Bill Walton had a force for life like no other. He was also one of the greatest basketball players of all time, but that was secondary to being one of the greatest people of all time.
I've lived in Los Angeles my whole life and have been surrounded by some of the most famous people in the world, but in all my time here I have never seen such an incredible person with such a generous heart, so generous with his time, and so genuinely interested in being kind to everyone he meets.
I've been to many UCLA basketball games and have personally witnessed Bill remain at the venue for hours after the game, giving his full attention to every autograph, every photo, and every fan interaction.
It's ironic that his favorite band was the Grateful Dead, even though it's clear he was always grateful to be alive.
William David Stone
Beverly Hills
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I've been watching basketball for over 50 years, and Bill Walton played with more passion than any player I've ever seen, hands down. I was never a huge fan of Bill's play-by-play style, but Bill was the best NCAA player I've ever seen, followed closely by Lew Alcindor, who later became Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Like Bill's UCLA teammate Greg Lee, Bill was gone too soon.
Vaughn Hardenberg
Westwood
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From arguing with John Wooden over long hair to attending anti-Vietnam War protests and hailing the Pac-12 as the “Conference of Champions,” the gregarious Bill Walton was much more than a basketball legend. Now the red-headed giant has moved upstairs, sharing his love of UCLA and the Grateful Dead while challenging anyone to a game of Trivial Pursuit that tests his knowledge of just about any topic imaginable. Rest in peace, giant. You'll be missed.
Marty Zweben
Palos Verdes Estates
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Six years in a row, I was fortunate enough to spend four days with Bill Walton at Byron Scott's Adult Fantasy Basketball Camp. Bill was always cheerful, kind, enthusiastic, and generous. For two camps, he opened his home to the campers, which became a mecca for basketball and the Grateful Dead.
Walton's dominating NBA career lasted only a few seasons due to injuries, but that doesn't diminish his greatness or his skill at playing the game. He's a thrill to watch, and it's a testament to Bill's hard work and perseverance that he overcame his stutter to become an insightful and entertaining announcer.
I am sad to hear of his passing, but he will live on with all who saw him play and listened to his broadcasts.
Ray McKoon
Torrance
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College sports has changed a lot in the 50 years since Bill Walton graduated from UCLA. Bill was a standout high school player who chose UCLA because it was his lifelong dream to play for the Bruins and Coach Wooden. Millions of dollars in NIL money from other schools couldn't sway him from his decision (yes, there was Sam Gilbert behind the scenes looking after UCLA players). He wasn't allowed to play on the varsity team as a freshman. Today, Bill is a “one year and done” player whose retired jersey will never be hung at Paulie. Now, with great players gone after one year, who else will have their jersey hung at Paulie when they retire?
Charles Yacoubian
Valencia
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Bill Walton rose to fame as an announcer for his famously crazy, chaotic antics (that may or may not have had anything to do with basketball), and his games were must-sees as raucous and unapologetic advertisements for the “Conference of Champions,” so while his untimely passing is sad, it seems only natural that he'll never know a world without the Pac-12.
Steve Ross
Carmel
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I had the incredible privilege of growing up during the UCLA basketball dynasty with Lew Alcindor, Sidney Wicks, Curtis Law, Jamaal Wilkes, Gail Goodrich, Marques Johnson and my favorite player, Bill Walton, the best center I ever saw.
I was incredibly fortunate to grow up listening to legendary announcers like Vin Scully, Dick Enberg and Chick Hearn. But perhaps my favorite announcer of all time was Bill Walton. He was obnoxious, loud, bold, outrageous and hyperbolic. But I couldn't help but like him. I loved his jokes. I loved his sarcasm. I loved his enthusiasm…and I loved his endless, pure and infectious love for the game.
I miss Scully, I miss Hahn, and I already miss Walton the All-American, All-Pro basketball player, announcer and person.
Steve Kay
Oro Valley, Arizona
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Losing “Grateful Red,” a man we watched on tape on KTLA so many lonely nights in L.A., was a shock to all of us who admired Bill Walton. I saw Bill play many times, and today I remember him happily riding his bike through Westwood Village, adjacent to UCLA.
I can only imagine Coach Wooden meeting Bill at the gates of heaven, welcoming him but insisting that he cut his hair and shave his beard first.
Mike Anderson
Sherman Oaks
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Don't worry: after two weeks in heaven, an exhausted God will return Bill Walton to his courtside post, where he'll continue to ignore the game and share his vision of the universe.
Mario Valbo
Ventura
