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Howard Komives Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Howard Komives
Larry Jay Doyle
October 13, 2020
I was in Vietnam in 1970 and I was eating dinner in a tent on Firebase Bastogne one evening and I looked and saw him sitting across from me. It was one of my best memories of Vietnam. I really though a lot of him for going over there. A great man. Larry Doyle from Ks.
April 16, 2009
Shane:
We are soo sorry for your loss. You and your family remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Kim & Scott Fenneken
Chuck Keween
March 30, 2009
To Butch's family, the lord bless you all. I played with Butch at Friendly Center back in the 50's. The impressive thing that has always stuck with me, never seen Him without a BB.
George Gaertner
March 28, 2009
yDear Shane and family,
So sorry for your loss. I saw Butch
play ever game in high school. I graduated in 61. Butch ran the laundry at Boys Club Camp Big Silver.
We would play basketball at night and after work. He would shoot baskets all day. He highjumped his junior year and Butch, Earl Gregory
and I tied for first at 5'-6. Competative as he was and after highjumping for only 2 days, Butch wanted to have a jump off.
George W. Gaertner Class of 61
Nancy (Hones) McCoy
March 27, 2009
To the Komives family. I was a classmate of Butch's at Woodward (class of 61) - he didn't know me but we all knew him. He was always very kind to the underclassmen and never failed to smile or say "hi" if passing in the halls. Watching him play basketball was a big part of the fun of going to high school back then. My sympathies to your family in this great loss.
Susan (Gaertner) Taylor
March 26, 2009
To the family-
Both my brother George Gaertner(class of '61) and I (class of '59) knew Butch at Woodward. He was a gifted athlete and a good guy. We are sorry for your loss.
Susan(Gaertner) Taylor
Douglas Kanz
March 26, 2009
Dear Shane (and family), David & Chris Cook & families:
My heartfelt condolences to all of you in this time of loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Although I haven't done a good job keeping in touch with you guys, I want you to know that you, your mom, and Butch are forever a part of my life. I cherish those memories, and think of you all often.
Love,
Doug
Helen Cook Horton
March 26, 2009
My deepest sympathy to Butch's family. I knew him in the early '80's in Boulder and the thing most reminiscent was his devotion to and admiration of his son, Shane. His basketball days were over and a new chapter had begun. Shane was his shining light and I'm sure remained so all of these years.
Sandy Baker(French) & Ken Fielder
March 26, 2009
As fellow Woodward 1960 classmates of Butch we have many fond memories of seeing him in action on the court sending our team to many victories. These memories will last forever in our hearts.
Our Prayers are with the Komives family.
Dick and Sally Keim
March 26, 2009
Marcia and family,
You have our deepest sympathy.
God will give you strength and courage at this difficult time.
Mike Smythe
March 25, 2009
I had the non-pleasure of guarding Butch when he was an amazing talent at Woodward and I played for Scott with Ray Wolford. What great basketball memories with Terry Provonsha, Maurie Kocher and the rest of that team. I also ran up against Butch when I played for the U of Findlay and he was the national scoring champion at BGSU. Although I don't think I have seen him since 1964, I know he will always be remembered as one of the greatest legends in Toledo basketball history. Ray Wolford told me in 2005 Butch was the best player of that era and the best pure shooter ever in Toledo.
Stan Zawisza
March 25, 2009
As a member of the 1960 graudating class of WHS I can remember many exciting basketball games that Butch and other members of that team participated in. Although I didn't know him socially, I remember the many occassions I use to run into him at the Central YMCA as he continously perfected his basketball skills. His dedication to perfection isn't something we see in todays world, in any area of effort including sports. Perosnally, I can honestly say, "Thanks for the memories". He was a true pro. My condolences to the family.
Diana King
March 25, 2009
So sorry to hear of your loss. I went to Bowling Green with Butch and left BG to fly with TWA. Many times while I had flights to NY I was able to go watch him play and also when he came to LA where I was based. I have very fond memories of our BG days. I know he will be grealy missed. In Friendship, Diana Gaffin King
Geranda (Birch) Everly
March 25, 2009
My deepest sympathies to all the Komives family, I knew Butch and Liz from the east side where we lived back in the 50's. I followed his career and was so proud of him. We went together when we were 12 or 13, Yes! I still remember, he gave me his pocket knife to show we were going together! It lasted about a month,lol. What memories of such a special person and also is sister, liz. I know he will always remain a special memory to everyone, especially the kids that knew hiim in the 50's. God bless and comfort each of you,his family, know that God is always with you, and now Butch is with Him. Shane , my daughter was your pre-school teacher, Miss Diane. She too sends you her sympathy and her memories of you.God bless you.
Zack Heidtman
March 25, 2009
Shane and Family,
Sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Hope you are doing well. Take care of yourself.
LARRY GREGORY
March 25, 2009
MARCIA I AM SORRY ABOUT YOUR LOSS. I WILL REMEMBER BUTCH IN MY PRAYERS. I AM PRESENTLY IN ARIZONA VISITING MY DAUGTHER WHO TEACHS SECOND GRADE. LARRY GREGORY
JACK EMMITT
March 25, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. I WAS LUCKY TO HAVE BEEN AT WOOWARD AT THIS TIME OF HIS LIFE.I WAS IN SPORTS A SMALL WAY AT THIS TIME BUT WHEN YOU WERE ARUOND BUTCH HE ALWAYS BROUGHT OUT THE BEST IN YOU AND FOR THAT MANY WILL ALWAYS THINK OF HIM.
Mike McGill
March 25, 2009
Shane:
My condolences on the passing of a true legend.
Although Butch was known to most people for his basketball skills and tenacity, what most people were not aware of was his intelligence and loyalty. I was blessed to have seen that side of him and hope that he has found peace.
Carlene (Michael) DeFalco
March 25, 2009
To The Komives Family:
I grew up with Butch, at Friendly Center, and every summer at camp. We also went to Woodward High School. I have wonderful memories of him, his mother and sisters and the wonderful food his mom would cook! Butch was a beautiful person, inside and out, a gentle soul who will never be forgotten! He was a giant in basketball and will go down in history with his basketball career.
Butch's memory will live forever in our hearts and may God in the tenderness of His Mercy, hold all of you close to His Heart.
Dan Murawa and family
March 24, 2009
Shane and Family,
Sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Please accept our condolences during this time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Andrew & Elizabeth Poll
March 24, 2009
Shane, our dearest sympathies to you and your family.
James Rightnowar & Family
March 24, 2009
Shane, My condolences to you and your entire family. Our prayers are with you.
Bratche Webster
March 24, 2009
Shane,
I am sorry to hear about your loss.
Bratche Webster
Keeling McLin
March 24, 2009
I graduated from Woodward in 62 and followed Butch's career with pride. I left Toledo in 66 but I still have fond memories. Rest in peace.
Colleen McCabe-Hubley
March 24, 2009
To the Komives Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you as mourn his death. I had the honor of taking care of Howard at Dialysis, I am so sorry for your loss and hope your memories can bring you peace
Ron Mudd
March 24, 2009
I just happened to be on the internet checking my copy of the the Blade. I saw Butch's name and I just had to say something. He wasn't a friend per se but we played basketball several times and Butch was a great encouragement for me. He thought I was a good defender. I was good at stealing the ball from him. Sympathy to his family. I know how it is.
Kara Koren-Szirotnyak
March 24, 2009
Shane,
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Butch. With my father and mother (Uncle Abel & Aunt Jeanne) having raised him during his Woodward and then BGSU years it was always interesting to see the drive and determination of Butch as a young man. I remember him coming home after working all day hoisting crate after crate of soda for CocaCola and shooting hoops for hours and hours...even in the dark. He was truly and inspiration for me as a young girl to see the boy from the "hood" become a professional basketball player. A testament to being able to do anything you want...He will be remembered fondly and with love by us. I am in Florida right now with my parents (Uncle Abel & Aunt Jeanne) and regret we will be unable to attend his services. We send you our love and sincere sympathies on the loss of your father. With Love,
Uncle Abel & Aunt Jeanne
Almassy, Dwors, Komives and Joy Sampson, (Florida)
Art Almassy
March 24, 2009
To Butch's family...so many are the good memories of the early 60's when Butch and I became Brothers of The Sigma Chi Fraternity. Photo taken in Ft.Lauderdale, Bob Dwors in center and a miscellaneous lady who was swept off her feet with "Sigma Chi Charm". Everyone had a good time, and all stayed out of trouble. Derry Curran and Bill Murphy were also with us. Also, Butch's Grandmother cooked dinner for us, good Hungarian food it was!
My deepest sympathies for your loss...hold deerly your memories.
Art Almassy
Alison Straub (Skaff)
March 24, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathy. Butch and my dad were partners in Boulder, Colorado.
Tuffy Reason
March 24, 2009
Even though I followed Butch's basketball career and we each shared a background as players, I never met him until 2004 or 2005. Many of us vintage "jocks" would meet at Border's Book Store Wednesday morning, guys like Bob Nichols, Dennie Pawlecki, Tom Baker, Steve Mix and many others. Butch always impressed me. Butch never talked about himself and his wonderful career. His anecdotes about the NBA, his career at BGSU and other basketball remembrances were special. Again, he would make a point and relate the details and never, positively never, tell us how many points he scored or any other details calling attention to himself. I liked his sense of humor. Our whole group enjoyed the "give and take", kidding each other, and Butch frequently was a target and, of course, Butch could "fire back" with some great responses. No one ever worked harder to become a great player than Butch. I truly enjoyed his friendship and admired his true grit and spirit. Our condolences to the entire Komives family.
Tuffy Reason
H. Lee White
March 24, 2009
I am a '61 graduate of Woodward High and have many fond and exciting memories of Polar Bear basketball because of "Butch". I have been retired from O-I for 8 years now and have not lived in Toledo since 1977; however, the memories of Howards feats on the basketball court through his high school, college and pro career will always be remembered. He was the best to play at Woodward and it is very sad that he, along with "old building on Streicher St., will not be around anymore. My sympathy goes out to his entire family and friends during this time of the celebration of his life.
Jim Cox
March 24, 2009
To Butch,s Family Sorry to hear the news. He was a great guy, we spent countless hours together during the Summer months working out playing what we enjoyed the most basketball and hanging out afterwards. We will all miss you. Your friend, Jim Cox
Pamela Oehlers/Neate
March 24, 2009
I graduated with Butch in 1960. He will be sadly missed. Deepest sympathy to his family.
Dolores Almester
March 24, 2009
Marcia and family, I am so sorry about Butch, and feel badly I am in Florida at this time of your need.
Buzz Mewhort
March 24, 2009
Shane:
I was deeply saddened to learn of your Dad's passing and hope that he finally has found peace. I am sorry that I can't attend the services but please know you and your family are in our hearts.
Sam Besase
March 24, 2009
To the family of Butch, I am very sorry to hear of his passing. Simply one of the very best BB players to ever come out of Toledo. I saw just about every Woodward-Scott BB games in the late 50's, classic battles between Ray Wolford and Butch Komives. Grant Murray would sneak me in to the Waite Fieldhouse and I would sit on the floor next to the scorer's table. Again, very sorry to hear of Butch's passing.
Martin Drain
March 24, 2009
I did not know Howard personally but I also graduated from Woodward and followed his basketball career. He was truly an inspiration as an athlete and a role model to many.
derry curran
March 24, 2009
The most fierce competitor and trusted friend, Butch was a "Legend"
Diana Kruse/Soltis
March 24, 2009
I graduated with Butch in 1960. Never missed a basketball game. I am very sorry for your loss. He was a great guy back in the days I knew him.
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