also took us on some interesting attributes and trips throughout his career.
Derrick Bell III
June 3, 2024
Bill Walton lived near me in Cambridge Ma. He also bought new baskets for Raymond Park, which was near by. A very pleasant and polite man. So sad to see him go.
Bill Marx
June 3, 2024
I met Bill when he was at the home builders show in Orlando where he was doing promo work for a window company. I first ran into him in a crowded corridor and told him I´d love to get an autograph. He told me to meet him at the booth he was working at 10am since it´s not crowded at that time. He gave me a few signed pictures but more importantly he spend about 45 minutes answering my questions about UCLA, Portland, the Celts and about great players he went up against. Total class act!
Josh Hemingway
June 2, 2024
His wonderful love of music and his collection of tie dyed shirts..wonderful character !!
Surely will be missed
Bill Warren
June 1, 2024
As a fellow UCLA alum, Bill was so inspiring in his commitment to excellence and support for his team members. Remember him fondly. Now he can spend forever joking around with Coach Wooden, who provided leadership that made Bill great! Our condolences to his family. He is very much missed.
Robert Cotton
June 1, 2024
I met Bill in San Diego when I was 28 years old and he was 27. Bill always stayed engaged in what was going on in my businesses and was a great emotional support. When you were in the room with Bill you were the only person in the room. I watched Bill go through many of his changes at the end of his active basketball career and through his transitions going forward.
Bill adored his boys. Bill adored his wife Lori. Together they made the second half of his life as legendary as the first half.
Here’s to life well lived. What a long strange trip it’s been.
Gary Hoetker
June 1, 2024
His passing removes one of the last remaining links to my youth. I hope he realized the excitement and joy he brought to every UCLA basketball fan during his era. Pauley Pavilion was truly Camelot redux. Rest in eternal peace Bill !!
Mark mace
June 1, 2024
I was a student at Helix High school in LA Mesa California when I saw pictures of Bill and Coach Gordon Nash in my biology class, Mr. Nash was the coach of bills high school team. Graham he told awesome stories of Bill and the pictures were so cool especially being a huge basketball fan. Bill played in the NBA all those years was a treat. And then listening to him as a commentator And then a guest on the Dave, Shelley, and chainsaw show on the KGB was awesome. And of course, his outlook on life famous much love to be on his journey and entire family. God bless.
Catharine Marie La Fond
June 1, 2024
My Son Hansa and I will always remember Bill. As a single Mother Bill was a Father figure. I first met Susi in a park in Portland, Oregon. Adam and Hansa were just 6 months of age.
Both of our families moved to San Diego where the boys went to Waldorf school. My Son learned how to swim in their backyard and swims in the ocean today!
Bill was always happy and friendly.
You will be missed Bill. I'm sure that you and Jerry are having a Grand time in Heaven!! God Bless the Walton family.
Carmen Morehead
May 31, 2024
Rest in Peace Bill Walton and God Bless you and your family. I love your outlook of Life.
Patrick Donnelly
May 31, 2024
I will always treasure the time he set me a perfect screen at Whole Foods in San Diego. I was coming out with a full cart and there was gridlock at the door. No one moving in or out. Here comes this tall guy, sweating from a run or bike ride, stoooped over his cart. I watched him survey the gridlock and instantly push his cart in to a spot where the only person that could move was me. I exited and he took my spot. We did the head nod acknowledgment as we passed each other. I said to the ex "hey, that was Bill Walton." She said "who´s Bill Walton?" Loved that man
Bob Muse
May 31, 2024
I lived for 7 years down from where Bill grew up 3 houses down. Felt such pride being that close and his Mom and Dad were such great people and played in a Rec league at Muni gym where his brother Andy was a good Ref and played against his brother Bruce at the OB Rec Center. I too have a speech impediment I tried to play like him , playing at Robb Field in OB. Fellow Deadhead also. - Bob Muse
Marty hughes
May 31, 2024
My son Joey played hoops with his son at uni for Jim tomey whenever he saw me he called me Joey Hughes dad
Rod Lumry
May 30, 2024
Bill always requested me to drive him from time to time as I was an Executive Chauffeur for LA Costa Limousine he was a very kind person RIP MR WALTON
Audrey (Watson) Kirchner
May 30, 2024
My first memory of Bill Walton was seeing him walk down the halls of Helix High School and towering above everyone else. I was a transfer in at Helix and was having such a hard time fitting in as I had a lot of family problems at home. He always smiled at me - he smiled at everyone! I was in the band and so joined in at most of the basketball games just to support our band members who were in the Pep Band. I didn't know much about basketball but Bill certainly stood out - though he seemed like a gangly colt and I wondered how it was possible for him to put in such exhaustive trips back and forth up and down the court. There was no doubt that he was a star. I did not know him but only wish now I had known him better. I watched him over the years and have enjoyed so much his career as a player but also his broadcasting and watching his son's great career also. I was privileged to have known him - he brought me peace in a time when things were anything but peaceful for me.
Humberto Triana
May 30, 2024
Every time I saw or heard him .Thankyou Bill Walton
We should all try "Tobe like Bill" just a fan!
Billy Proffitt
May 30, 2024
Been watching Bill since his UCLA days ! What a fantastic basketball player and even a better person ! My deepest condolences go out to his wife Lori and his boys ,his kind spirit will live and shine on always !! With much love Bill and Jennifer Proffitt .
Donna James
May 30, 2024
Your heart soon will be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. You made us laugh, cry, and play hard during your Basketball days.
We will miss you, Bill!
DJ Nimphius
May 30, 2024
Bill Walton was said to have told his sons that, as a basketball player, be a player without position. My take on that is he urged his sons to master every aspect of the game (skills, understanding, empathy, and awareness). This Renaissance - da Vinci approach should go beyond the field/court of play.
Bill did the same as person. Interestingly, he may have been more well known, not just for his basketball acumen (on the court and at the press table) for his doings as a human being. Certainly though a physical giant, Bill Walton was a humanitarian giant.
Carolyn Waddell
May 29, 2024
I never met Bill but I feel like he was a friend. I´ve watched him for years. He was incredibly likable and endearing. I smiled every time I saw him.
He told us to be the light for others. The world is definitely not as bright now. A lot of that light went with Bill.
My deepest sympathy to Bill´s family. He is already missed.
Don Cowan
May 29, 2024
Bill and Lori invited a number of folks from petco to their San Diego home. What a wonderful evening where Bill cooked and Lori entertained the guests as we all enjoyed the company of their family, including their Rottweilers. We had become acquainted with the Waltons because of Lori serving on the board of the San Diego Humane Society. They were so genuine and welcoming. This world would be a much better place if we had more folks like the Waltons. RIP, Bill, and blessings to the family during this time of sorrow and loss. Don Cowan
Debbie Bass
May 29, 2024
Watching him play basketball. We were the same age
Tp
May 29, 2024
My father bought me to my first game at the old Boston got 1978 and I saw Bill I knew who he was with his ponytail and remembered his gray play in the 1977-78championship season. Thank you, Bill
Ken Berris
May 29, 2024
As a former Bruin, I share condolences to one of the great individuals and uniquely authentic human beings I´ve ever known. Bill´s excitement for life and discovery is unparalleled and he was a tremendously kind spirit as well. Unique personalities like Bill are hard to come by but his priorities were always in the best interests of humankind. He will be missed.
Ken Berris
CA
May 29, 2024
Bill had an irrepressible and fortitudinous spirit, that also coupled the dichotomous elements of hardened competitiveness with joyful playfulness and unwavering altruism.
Bill's longstanding relationship with Coach Wooden was uniquely contrasting, yet their bond was beautifully strong. I've heard that Bill had a similar type of relationship with another giant in the baseball world, the great Red Auerbach.
A beloved man, a titan in the basketball world, and a great one-of-a kind guy who was true to his beliefs and the people whose lives he touched.
Kevin Shay
May 29, 2024
Growing up in Dallas in the 1970s with only the Chaparrals as that area's pro hoops team, Bill Walton was among my favorite NBA players, especially after the Chaps moved to San Antonio in 1973. I shared a few commonalities with Big Red: a passion for basketball, a speech impediment, being taller than 6-foot-6. Some said I even resembled Walton in appearance, though my hair was blond, not red. It wasn´t until I put aside a largely pipe dream of playing pro hoops to focus on writing that I found a few more similarities, such as advocating for world peace.
In his later days, Walton worked more on mending fences and minimized his earlier activities. He thought what he did back in the 1960s and 1970s was merely advocating for "liberty and justice for all," a concept contained in the mainstream Pledge of Allegiance that relatively few fully embrace in practice.
In reality, Walton did at times practice a purer, radical view of that concept. Radical is another word used to denigrate social activists when its actual meaning is "different from the usual or traditional." When most people ignore injustices for whatever reason, including being focused on survival, or work to further authoritarianism and injustice, going against that grain is, indeed, radical. That should be admired.
Bill Walton was a true Trail Blazer, blazing a path for today's athlete-social advocates. As Kareem Abdul-Jabbar wrote, the world feels so much heavier after Bill's passing.
https://democracyguardian.com/the-world-seems-heavier-with-the-passing-of-bill-walton-2a3e271d3641
Dave Oberman
May 29, 2024
Someone who hated to lose a game,a winner in the most important game,he enjoyed life even in pain.
Carson Loveless
May 29, 2024
Condolences to his family
Jennifer
May 29, 2024
Rest In Peace
Procopio "Lalo" Palacios, Jr.
May 29, 2024
First memory of Bill was seeing him as a "dormie" in UCLA's Dykstra Hall, then watching basketball practice at Pauley Pavilion under Coach Wooden's leadership. Bill's intensity and athletic prowess (even on those bad knees) was obvious. As a student and 3 year usher at Pauley, I never witnessed a Bruin loss during the years of "The Walton Gang!" When I lived on Gayley Avenue, I'd see him working on his bike on the grassy mound next door to my apartment. I told Coach Wooden in 2007 that his teams made us Bruins students feel like champions too! Thanks for those memories Big Bill!
Elizabeth Bell
May 28, 2024
RIP Mr.Bill
Douglas N Poffinbarger
May 28, 2024
I first saw Bill at a Pro Beach Volleyball (AVP) tournament in Manhattan Beach then met him at a small Christmas party in San Diego several years later. We are both in the tall guys club, so of course we talked for a while at the party. He was super nice and likable. RIP tall guy!
Tim Shearer
May 28, 2024
I met Bill on a couple of occasions and always found him to be a genuine and kind soul. The first time I met him was at a Jackson Browne concert at the old Paramount Theater in Portland Oregon not too long after was drafted by the trailblazers and moved to Portland. I was in a wheelchair and had front row seats with a friend and we had an extra seat that we shared with Bill. It was a blast sharing that experience together as he was so enthusiastic about the music.
The second time I met him was at the bookstore in Eugene Oregon after the release of his book and he was autographing his book. Bill was so gracious and stayed for an additional two hours signing autographs and talking with people who were there to meet him. He always gave time to those who were interested in his stories but he always brought it back to how you were doing and how blessed he was.
Fare the well Bill... You will truly be missed but not forgotten as the memories you shared with all of us will live forever!
John Herald
May 28, 2024
I remember I watched Bill Walton led Helix High School to 49 consecutive victories in his two varsity seasons. And I was there to watch those two CIF state titles, I had too, my Biology teacher was Gordon Nash Helix High School´s varsity Basketball coach.
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