BILL WALTON. AN ATHLETE and A GENTLEMAN

 We lost a great man today.  Bill Walton.  

This writer once met Mr. Walton while at UCLA.  I had just sat down for lunch at the last unoccupied table at Ackerman Student Union when he approached and asked if he could join me.  Of course I said yes.  Thereafter, we had a long conversation mostly about his life.  Which I truly enjoyed.  He was definitely an extremely humble gentleman and was not boastful.  Due to his amazing basketball career at UCLA and in the pros, he certainly had reason to be.  But as far as he was concerned, we were equals.  For me, it was a privilege to listen to him talk not only about his career.  But also about his personal life.  Even though he towered over me in more ways than one from where we sat together.  He was always polite and charming, with a great sense of humor.  As well as extremely intelligent and wise.  I will always remember Bill Walton and appreciate him for providing me with one of the best afternoons of my life!