THE DEATH OF HANK GATHERS : Gathers Touched Those Who Knew Him

I enjoy the writings of Mike Downey and often find his work very humorous. On Monday, I was deeply moved by Mike’s piece and found it difficult to finish reading it.

My younger brother, Paul, a student at Santa Clara University, was so amazed by Hank Gathers’ performances that he nicknamed him “F-Gathers,” as in an F-4 fighter jet. I used to like that nickname, but we’ll use it no more. Our fighter has been shot down.

We will all miss Hank the basketball player, but mostly we will miss Hank the person.

BILL KOMAR

Playa del Rey