The Boston Celtics released an official statement on the passing of Celtics iconic big man Tommy Heinsohn Tuesday, who passed away at age 86.
“It’s hard to imagine the Boston Celtics without Tommy Heinsohn. There isn’t a generation of Celtics fans for whom Tommy’s presence hasn’t been felt,” shared Boston to start the statement addressing the loss of one of the team’s most pivotal figures in its seven-decade history.
“He is the only person to be an active participant in each of the Celtics’ 17 World Championships, an extraordinary and singular legacy,” noted the team, underscoring the tremendous impact of his life on Boston and their fans.
We take this time to celebrate Tommy Heinsohn’s life and legacy, and to share in the sorrow of his passing with his family, friends, and fans. As long as there are the Boston Celtics, Tommy’s spirit will remain alive.
Full Statement from the Celtics: https://t.co/T5tQbCpfs2 pic.twitter.com/WCcRe3C7aU
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) November 10, 2020
Detailing Heinsohn’s storied career from his time as a rookie with the team through his eight titles as a player and two more as a coach all the way up to his more recent role as a color commentator, the statement also celebrated his life away from the sidelines.
“For all of his accomplishments as a player, coach, and broadcaster, it is Tommy’s rich personality that defined the man,” it affirmed.
“A loving father, grandfather, and husband. A talented painter and a lively golf partner. Unofficial mentor to decades of Celtics coaches and players. A frequent constructive critic of referees. Originator of the most “Celtic stat” of them all, The Tommy Point. And a boundless love for all things Boston Celtics, a passion which he shared with fans over 64 years.”
“We take this time to celebrate his life and legacy, and to share in the sorrow of his passing with his family, friends, and fans,” they added. “As long as there are the Boston Celtics, Tommy’s spirit will remain alive.”
Tommy is the embodiment of Celtic Pride.
He is the spirit of the entire organization.
He is the single-most devoted figure in franchise history.
And he always will be. #ForeverGreenhttps://t.co/pFyuPgE4XY
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) November 10, 2020
The statement continues with words from the team’s ownership group and Governors Wyc Grousbeck and Steve Pagliuca.
Take a moment to read the statement in full.
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