Remember Jerry West? Well, Michelle Wie West sure does. What’s more, the entire NBA world hasn’t forgotten him. The female golfer’s brother-in-law, and the basketball legend’s son, recently gave an emotional tribute to his father. Unsurprisingly, it was a touching moment for the West family, including the ex-LPGA Tour pro and her mother-in-law, Karen Bua West.

The female athlete shared a video of her husband’s speech about his late father on her Instagram. The Director of Basketball Operations for the Golden State Warriors was speaking at the late Jerry West’s third Hall of Fame induction. Needless to say, it was quite touching and heartwarming for everyone, including Michelle Wie West, who expressed the same in a caption on her story.

“I’m proud of you @jonniewest4,” wrote the 35-year-old, as she expressed understanding for her husband’s struggle. “I know how much work you put into this and I know how hard this was for you. ILYSM. We love and miss you Papa.” She went on to convey how her late father-in-law led by example for the family, before expressing gratitude once more, “You will forever be a role model for our family, thank you for everything that you have done.”

But what did Jonnie West talk about in the tribute to his father at the ceremony? Well, Michelle Wie West’s husband thanked his late father for the contributions he made to the game and his family. “I want to thank you for everything you have done for the game of basketball,” said the late legend’s son in the emotional tribute, “And for everyone within the game, and our family too. That obviously includes me, and Ryan, Mom – the other Hall of Famer in our family… and David, Mike, and Mark.”

That’s not all. He also highlighted the effect Jerry West had on the sport and the people who followed it. “I’m also thinking of the countless people you have inspired, touched, and helped throughout your unmatched 60+ years in the game,” said the legend’s son as he highlighted how much of a “role model, mentor, confidante, and father figure,” he was to so many. But when it comes to the female golfer and her daughter, he was simply ‘Papa.’

Michelle Wie West’s note to Jerry West after his death

“The world may know Jerry as the ‘Logo’, the fiercest competitor to ever step foot on a court, the best teammate, and mentor to so many,” wrote the female athlete in an Instagram post, “But to Makenna and me, we know him simply as…Papa. And for that, we are beyond grateful.” She had posted the eulogy along with a picture of West holding his granddaughter after the basketball legend’s death on June 12.

Michelle Wie West then recounted how much Jerry West loved her daughter and vice versa, before expressing how she and her daughter would miss ‘Papa’. “Thank you for loving us, you have no idea how much we will miss you,” added the ex-pro. “Rest in peace, Papa…hope you catch some big fish up there.” Her late father-in-law had passed away in his sleep at the age of 86.

On the other hand, as an athlete, the legend left a big mark on the sport. In his 14 years of basketball, he reached the NBA finals a total of nine times and was selected for the Hall of Fame three times. But he is most famous for being the player behind the silhouette of the ‘Logo’ that the NBA commissioned Alan Siegel to create. With such a remarkable career behind him, none would disagree with Michelle Wie West’s husband when he said in the speech: “Contributor to the game of basketball. That is you in every single sense. And that will live on forever.” He truly was an inspiring man!