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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Jack Ramsay, former NBA coach, broadcaster, dies

Associated Press

MIAMI – Jack Ramsay served his country in World War II, coached Portland to the NBA title, was enshrined in the basketball Hall of Fame and became one of the game’s most respected and revered broadcasters.

His life was, by any measure, complete.

“Our father led the greatest life that one could lead,” the Ramsay family said in a statement Monday, hours after the man who just about everyone in basketball called “Dr. Jack” died in Naples, Fla. He was 89.

No cause of death was announced, but Ramsay had fought several forms of cancer for many years and more recently was diagnosed with a marrow syndrome. Ramsay ended his broadcasting career with ESPN last year because of health problems and word came last week he had been placed into hospice care.

“From his coaching tenure to his broadcast work, Dr. Jack left an indelible mark on every facet of our game and on every person he came in contact with, including me,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said.

Added Miami Heat president Pat Riley, who was close to Ramsay for many years: “This is a very sad day for basketball, not just professional basketball, but the entire basketball world. The game has lost a giant.”

Ramsay coached parts of 21 seasons in the NBA before entering broadcasting.