Vassar will be missed

Thursday, the Spokane sports community lost local legendary boxing coach Dan Vassar. Dan coached successfully on the local, national and international level. He was not only a coach but a father image to the boys and girls he taught.

Self-discipline, high self-esteem and how to handle loses as well as wins in a positive manner were values Dan passed on to his students.

As a very cautious father, I entrusted my daughter to Dan. I advised Dan to wash her out of boxing if she could not handle it. He treated her with dignity, yet with care, and under his tutelage in only her seventh fight had her talented enough to be ranked third in the nation and fighting the three-time world champion. She grew up after that fight and went on to get two college degrees. Without Dan, this would not have happened. Spokane will miss you, Dan, but will be with you in spirit.

John G. Kallas

Spokane