By George Eichorn

 

 

    This has been one sad year so far. Just in space of a few weeks we lost legendary race announcer Jack Riggs, boxing great Mickey Goodwin, “Mrs. Hockey” – Colleen Howe and now William Davidson, the owner of the Detroit Pistons and Shock.

     I still recall in 1974 when Davidson and his business associates including Oscar Feldman and Herb Tyner, anted up $6 million (estimated) to purchase a struggling franchise called the Pistons who played at Cobo Arena for Fred Zollner, a Fort Wayne, Indiana businessman.

    Davidson do not have all the luxuries that would latter come at the Palace in Auburn Hills. Instead of courtside seating, he and Feldman opted for a small, roped-off section of seats in the first tier, directly across from the mid-court line at Cobo.

    As president of the Detroit Pistons Fan Club, I would see Davidson nearly every home game. He was always smiling and friendly to this young guy, reaching to shake my hand and ask me how I’m doing. I could tell he apporeciated all the fan interest the club generated for his team. He was a very nice man indeed.

    He built the Pistons into a property worth $480 million according to the most recent Forbes magazine estimate. He won seven championships with Pistons, Shock and Tampa Bay Lightning of the NHL. He tried his hand with indoor soccer, indoor football and minor league hockey. He built his own arena, this coming in an era where it seemed every owner wanted taxpayer’s dollars to build a place. He bought his own airplane to help his weary players fly first-class and in times convenient for them. He was truly a remarkable owner and philanthropic soul.

     Although he died at age 86 last Friday, March 13, Davidson is remembered fondly by so many people. We assembled here some of the many thousands who have written, blogged and talked about Mr. D as he was called at the Palace.

     Mitch Albom, Free Press columnist: “Maybe the greatest example of Davidson’s derring-do was his decision to build the Palace, privately funded, at a time when nobody was building their own arenas for one very simple reason – no one believed you could make the venture profitable.”

     Rick Carlisle, former Pistons coach: “Obviously it’s difficult news for those of us that knew him and for his family, but he lived a very rich life and helped untold thousands, and probably millions of people with all of his philanthropic things which frankly he never wanted anybody to talk about. So it was an incredible life that he lived.”

     Michael Curry, Pistons coach: “We are all deeply saddened by the news of Mr. D’s passing. He’s been a great owner who genuinely cared for players, coaches and employees. He will not only be remembered as a great owner but also as a person who made a difference in many people’s lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. D and the entire Davidson family.”

     Guardian Industries statement: “The global Guardian Industries family mourns the loss of its visionary leader and guiding light, owner and CEO William Davidson – “Mr. D” – to the more than 19,000 Guardian people around the world. We are deeply saddened by his passing…During his 52 years at the helm of Guardian, he provided vision, leadership and a straightforward approach to building business with an entrepreneurial style second to none. He established a no-nonsense, anti-bureaucratic culture within Guardian Industries and the other organizations he led.”

     Richard (Rip) Hamilton, Pistons guard: “Mr. D was the greatest owner of all time.”

     Mike Ilitch, Tigers owner and Marian Ilitch, Red Wings co-owner: “We are saddened by the passing of Bill Davidson and extend our condolences to his wife and family, the Pistons and Shock organizations and all of his employees. We always found Bill to be a very personable, friendly and warm person. He was a tremendous businessman, owner and competitor. His commitment to our community and his passion for innovation will leave a lasting legacy.”

     Tom Lewand, Lions president: “On behalf of the William Clay Ford family and the entire Detroit Lions organization, we extend our deepest sympathies to the Davidson family and the Detroit Pistons on the passing of Mr. Davidson. The sports world and the Detroit community have lost one of their true icons. Mr. Davidson will be missed for not only his accomplishments as an owner but also for his many civic and charitable contributions to our region.”

     Scott Morganroth, Monitor special writer: “I’m deeply saddened by the loss of Bill Davidson. I’ll always remember sitting at press row at the Palace as Mr. Davidson would pass by, we’d exchange greetings and he’d always ask me how I was doing, then we shook hands. I feel privileged to have covered the Pistons the past 20 years and that my name has been in the Pistons media guide for years so it will always be proof that I was associated with a class act like Mr. Davidson. If there are three disadvantages about covering a Pistons road game, it’s not being around the members of the media that I embrace as colleagues, the Pistons staff and, of course, seeing Mr. Davidson.

     Ray Scott, former Pistons coach and chairman, Michigan Sports Hall of Fame: “Mr. Davidson was a pioneering sportsman and industrialist whose vision created new models of success in the business of sports and entertainment. As important as his business success, Mr. D’s significant philanthropic dedication has left a lasting legacy not only in the local community, but also globally. I only wish I could have worked for him longer, and our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. D and his family – including those at the Palace.”

     Jim Stark, Michigan Sports Hall of fame president: “I recall when Mr. D was inducted – he gave a touching and compelling speech about his days growing up in the city of Detroit playing sports. “We will all miss his leadership and commitment to excellence. We are proud to have him as a member of our Hall.”

     David Stern, NBA commissioner: “Over the last 35 years, Bill Davidson’s impact on the sports world and the NBA in particular has truly been legendary. From his seven championships in three different leagues during his Hall of Fame career to his incredible business successes to his extraordinary community service, Bill set a standard for ownership in sports that will be difficult for anyone to match. The NBA family has lost an innovative thinker, a visionary businessman and most importantly, a trusted friend. I want to extend our condolences to Karen and the entire Davidson family during this time. Bill’s influence on our league will never be forgotten.”

     Tom Wilson, Palace Sports and Entertainment president: “The entire Palace family is mourning the loss of Mr. Davidson. He was truly a pioneer in so many ways. His legacy will live forever.”

            ***

Davidson’s involvement in the Detroit community, the University of Michigan, Jewish charities and the state of Israel has been well documented. As one of America’s most generous donors, Davidson helped launch the Pistons/Palace Foundation, a charitable vehicle that has donated more than $20 million dollars in cash and merchandise since 1989. In 1995 the foundation worked in conjunction with the City of Detroit’s Parks and Recreation Department to establish the Partnership to Adopt and Renovate Parks for Kids (PARK) program. The program provides for restoration of Detroit parks, basketball courts, baseball diamonds, running tracks and playground equipment.

(ITALICS-) Reach George Eichorn at geichorn@yahoo.com.

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