| OBITUARIES (The ONLY serious pages on this website) |
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| Elite contributers to sports who have passed away since the inception of the Panel Page 2 |
| Pat Tillman November 6, 1976 - April 22, 2004 Pat Tillman was PAC 10 Defensive Player of the Year at Arizona State before entering the NFL. He worked his way up to earn a starting job for the Arizona Cardinals. In 2001, Pat turned down a $9M contract from the World Champion Rams out of loyalty to Arizona. Then a year later, he turned down $3M from the Cardinals to join his brother, serving his country in the military in Afghanistan. Pat was killed in combat in April 2004 while fighting for freedom. |
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| Rodney J. Sawatsky December 5, 1943 - November 27, 2004 Rodney Sawatsky served as president of Messiah College from 1994 until 2004. In 2003, Sawatsky was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor, and announced his retirement in January 2004. During his 10-year presidency, Rodney was truly the face of Messiah College. Under his tenure, the college saw substantial growth, including the additions of several new facilities, including the Agape Center, Jordan Science Center, Oakes Museum, Boyer Hall, and the Larsen Student Union. But greater than mere new construction, Sawatsky brought to the college superb leadership, spiritual guidance, and a vision. He helped draft a new mission statement and strategic plan for the college that emphasized service along with academic achievement. In a statement President Sawatsky sent to Messiah College students and employees in April, prior to undergoing surgery at Johns Hopkins University Hospital, he wrote: "The abundant life is defined by its quality and not its quantity. In that spirit, we seek to live each day as fully and as joyfully as we can in spite of the uncertainties we face. We remain deeply greatful for God's active and continuing presence in our lives ... May we all remain people of hope rather than despair ..." |
| Reggie White December 19, 1961 - December 26, 2004 Nicknamed the "Minister of Defense", Reggie White was a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and an ordained minister. Reggie played a majority of his 15 year NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was elected to a record 13 straight Pro Bowls, and became a Superbowl Champion in 1997. He retired after the 2000 season as the NFL's all time leader in sacks (198). Reggie White is considered by many to be the greatest Defensive End of all time. Yet despite his countless accomplishments on the field, those who knew Reggie White best will remember him as a man of incredible faith, who considered serving God and being a positive influence as greater commitments than playing football. |
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| George Mikan Junw 18, 1924 - June 1, 2005 Mikan is considered by many to be basketball's first superstar. Standing 6'10", he towered over his competition and was the prototype for dominating tall players of later decades. In fact, George was so dominant, the league responded with two critical rule changes, expanding the width of the key from 6 feet to 12, and later implementing a 24 second shot clock.to keep his opponents from stalling games. Mikan was one of the most prolific scorers and rebounders of his era. In 1950, he was named the greatest player of the first half of the century by the Associated Press. |
| Kirby Puckett March 14, 1960 - March 6, 2006 Puckett played his entire 11-year career with the Minnesota Twins, who he led to World Series titles in 1987 and 1991. His gregarious personality and dynamic style endeared him to players and fans alike. Prior to the 1996 season, he was forced to retire at age 35 due to loss of vision in one eye from glaucoma. He finished his career with 6 Gold Gloves, 10 All Star appearances, and .318 lifetime batting average. Kirby was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility (2001). At the age of 45, Kirby Puckett passed away following a massive stroke. |
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