Dot...Dot...Dawgfather

Words of this nature have never come easy.  However, it strikes me that the measure of life isn't defined by the rings that were worn, the plaudits that were garnered or the dots that were collected.  It is measured in units of inspiration that one cultivates and leaves for the rest of us to borrow.  No great thing was ever achieved without the seed of motivation sown by those who passed before us.  In this way, the greatest among us never fade.

The passing of Don James has left a void in the hearts of any who have known him as well as those that looked to him for inspiration in whatever way he touched them. The cyberworld has exploded with words and thoughts in memoriam. These Dots are dedicated to the family and friends of Don James.

• Here is the full text from the University announcing the passing of Coach James.


• GoHuskies has a site dedicated to Coach James's memory.
  

  RIP #DawgFather pic.twitter.com/RBfGocRZsm

  — Washington Huskies (@UWAthletics) October 20, 2013



• They've also posted a comprehensive photo gallery if you'd like to see some classic pictures.


• Nice words from Tui:
  

  RIP Coach James. My prayers are with your family. Thank you for always giving me time no matter where we were. Your legacy lives on!

  — Marques Tuiasosopo (@therealTUI) October 20, 2013



• Brock Huard:
  

  Never, ever forget how 1 life can impact so many. Coach James, you will never be forgotten, & your legacy lives on in the lives you changed

  — Brock Huard (@BrockESPN) October 20, 2013



• Jim Caple of ESPN wrote a nice piece emphasizing what made Don James the coach, and the man, that the college football world both respected and adored.
  


• Gregg Bell tweeted on the subject of Coach James and his inspiring of the current football team.
  

  When Don James last talked to @UW_Football in August he told players to make Boise St respect them. Then #UDUB beat BSU by 32. #inspiration

  — Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) October 20, 2013



• The Pac 12 Network posted this video in remembrance - a nice piece no matter what you think of the commentators.
  


• The Seattle Times has all kind of content related to the life and times of Don James.  I was happy to see Blain Newnham come out of retirement to share his thoughts on Coach.


• Bob Condotta tweeted a funny moment he enjoyed with Coach James.
  

  I last talked to James in August for a story I was doing. He told me he'd just celebrated his 61st wedding anniversary.

  — Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) October 20, 2013

  
  

  He then joked that 'they said it would never last.' Thoughts today are with his family.

  — Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) October 20, 2013



• Bud Withers had his own thoughts to share with a few of his memories.


• Bill Schwartz has a few interesting anecdotes from his time covering the Huskies.
  


• Tony Parrish pulling a little Dawgfather memorabilia out.
  

  A Hero Falls But the Legend Lives. R.I.P. #DonJames #Dawgfather pic.twitter.com/BnFTErQFWk

  — Tony Parrish (@TheTonyParrish) October 21, 2013



• Here is an older article that documents the influence that Don James had over one of his (now) most famous players, Nick Saban, and how he inspired him to be a college football coach.  Saban was also quoted in this summary article:
  

  "He was a special man and meant the world to me," Saban said Sunday night. "There aren't enough words to describe not only the great coach he was, but how much he cared for people and the positive impact he made in the lives of everyone he came in contact with.

  
  


• Gary Pinkel also released a statement regarding the passing of his mentor:
  

  He was my coach, my mentor, my friend, and he had such an amazing influence on my life, both personally and professionally. The program we built at Toledo and here at Missouri is Don James’ program, it’s a tribute to how he developed men and built football teams.



• Sean Parker gets it.
  

  RIP Don James. Husky legend and coach! Prayers go out to all his loved ones. #DawgFather

  — Big Play SP (@AllHailSpeezy1) October 21, 2013



• Mark Brunell, who was on hand to open up Husky Stadium in August, tweets:
  

  So sad to hear of the passing of Don James. Thank you Coach for bringing me to UW and making such an impact on my life.I am forever grateful

  — Mark Brunell (@M_Brunell8) October 20, 2013



• Rich Brooks, the former Oregon coach and good friend to Don James, tweeted his thoughts:
  

  A very sad day with the passing of Coach Don James. Great coach and man. He will be missed. The Huskies have not been the same.

  — Rich Brooks (@UKcoachbrooks) October 21, 2013



• The Dawgfather is trending in Seattle.
  
  

These are just a sampling of all the things buzzing around the web concerning Don James on this most difficult day.  Obviously, there will be more and we'll be here to dot it for you.

Question of the Day

No question today.  If you'd like to check in with your condolences, visit our open thread. If you have any anecdotes you'd like to share, please do.  It's good to have a forum like this to record and memorialize all of those little moments that weren't covered by KFAN or The Seattle Times but are part of the fabric of the life lived.

Peace.  Go Dawgs.