Kansas State Legend Bob Boozer Dies At 75

The world lost a great man today. Legendary K-Stater, Bob Boozer (Class of ’59), passed away last night, leaving behind a lasting legacy, first as an adoring father, loving husband, and loyal friend. Those who knew him best, loved him most.

As a man of sport, most will remember his best as the first overall draft pick in the 1959 NBA Draft. And Boozer did forge a notable career as a professional basketball player, scoring over 12,000 points, being named an NBA All-Star in 1968, and winning an NBA Championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 1971.

But for those of us whose blood runs Purple as Boozer’s did, we remember him differently. We remember (or have been told of) a vital young man, arriving in Manhattan, full of energy and promise. We remember a man whose talent, athleticism, and leadership, led the boys from Manhattan to wins over both Wilt Chamberlain and Oscar Robertson, on the way to an appearance in the Final Four.

We remember a man who always called his time at K-State, “the best years of my life.” We remember an All-American. We remember a man who was a friend to anyone who ever made his acquaintance. And we remember a true Wildcat–one of our best, both on the court and off it–who is gone now.

Heaven is richer and we’re all poorer for the loss.