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Bill Walsh Obituary
Walsh died early Monday following a long battle with leukemia, according to Stanford University, where he served as coach and athletic director.
Walsh didn't become an NFL head coach until 47, and he spent just 10 seasons on the San Francisco sideline. But he left an indelible mark on the United States' most popular sport, building the once-woebegone 49ers into the most successful team of the 1980s with his innovative offensive strategies and teaching techniques.
The soft-spoken native Californian also produced a legion of coaching disciples that's still growing today. Many of his former assistants went on to lead their own teams, handing down Walsh's methods and schemes to dozens more coaches in a tree with innumerable branches.
Walsh went 102-63-1 with the 49ers, winning 10 of his 14 postseason games along with six division titles. He was named the NFL's coach of the year in 1981 and 1984.
Few men did more to shape the look of football into the 21st century. His cerebral nature and often-brilliant stratagems earned him the nickname "The Genius" well before his election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993.
Walsh twice served as the 49ers' general manager, and George Seifert led San Francisco to two more Super Bowl titles after Walsh left the sideline. Walsh also coached Stanford during two terms over five seasons.
Even a short list of Walsh's adherents is stunning. Seifert, Mike Holmgren, Dennis Green, Sam Wyche, Ray Rhodes and Bruce Coslet all became NFL head coaches after serving on Walsh's San Francisco staffs, and Tony Dungy played for him. Most of his former assistants passed on Walsh's structures and strategies to a new generation of coaches, including Mike Shanahan, Jon Gruden, Brian Billick, Andy Reid, Pete Carroll, Gary Kubiak, Steve Mariucci and Jeff Fisher.
Walsh created the Minority Coaching Fellowship program in 1987, helping minority coaches to get a foothold in a previously lily-white profession. Marvin Lewis and Tyrone Willingham are among the coaches who went through the program, later adopted as a league-wide initiative.
He also helped to establish the World League of American Football — what was NFL Europe — in 1994, taking the sport around the globe as a development ground for the NFL.
Walsh was diagnosed with leukemia in 2004.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press
Memories and Condolences
for Bill Walsh
969 Entries
Carlos DeLaFuente
January 14, 2018
Thank you coach Walsh for all your hard work and dedication on making the 49ers a dynasty and a team the SF community could be proud of. I met you twice and both times you took the time to speak with me as if we knew each other....may you rest in peace and may your leagacy always remain in our hearts.
Harry Simpson
July 30, 2015
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Jeff Blovat
May 15, 2013
Coach, I know they have football in Heaven now!
Amar Smith
February 1, 2013
Bill i followed you entire college coaching career and nfl you were the greatest coaches of all time your are with paul brown you mentor i know right now you and Don Coryell and working on game plans in heaven so i will see you in heaven Bill RIP Love Amar Smith
Liz
March 4, 2012
You are one of the greatest football coaches ever!!! RIP!! You are truly missed.
NL David
January 27, 2012
Coach Walsh,
Thank you for the inspiration. The 2nd half of your story will be told.
Sincerely,
NL David
September 8, 2011
To the family. Please accept my sincere condolences during this time of your loss. May you find comfort in knowing that God "is near to those broken at heart and those crushed in spirit he saves." (Psalm 34:18)
Nick Gamvas
April 7, 2011
MEMORY ETERNAL!
December 14, 2009
To the family and friends of Bill Walsh,
Departing this life is truly sorrow
Living again can happen tomorrow
Accepting GOD can ease the pain
Knowing the Bible can keep us sane
Look beyond this hurtful time
To when GOD will really shine
Bringing back all those we love
Giving thanks to God above.
Pamela Hill, Chicago, IL
December 10, 2009
Dear Bill, thank you so much for all the great memories. I think of you ever time I see a football game.You will always be the BEST football coach. Jim Peterson, Santa Rosa,Ca
Edward Chan
January 2, 2009
Mr. Walsh, you are the best football coach I have ever seen - thanks for the many great memories.
Friends of mine who met you all commented "you treat each one of them as human being" a rarity these days!
Tim McTighe
December 25, 2008
Bill Walsh was so much more than a great football coach. He was a decent and sensitive man who cared deeply about others. He was akin to a priest, a monk, a holy man. I think of you often, Bill, and miss you.
Rickie Coleman
September 16, 2008
He never lost his temper on the side lines and always kept his cool
Willis Ransom
August 20, 2008
To state the obvious, he was a genious. He made me a fan. He will never be forgotten.
Aaron Mann
August 8, 2008
I am blessed to have had the opportunity on several occasions to talk with Bill. I will always remeber him as one of those great men missed by all who knew him and knew of him. He has changed the face of the NFL forever and his legacy will never fade. God bless you and keep you.
JUAN HERNANDEZ
February 5, 2008
YOU MADE THE NINERS WHO THEY ARE. AN EMPIRE!!!!!
jorge bustamantez
February 3, 2008
The best there ever was Thank you.
CHARLES DUNCAN
January 29, 2008
THANK YOU COACH
Cortland Walsh
January 25, 2008
Bill Walsh was one of the greatest of all time. The word class best describes him. As a lifelong die-hard NINER fan, I will always remember Coach Walsh out coaching most of his opponents. The 1989 NFC championship win over Chicago was one of his best achievements in my opinion. They took care of business, 28-3. His scripting of the game was unheard of and the West Coast Offense is still the best offense around. Thanks for all the super memories, Bill. You are right up there with Lombardi!
Michael Hightower
December 4, 2007
Thanks Bill, You were without a doubt the greatest mind that pro-football and the SF 49ers will ever come accross. You had an unmatchable talent for blending skill levels to accomplish one common goal (winning!) I will always love you like a father and hope someday the 49ers can return to such greatness as you have shown them in the past.
God Bless you and your family!!!!
Tony
November 28, 2007
Genius. Pure genius. You have left an indelible mark on the game of football, and you did it all with a quiet class, and style.
Harry Spence
November 27, 2007
A first class gentleman who will live in many lives for years to come. It was my pleasure to have met and known you.
Mike Vogel
November 14, 2007
Dear Bill:
You were the reason that I became a 49'r fan. You were being interviewed by Lon Simmons one evening in February, 1980 at a men's dinner at Holy Family Church in San Jose. Afterwards, you and Lon spoke to the men. I left that meeting so impressed with your talk, that I was confident that you would turn the 49'r record around, and soon. It was so obvious that you were 'a leader of men".
You have brought my family and I so much joy in following the Niners over the years. I was able to be present in Miami when you won your last Super Bowl ring.
May our Lord give you peace in your new life, and may your family feel His loving comfort!
Thanks Bill! We miss you!
Brian McShane
November 8, 2007
Thanks for all the joy you gave to 49er fans. You came at a time when it seemed hopeless for us, but you brought us something far beyond our wildest dreams. Your impact extended far beyond the football field, impacting civic pride in all areas of life. God bless you and your family.
Moe Soto
November 7, 2007
Bill Walsh thank you for wonderful memories of the seasons that you brought so much joy to us 49Niner faithfuls. Monday night on the 12th my new team the Seattle Seahawks will play against the 49Niners in Seattle. I will be thinking of Bill Walsh and the Forty Niners that you coached. I am still a 49Niner faithful at heart.
God bless you and your family.
Alberto Alicea
September 18, 2007
well.i can't express my feeling,it hurts so much, that the Best NFL football couch has pass away,i am glad that he lead the 49er's to the superbowls and my he take those rings to heaven.i will miss him very much,he's the best couch that god put on this world,THE BEST,i hope some day we can see the 49er's back their at the superbowl given that game to him,he has earn that,BiLL Walsh i know your in heaven,and we all love you and miss you,take the 49er's back to the superbowl,and for your family,you guys have a great Dad,i will miss him,and one thing to remember about him,HE'S the Best couch that ever live!!! Be Proud of Him.God bless him,and your family,I will always be a 49er's Fan!!!!
Richard Stokes
September 6, 2007
There wil never be a great coach like Bill Walsh again for both, college and pro football I will miss Bill,rest in peace
Ruben Martinez
August 30, 2007
I would Like to Express Our Deepest Sympathy to the Walsh Family from my Entire Family, whom are all Long Time and Die-Hard Forty Niner Fans. I myself have been a Niner Fan since I was 10 years of age. My first game that I had ever attended in person was at the old Kezar Stadium located in Golden Gate Park in 1959. I took my wife, then was my Girlfriend, and we sat on Wooden Bleacher Seats. Although I cannot remember what team played the Niners, or who even won, but I do remember some of those 49er Greats on that Fall Day. Greats like Y.A. Tittle, R.C. Owens, Hugh Mchelhenny, Bob St. Claire and Leo Nomelimi. Sadly for us, we Niner Fans Endured the Trials of a Team that never could achieve Football Glory as Football Seasons would come and go. But then came Coach Bill Walsh. The Gears began to mesh, the Team Muscle began to Grow, the Parts and Pieces of Future Greatness Began to be Assembled. Coach Walsh started with a 2 win and 10 loss season. But two years later, we Long Suffering Niner Fans Found Ourselves with a Team that was chalking up win after win every weekend. New Stars began to appear and when Joe Montana passed to Dwight Clark to Defeat the Dallas Cowboys and Clinch a Super Bowl Birth, we didn't know then, but we were headed to the Beginning of a Dynasty. Bill Walsh had Oversight of one of the Greatest Runs of Football History. Bill Walsh and Joe Montana would come back to Win from what appeared to be a defeat, so many times. When we Fondly Recall those Wonder Years of Our Team and the Memory of Bill Walsh being Carried off the field on the Shoulders of the Players he coached, Our Hats Are off In Great Respect. Whether you were a Niner Fan or Not, Bill Walsh Will Always Be Remembered and Honored for EVERYTHING He Brought To All Of Us. From Myself and All My Family, WE WILL MISS YOU, BILL.
DONNA GESCH
August 25, 2007
Even as a lifelong Packer fan from Wisconsin, you hold a special place in coaching history for us. On and off the field you have shown what a true coach can mean to his team, players and fans. May you enjoy your well deserved rest now, spending time as a Monday morning quarterback with Coach Lombardi. You will be missed.
Ronnie Sullivan
August 24, 2007
Living in San Franciso during the 49ers glory years was the most exciting time of my life. Bill Walsh was much more than the master of the game of football, he demonstrated the unique ability to unite the entire bay area. I will never forget how the entire city of San Francisco seems to come to a complete hault when the niners were playing. One Team, One City, One Mind all focused on victory. He will truly be missed and I thank God for the opportunity to have known him.
Kim Maynard
August 14, 2007
Thank you, for all the wonderful years of football memories, your team made Sunday's fun. Thank you Kim.
Jeffrey Elrod
August 13, 2007
Bill was a great coach, right up there with Lombardi, Halas, and Landry. I have always had great respect and admiration for him. I hope to become a coach one day, and Bill is one of the guys I look up to.
My prayers are with you now and I pray that God will bless and comfort you during this time.
Frank Newboles
August 12, 2007
After watching and reading about Bill Walsh for many years, one of my most special moments is when I briefly met and spoke with him as part of my sons football recruiting trip to Stanford. My long held expectations of Bill as a quality individual were exceeded in our real life meeting and reflected by his pleasant and sincere demeanor. As I look back on that meeting I know that Bill must have untold numbers of people that know him far better than I, but yet I felt privledged to meet him even for a very short time. What a pleasure it was to meet Bill Walsh, the man, not just the great coach he was and realizing what a positive influence he must have been to so many.
Shaun Lopes
August 12, 2007
My parents and I met bill on many occasions. We were lucky enough to work events that Bill attended. When Bill returned to coach Stanford I was able to go to a reception designed to help get the new season under way. The event was hosted in a hotel ballroom and Bill was mingling with every one. I will never forget how nice Bill was and that he took some extra time to speak with my dad. My dad has never forgotten that time and speaks about it often. Years later my dad was working as an usher at the CPA in San Jose and had the honor to help Bill and his wife to their seats and they chatted about that reception when my dad first met him. I have to say that any time we met Bill he was very nice and wanted to be treated like every one else, no special treatment.. I know that that my parents and I feel like we lost a friend because that was how Bill carried himself in public. Thanks Bill for the good times and the fun years. as a fellow Alumni of SJSU thanks for your work on SJSU's behalf. Good bye Bill and God Bless.
Georgia Keller
August 12, 2007
You brought class, prestige, style and genius to the game and you brought hope, thrills, and the joys of winning to the fans. You brought families together and you became a part of those families. You set a good example not just for the coaches and players, but for all of us in all walks of life. We saw a gentle man make big decisions, do the job he was given with dignity, take victory with humility, and not take himself so seriously that he couldn't take time for a joke.
The wonderful memories you gave us can never be taken from us, or your family. My prayers and condolences go out to your family, Bill, and I thank them for all the years they unselfishly shared you with us.
I agree with another fan who said he would like to see a stadium named after you. It would be a fitting tribute.
May God be with you and bless you and your family.
Victoria Ungson
August 12, 2007
I am so glad I was able to shake your hand and have a picture taken with you when you had a book signing years ago. You signed my book: Victoria - Great years - Bill Walsh. Thank you for those great years. We will miss you! My sympathy and prayers to the family. God bless.
Victoria U
Debbie Ginochio
August 11, 2007
Many many years ago, my family lived next door to Geri Walsh's sister, Jackie. I have fond memories of "Auntie Geri", and "Uncle Bill"... they were both very nice, fun-loving, warm people. My heart goes out to Bill's family during this most difficult time. I'm sure it helps to know how important he was to so many people. What a legacy ! He truly will live forever, and will never be forgotten. My late father, was one of the bigges 49er fans on the face of the earth. I can remember sitting and crying with him year after year, after yet another play-off loss to Dallas. Dad defined the term 49er faithful, and he never gave up on them. When the glory years fianlly arrived, I don't think there was a happier person alive. Thank you, "Uncle Bill" for making my Dad's football dreams (finally) come true. I'm sure when he gets a chance, Dad will be sitting down with you for a long chat about the good 'ol days. Thanks for the joy you gave us. You will never be forgotten. May your family find comfort in their precious memories.
Dennis Walter
August 11, 2007
I never knew you Bill. But, as a 49er fan since 1956 (I was 8 years old) I have felt the disappointments and frustrations of this franchise before 1981. The 1957 playoff loss to the Lions, the 1972 playoff loss to Dallas (the Preston Riley game), and everything that Joe Thomas wasn't. That crazy shaped football just wouldn't bounce our way! Just when it seemed like there was no hope Bill, there you were. You picked up the pieces of this franchise and changed us forever. Much has been said about you Bill since you passed away. The Faithful know it all to be true! We will always love you for making us the greatest of NFL Champions! To me Bill you were a great hero, you made an 8 year old boys championship dreams come true! You will be missed by all who you touched. You were a class act and probably the greatest football mind of our time. I just know, that next season, heaven will have one heck of an offense!
Jeff Roberts
August 11, 2007
To the greatest coach ever. Bill Walsh! As a 49er season ticket holder the memories you and your teams gave the fans will never fade.
You will always be loved and appreciated. Thanks for being all that you were and for all that you did. I now emulate your response to the question asked will you retire after the 1988 superbowl victory. Coach you will truely be missed.
Erin Smith
August 11, 2007
I started following the 49ers the year Joe Montana was a rookie. I would spend sundays watching footgall with a friend who grew up in San Francisco and loved the '9ers. He introduced me to the players and inspired me to become a fan myself. I moved to the San Francisco area shortly after and had the opportunity to follow their success to the superbowl championship in 82. That same night in January of 1982 while we were celebrating the Superbowl Championship, my brother died back home in Oregon. Going from the high of the Superbowl celebration to the depths of despair in one 24 hour period was a life defining moment for a young 23 year old just finding her way in life.
Struggling, overcoming odds and dealing with defeat are what our athletes and coaches do best. The wins come but the strength to perservere, learn from mistakes and go forward with humility, respect and determination defines an individual or a team. I took this analogy, this lesson learned from watching the 49ers of 1982 and used it in the years after my brothers death (suicide).
I have always held the 49ers in high regard, have very fond memories of my time spent following them and especially of Bill Walsh. His demeanor on and off the field, his class, his gentle smile, gracious sportsmanship and leadership were above the norm. He was and will continue to be a person to look up to, to admire and, for many, to aspire to be. The 49er team of 82 and Bill Walsh will always hold a special place in my heart. I can only imagine my brother will surely make Bill's acquaintace early on in heaven. I smile at the thought.
My prayers go out to Bill's family and his players for their loss of such a wonderful person. While we longer have his physical touch; he will forever be touching our hearts.
M Ramos
August 11, 2007
For everything there is a season...Bill it's your season in heaven!
Jane P.
August 11, 2007
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
John Robinson
August 11, 2007
I want to thank you, Bill Walsh. I want to thank you for giving me happiness. As a young boy, I was an Oakland Raiders fan. When the Raiders left, I wasn't sure what football team to follow. And even though I was not a whole-hearted 49ers fan, the Super Bowls that you acheived with the 49ers will forever be remembered as great times in my childhood. Now that I am an adult going through tough times, I remember those happy days and am even more thankfull for those moments of joy.
Jacquelyn Trick
August 11, 2007
I remember Bill Walsh from when I was a young girl in 85-86 and my dad loved him and the 49ers. He taught me to love the team and love the amazing coach that Bill was. I was so shocked and hurt when I found out he died. What I like to think now is that maybe my dad was one of the guys to greet him in heaven or at least that their paths will cross now. You will be forever missed Bill Walsh and I will tell my children and grandchildren stories of you one day. Thank you for all the memories!
Christine H
August 10, 2007
My deepest sympathy to the Walsh family.
Today as Joe Montana spoke about "Bill Walsh is in heaven probably making someone laugh." It brought me to immediate thoughts of my father who we lost last year. He was the biggest 49er and Bill Walsh fan. I picture my dad meeting Bill and having that laugh together.
BV13
August 10, 2007
San Jose State Loves You! RIP #59
Bob Ireland
August 10, 2007
Thanks
Paulus Chen
August 10, 2007
When I came from my country Indonesia to San Francisco ,as I vividly remembered in March 1982, I was not accustomed to the footbal games at all, but when my Niners were in the Superbowl 1984 Championship playing the Miami Dolphins-and how we crushed them singlehandedly- there is no doubt I have 49ers spirit in me. Thank you Coach Walsh for sharing your American spirit in a game of football that I will share with my own son and daughter. I will always have my root in San francisco because of the 49ers and Coach Walsh. Thank you and God Bless You. Amen
patrick c
August 10, 2007
coach walsh, we love you like father and son. you are the best.
Arthur Schaupp
August 9, 2007
I was a season ticket holder before Bill Walsh took over and I saw him mold a great team with great players, I will miss him.
Tony Arico
August 9, 2007
A Scholar, a gentleman, a coach, a teacher, a Hall-of-Famer, but most importantly a GOOD man. Rest in peace, Mr. Walsh, and thank you for everything! My life would not be as good as it is now if it weren't for you! Bless you!
Tim Brandon
August 9, 2007
God Bless you Bill Walsh if it we're possible they should make Bill a Saint.....Yelp! Saint Walsh the Saint of "American Football". Personally i'm a Ram/Raider fan but Bill Walsh did so much for football that I did root for Bill Walsh. When the niners won there first superbowl; I was at the start of the paraide route and took picture of Bill getting on the cerabration floats. Look at all the offspring of head coaches (Black head coaches) and assistant coaches that Bill Walsh trained and produced as well as the players and people like me who didn't root for the Niners, but respected Bill because Bill was an inovator of the game that I love so much. He changed the game of pro football as we know it today....
(with tears in my eyes) Thank You Coach Bill Walsh God Bless You.
R Griggs
August 9, 2007
Coach, Now you have WON the biggest game ever. You are now with the ultimate Coach and that is GOD. Now you can rest and watch the game with GOD by your side.
John Escudero
August 9, 2007
My sincere condolences to the Walsh Family. I have worked at Stanford for many years and have ran into Bill on a few occasions, he was always bright and cheery. I attended Super Bowl XIX, at Stanford Stadium and remember it all so vividly, Thank You Bill Walsh for all the wonderful Memories. You are a Gentleman and a Football Scholar!
Mary Ruggiero
August 9, 2007
The Bay Area and all of football owe you a great debt. You're a gentleman to the core and a credit to everything you touched. God bless you -- you will be sorely missed.
Nicole Padilla
August 9, 2007
I was born in 1980 and the one memory that sticks out during my first ten years of life is Bill Walsh's 49ers. Most importantly, my hero Quarterback, Notre Dame Alumn, Joe Montana! Twenty-seven years later, I am now a high school coach & can only hope to love and nuture my players as did Coach Walsh. You will forever be the coach, teacher, friend, parent, human being that I strive to become. You will be miss but you will forever be remembered, never leaving the hearts of those you touch and those you continue to impact.
Thank You for making a young So Cal girl dream big and for giving her a hero in #16.
Bill Graham
August 9, 2007
God Bless you Bill
I was born in San Francisco and always loved the 49ers. my dad would take my brother and I to St Marys college to watch the team practice, then when I went to Hi School at Washington Hi School in Fremont, You (Bill Walsh) were my football coach then to top it off you became the Head Coach For The San Francisco 49ers. I always knew you could do it. You will always be in my hart.
Love Sincerely
Bill Graham
Richard Rocha
August 8, 2007
Bill, Thank you for the many memories you brought to me and my familiy as avid 49er fans! The most personal memory I had of you was when you came to speak at my SJSU Sports and Media course 4 years ago. I will forever cherish the time and insight you brought to many of us young and impressionable college students! Thanks for the memories!
Walter Hogue
August 8, 2007
Local Boy Made Good
Although Los Angeles born
his legend began in the northern
part of California. Never being forlorn as inside him was a good, strong heart.
His last name: Walsh. His first: Bill. He overcame many a doubt when climbing life's craggy hill that might have made lesser men pout.
Graduated in forty-nine from Hayward High where he played on the football team. A hint which could make a psychic sigh about a future, glorous scheme.
It started slow the first season 2-14. A little better the next year. More experience the reason. Then the roar of the crowd one could hear as the third year, Montana to Clark "The Catch" beating the Cowboys 28 to 27 after a leap almost out of the park and the fans were in seventh heaven.
Super Bowls XIX and XXIII followed. A dedicated team with the likes of Jerry Rice making the ground of Candlestick hallowed because of hard work, not the roll of the dice.
Now with Lombardi, Landry and Halas who have long understood without a bit of being callous how our local boy made good.
An original poem by Walter Hogue
Thanks Bill for the short time we spent together after the NFL Alumni Golf Tournament honoring you on June 19, 2006. The memory will always be with me.
Diane DeMartini
August 7, 2007
Bill may you rest in peace. God bless you for giving me the most memorable memories spent with my Dad watching you and the 49ers take us to our first 3 superbowls.
You both have now passed but all my memories will live on. My Dad will be the one wearing his 49er cap in heaven.
RJ
August 7, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Walsh Family. Thank you for the great memories. Bill Walsh will be always be know as The Genious. He was light years ahead of the rest of the league. We were fortunate to have him as the 49ers coach. He will be sorely missed.
D LEWIS
August 7, 2007
WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE WALSH FAMILY. MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU IN HIS ARMS.
Fred Grix
August 7, 2007
Living in Germany, I've started to follow the 49ers some years ago when George Seifert was the head coach. Throughout the years I've read and learned alot about Bill Walsh and the way he teached and coached. A while ago, I came into coaching soccer myself and I think there's an awful lot to learn from this man. Thanks alot, coach.
E R
August 7, 2007
RIP BILL! Thanks for the memories!
Gary Foss
August 7, 2007
You had the talent, skills and devotion to excel in your profession and you brought us along for the ride. And what a ride it was!Thanks for creating beautiful memories. Peace. God Bless
Sharon Hendrickson
August 7, 2007
Thanks for the memories ! You are, simply the best ! My condolenses go out to your family, the 49er players, past and present, and to all the fans that love football !
ANNE BECK
August 6, 2007
HI COACH::: I WANT TO BE THERE FRIDAY AT CANDLESTICK WHEN WE AS 49ER FANS SAY GOOD-BYE. I'M HAVING A HIP REPLACEMENT ON MONDAY, BUT JUST KNOW MY HEART AND SOUL IS THERE. LOVE YA ANNETHE49ERFAN
Mark Ward
August 6, 2007
I will never forget the evening after the 49ers won their first Super Bowl. The Peninsula was nothing but horns tooting. Driving up El Camino was surreal. One of the bets days of my life.
9erFaithful
August 6, 2007
Bill, you will forever be "THE Coach". You were intuitive when it came to choosing the right people and a genius when scripting exceptional offensive plays. As a S.F. native, the 80's were our time to shine. Thanks Bill, for the fun and excitement you brought back to 49er football. With your heavenly guidance maybe we can find that winning power again. Rest in peace coach and may God give comfort to your family and friends during this time. We will miss you.
Maurice & Tracy Comstock
August 6, 2007
Thanks,for all the memories.
Bob Rouner
August 6, 2007
There will be continuing fine thoughts of Bill, as a person and as a coach to now be perpetuated in history.
From a season ticket holder since 1950
Michael Thomas
August 6, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
mark trimble
August 6, 2007
god speed, thanks for the work and dedication, you will be missed
jim castro
August 5, 2007
I will always remember camp at sierra college. For us it was a family affair, as all my kids grew up with the 49ers and every year looked forward to you guys coming to town. We will all remember the great football you brought and all the fond memories that we have of the 49ers and Sierra College. Thanks Coach!
DAVID HUERTA
August 5, 2007
THANKS COACH!!!!!!!
Lowell Trujillo
August 4, 2007
I have been a diehard 49ers fan since 1969. Bill Walsh was instrumental in building the team that I grew to love and one that dominated the 1980's - 1990's. He will be very missed.
Chris
August 4, 2007
Bill Walsh was the best coach the San Francisco 49ers has ever had. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
49er fan forever,
August 4, 2007
Deepest Sympathy!
Fan in Sacramento
Bob Powers
August 4, 2007
As a 49er Faithful since 1957, I can only reflect on how fortunate all of us have been to have witnessed his vision, elegance, and grace. What an inspiring gentleman.
guy murray
August 4, 2007
He will always be the genius of the 49ers O To the greatest ever, God Bless
Barbara Sault
August 4, 2007
Bill Walsh was such a great coach and will leave alot of wonderful memories. He put the fun and loyalty back into football. Even tho' my family and I have moved to Utah, we still love the 49er's and watch them every chance we get. We will always be 49er fans because of Bill. Our sincere condolences to the family of Bill Walsh and his close friends. Bill, you were a true role model for all the younger generation. Job well done!
Barb Sault and the McGarrys
The Dan Taormino Family
August 4, 2007
Condolences and prayers to the entire Walsh family.
A LEGEND is gone but his legacy will last forever. Rest in peace Bill. Thank you for being such an inspiration to all of us. Thank you for making my life better and happier from your actions and wisdom.
Bill & Josie Hamilton
August 4, 2007
He was the best and the Niners were at their best with Bill as their coach. God bless and sincere condolences to his family.
Cara
August 4, 2007
Bill Walsh is a winner, a class act, and the coach I would want when the game is on the line. My condolences to all who knew, learned, and were inspired by Coach Walsh.
Mario Vasquez
August 4, 2007
A Great Coach. He will be Missed
Dar49er
August 4, 2007
Bill Will Forever Watch From The SKY BOX IN HEAVEN. May God Bless You, Rest In Peace Coach.
Bill Peil
August 4, 2007
Bill Walsh was my friend... and hero...
and someone who showed us how to be champions and how to excel in our lives. He had a fighters attitude that transcended beyond football. There will be laughter in our lives again, but our hearts wont be the same. I love you, bill. And you will always be in my heart. Viva Sinatra.
BJR 49er faithful
August 3, 2007
Bill will be deeply missed. He brought so much pride to the city by the Bay. God bless you.
Karen Rogers
August 3, 2007
Super coach. Will miss you and a great loss for the NFL.
Dana Scott Williams
August 3, 2007
Deepest Sympathy!
ES Beery
August 3, 2007
The Genius will be missed, thanks Bill for giving us the best football we could have hoped for. God bless the Walsh family.
Mona Laye
August 3, 2007
Few celebrated people, upon their passing, sadden me with a loss as though they were a close family member. You are one of them. You coached my all time favorite team and you lived in my home town of Woodside.
Now you can coach the great ones that have gone on before you, like Walter Payton, and Reggie White just for a start.
May God bless your family thru this time of grief.
Sincerely,
Mona Lisa
D.L. ZIMMERMAN
August 3, 2007
REST IN PEACE BILL WALSH
Memories of David A. Vargas & Bill Walsh
GLORIA VARGAS-QUIROZ
August 3, 2007
I want to share this beautiful picture of my loving brother David A. Vargas that was taken with Mr. Bill Walsh at Stanford Hospital in 2006. My brother was so happy to meet Mr. Walsh. I remember my brother's last words of how nice Bill was to him. How they talked about sports and life. I remember this last photo of David shown at David's Oak Hill funeral home on 12/9/06. I located this photo and I wanted to share it with his family and friends. Mr. Bill Walsh made my brother feel so happy, he gave him words of encouragement & hope. As you could see coach gave my broher David a big beautiful smile.
Sincerely
Gloria Vargas Quiroz
Gordon Masters
August 3, 2007
As a native San Franciscan growing up a niner fan here in the city, I watched as we all did, the prestige he brought our great city. As a teacher, as a leader and a father figure we respected, loved, and cherished. We will all miss him so much...
John Bole
August 3, 2007
The reason i started following gridiron from the uk was the 49ers of the eighties. Thank You for this Bill Walsh. Rest in Peace. Never to be forgotten
Yolanda Williams
August 3, 2007
I didn't grasp the hoopla of football until I began watching you watch the 49ers. And now I'm a fan forever, when they're up or when they're down. Thanks for bringing me along.
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Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
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Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
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The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
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