Not elder law: Bo Schembechler dies at age 77

From a U-M press release prepare by President Mary Coleman:

A part of the University of Michigan died today with the untimely passing of Bo Schembechler.

Fewpeople exceed their reputations. Bo was the exception. He was foreverdedicated to Michigan ­ to our students, our alumni and our fans.

Hiscontributions on the athletic field are legendary. Yet Bo’s impact atMichigan goes well beyond the hash marks of Michigan Stadium, and weshould always remember the depth of his contributions to a universityhe loved.

Bo was a teacher and a mentor. He was a benefactor whobelieved in the promise of cancer research at Michigan. And as heshowed us just this semester, he was a student eager to learn. He lovedthe life and vitality of a university, and he contributed mightily tothe culture and traditions of the University of Michigan.

Bobelieved learning and excellence went hand-in-hand. He helped to shapethe lives of generations of U-M students, and that is a timelesstribute to the dedication he showed our university.

“Leadership” is part of the Michigan lexicon. Bo helped to make this so, both on and off the field.

Neveragain will we know the likes of Bo Schembechler. And while we aresaddened and stunned by his death, we are also filled with thegratitude that comes with warm memories. As individuals and as auniversity community, we enjoyed the privilege of knowing Bo andbenefiting from his irrepressible personality and loyalty. He madeMichigan a better university.