Tragic Occurence and Tribute Bowl

[Hilel Salomon]

Last Tuesday, a young man of 44 died of a heart attack. He had been on a basketball team which I coached for five years, during the time that he was 10 to 15 years old. Then I coached his younger sister for three years and they both were an incredible joy. Not only was Bob Fulton Dukes a talented athlete, but he was a pleasure to coach, as he learned quickly, listened attentively and performed very well. Our team, recruited from a YMCA youth soccer team, started off poorly, losing most of its games. During the second season, we wound up at .500, but for the next three years, we didn't lose a single game, winning 54 in a row. I will always remember his smile and enthusiasm, and the incredible help and friendship of his mother-the team "mother."

As soon as I heard about this tragedy, I started making a bowl out of maple as a gift to his mother and a tribute memorial to him.

It's not very good, but the wood is beautiful and I thought that I would share this with you folks.
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Regards,

Hilel

[Roger Chandler]

A very nice tribute, Hilel..........I am sure his family will cherish it because not only is it pretty and functional, but was made by his former coach.................a classy thing to do!

[David Gilbert]

Hilel,

What a wonderful and thoughtful person you are. I am sure that his family will, in time, treasure this bowl. You are really making this world a better place.

David

[Steve Schlumpf]

Hilel - I am sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. I think your bowl looks great and am quite sure his mother will cherish it! Very nice of you to create something special for her!

[Jerry Rhoads]

Wonderful tribute and a great looking bowl Hilel.

[Steve Vaughan]

It's beautiful, and that's a great gesture!

[Jeff Hamilton Jr.]

Very nice on both counts - bowl and thought.

[Rich Greinert]

44... so very young. Beautiful tribute bowl Hilel.

[Alan Trout]

It is a wonderful bowl as it comes from the heart.

Alan

[John Keeton]

Hilel, as I now know, one's chances of surviving a heart attack in their 40s are much less than someone 10-20 years older. At the earlier age, the heart has not yet formed a secondary blood supply. I am sorry for the loss of your former player.

Great work on the bowl, and it is sure to be treasured.

[James Roberts]

It's not very good, but the wood is beautiful and I thought that I would share this with you folks.

I beg to differ Hilel, it is a beautiful bowl made from a beautiful piece of wood by a man with a beautiful spirit. I am sure the family will cherish it along with the memories of both a son and the mentor/friend who cared enough to make such a fine tribute. I am truly sorry for your loss.

[Paul McGaha]

I'm really very sorry Hilel. I do think it's a nice bowl and I'm sure the family will appreciate it very much.

PHM

[Bernie Weishapl]

Great tribute Hilel. I am sure that his mother will cherish it forever. Very sorry to hear things like that happening to those so young.

[Josh Bowman]

Hilel, what a wonderful bowl. I am so sorry to hear of the loss. His Mother will appreciate it.

[Mike Cruz]

Nothing shabby about the bowl, at all. And a wonderful gesture on your part...

[Baxter Smith]

Wonderful bowl and gesture Hilel. Coaches often impact players lives, but if you are fortunate, it works the other way as well.

[Ted Calver]

Nice work coach. You did good.