Bill Walton grew up in San Diego in a home that had no television set. So as a youngster, he read, learned music, and listened to UCLA games on the radio. This is where he picked up his liking for music. Though, through his successful NBA career, he garnered a lot of fans who supported him, he was indeed a superfan of the rock band Grateful Dead so much so that he once flew to Egypt in 1978 along with the band to witness their performance at the Great Pyramids. Such admiration for music is something that is rarely seen in the athletic world.

Walton, with his head held high, was never ashamed to admit his affection for the band, where he reportedly attended over 800 performances of theirs. He started attending the gigs in 1967 and given Walton’s status, he ended up getting acquainted with the band members. In 2015, a feature that was available in his hometown’s San Diego Union-Tribune revealed that band members would often stay over at Walton’s place whenever they visited San Diego.

Beyond music, he actively engaged in reading books. His books reflected his passions: these included the interests of Native Americans, environmental issues, and public speaking. Walton came from a family where his mother was a librarian, and his father worked in adult education and was a music teacher.

Walton had an endearing personality. His life motto was “Be better do better do more.” He missed more games than he played during his NBA career and also got a second chance at life after suffering a life-threatening back injury. The 2xNBA champion always spread positivity whenever he attended any podcast or interviews. During his numerous appearances on podcasts or interviews, he would never go and slander the current generation of players.

Whether it was discussing the 3-point line rule or how the NBA league now is soft, he would only answer positively and hype current players like LeBron James or Stephen Curry. That wouldn’t mean that he would slander his generation of players. He would often call himself the lucky one for getting the opportunity to do the things he loved. But, as personable as he was, the news of his passing away on Sunday left the fans in an emotional state.

NBA Communications on X put out a tweet to inform about the demise of the basketball icon. Bill Walton after his retirement took on the challenges of the broadcasting world. And within no time with his eccentric personality and charisma, he made new fans fall in love with him again.

The Celtics legend was fighting a prolonged battle with cancer and was surrounded by his family and friends in his final moments. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver shared a heart-touching story about the legend. “But what I will remember most about him was his zest for life. He was a regular presence at league events – always upbeat, smiling ear to ear and looking to share his wisdom and warmth. I treasured our close friendship, envied his boundless energy and admired the time he took with every person he encountered.”

Walton’s bright outlook towards life and his ear-to-ear smile made a lot of people his fans. And now they are paying respect and showing love to the ‘Big Red’.

Bill Walton touched a lot of hearts

Former NBA champion with Boston Celtics remembers the veteran, “Rest in Peace to the Legend Bill Walton!!! 🙏🏾,” wrote Kendrick Perkins.

Skip Bayless called Walton rare and loved his real personality. “RIP Bill Walton. All-time great player. All-time rare human. Finally fortunately found people loved the real him he guarded and kept to himself for many years.”

Rex Chapman penned his first book It’s Hard for Me to Live with Me: A Memoir, where he talks about mental health just like Walton spoke about in his book Back from the Dead regarding his suffering from a spinal collapse and depression that followed. Chapman wrote, “Heartbroken. Bill Walton was 1 of 1. What a life. Rest easy, Big Red Head…, ” wrote Chapman.

Rachel Nichols shared her favorite memory when Walton took home the painting of his favorite player Bill Russell. “My favorite Bill Walton experience: when he came to visit us at The Jump, saw a framed photo we had on set of Bill Russell (his favorite player), and simply walked over, grabbed it – and took it home. The whole thing was absolutely delightful. What a force; he will be so missed.”

The current ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith spoke about his friend Walton and remembered his positive quote. “Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of my buddy, Bill Walton. His game was ahead of its time, truly one of the greatest big men who ever played. Yet, nothing compared to his passion and love of life, itself. I can hear him now imploring me to “smile……cherish everyday…..we’re all the luckiest ppl on earth.” R.I.P. my guy. Miss you already.”