Dan Vassar

Dan Vassar, 64. taught hundreds of Spokane area young people how to box. As a top-rated amateur coach he taught them how to face an opponent, how to defend themselves and how to find the strength of their own character through a sport he had dedicated his life to promoting. In early September, Vassar learned he had cancer. After a brief battle, he passed away Thursday (Sept. 30, 2010) morning.

Section:Gallery

Thu., Sept. 30, 2010

Coach Dan Vassar keeps time at the Howard Street Boxing club while Kevin Keefe, left, lands a punch to Chris Weise, during a sparring session in August of 2006.

Jed Conklin The Spokesman-Review
At the Eagles Lodge, July of 2003, Dan Vassar, far right, a long time boxing trainer in Spokane, is working with Native Americans, Kevin Keefe, 17, far left, and Luke Wynecoop.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
At the Eagles Lodge in July 2003, Dan Vassar, a long-time boxing trainer in Spokane, works with Luke Wynecoop.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
Dan Vassar, longtime Eagles Boxing Club trainer, helps set up their boxing ring for the last time during a tournament held at the Eagles Club in July, 2003.

Colin Mulvany
Dan Vassar, longtime Eagles Boxing Club trainer, helps set up their boxing ring for the last time during a tournament held at the Eagles Club in March, 2005.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
Spokane Eagles boxing coach Dan Vassar. He's just been named head coach of Team USA in the 2002 World Cup of boxing in Kazakhstan.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
Mahlon Kerwick, 18, of Spokane, trains with his dad Ray Kerwick, while coach Dan Vassar watches in July, 1999.