It's sad to know Chuck Daly had to suffer before death - pancreatic cancer is one of the most evil forms of the disease - but the man, as usual, handled it with dignity and class. He didn't want great public outpourings of sympathy during the last couple of months of his life. He was visited by family, close friends and colleagues but wanted everything kept private.
That makes it easier to remember how he lived and what he accomplished in his career. He went from a virtual unknown when he was hired by the Pistons in 1983 to a Hall of Famer just 11 years later. And the "CD" lapel pins the coaches have been wearing in the playoffs shows how much he meant to his peers. Everyone around here knows what he meant to his players, the Pistons organization, this city, this state and basketball fans.
He didn't even want flowers after his death, which occurred Saturday morning.
The organization issued a statement, through his family, that those who wish to further honor his memory may do so by making a contribution to the following:

Jupiter Medical Center Foundation
1210 South Old Dixie Highway
Jupiter, FL 33458
(561) 746-7974 

Rest in peace, Coach.