Quotes from Condolence Letters Sent to Gerry after Vaughn's Death As you may see, for privacy reasons we have kept the writers anonymous

Player - Thanks to coach Stapleton I was able to learn invaluable leadership skills to take with me on the court and off the court for the rest of my life. My prayers with you and your family.

Opposing Coach - I came to know Coach Stapleton as a man of unrivaled integrity. He was a kind and supportive coach to his players while demanding excellence in their conduct and performance. He instructed his players in the nuances of basketball as if the game were the only thing in life that mattered, and yet, when the game ended, his personal conduct taught them the most important message, that basketball is, indeed, only a game, and that the conduct of our lives is the means by which we will all be measured.

Player - Some of the best memories of my life will always be coach and my four years of basketball with him. He was a great man, and he will never be forgotten.

We were extremely saddened when we heard of the loss of “chief” . Chief touched the hearts of so many people with his sincere interest in their well-being. We will keep many memories of him.

Vaughn will never be gone. He will live on within the hearts of all the boys and families he has touched.

He was one of the most generous people that I have ever encountered.

I will never forget you and coach and all the good things you brought into my life. It is one of the highlights of my life to be associated with the two of you. I am sorry that I could not get to the funeral home, but I had to referee two games that day.

I am currently teaching and coaching. Vaughn’s inspiration is part of the reason I am now in education. My coaching style is reflective of all that I learned from him.

We count it a privilege to have the opportunity to have known your husband. He was a wonderful person and legendary coach who will be missed. May God give you peace and comfort.

Student and later secretary at Board of Ed - All summer long he was so thoughtful and generous in bringing strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, etc. to the Wade Bldg. He will always hold a special place in my heart and mind. He loved kids, his garden, basketball. May you find strength in the many wonderful memories that you have.

Student - I was very fortunate to have Mr. Stapleton as my teacher in high school. He was such a special person – not only was he one of those rare teachers who had a lasting impact on my life, he was warm, caring, funny, and honest. There are too few like him in the world.

Parents of player - As parents we must tell you of the wonderful influence Coach Stapleton had on our son. He will live on in the hearts and minds of the children he touched.

Player from his early days of coaching - When I think of influences in my life Staps is at the top of my list. He is man that first got me in interested in basketball. Forty years have done by and I still remember those coaching sessions like it was yesterday.

Student - I was lucky to have Mr. Stapleton as a teacher and to work with him through the Eco-Biology club. He was a special person and his kindness showed through his teaching. “Chief” will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

This letter was the best of them all