etic Director to be m the structure we needed from an administrator," said Roz Fomari, interim athletic director and friend of Lauffer. "He lived his life by example; people naturally felt good when they were around him-now there is an emptiness in this department, not what he was, but who he was." asfe gave us confidence and freedom ang with the structure we needed from an administrator." - Raz Forruiri Interim athletic director John Grode, Assistant Professor of Engineering, said he considered Coach During my three and a half years here at eekrend 9 have had the opportunity to meet many people and make many friends. Of all of those, 9 am most proud to say that 9 knew Herb Lauffer, my coach and athletic director. He was a great man, and will be missed in everyone's eyes and hearts. 9 remember the first time that 9 met him, which was after my senior year in high school. eoach, as 9 called him, asked me how my grades were, not about my golf scores. He asked what 9 wanted to do after college, not if 9 had played a round lately. Coach was more interested in academic and personal issues than sports. Coach may have not known everything about the golf swing, then again, who does? What he did know was what to say, and when to say it. Often during a round! 9 would see him standing next to the green waiting for me to play the hole. Whether 9 was having a good or bad round, he could tell. Coach knew how to motivate me and keep me focused with only a couple of words. Herb Eauffer was a great man avid 9 will treasure the years 9 knew him. 9 only regret that 9 did not know him longer. He was a great coach and athletic director, but more importantly, a great person. 9 will always remember Coach, not only for the things he taught me on the golf course, but also for the things he taught me about life. Lauffer close to being a brother, "He was so concerned Behrend and its image." Even during his time in the Cleveland Clinic, Lauffer wanted someone to attend the NCAA Convention, said Grode who attended. Lauffer once attributed Behrend's student-athlete success stories to his coaches and the student athletes they recruit. "Athletics do not build character. People are responsible for that" he said. "Our coaches care about our student athletes and the push them to excel both academically and athletically...the coaches emphasize to them that they are here first as students and secondly as athletes." ~Lcruffer had a.' unique way of identifying with student athletes. He knew their names and he knew them as individuals. He took the time to get to know people and situations on a personal level. Robert Schenker, Penn State Behrend Registrar and friend of Lauffer said, "He will be missed in a different way by everyone." Lauffer shared a love for both life and people. He had a tremendous faith and loved to laugh. Lauffer had a love for sunshine, but the day of his service began cloudy and overcast. Near the closing of the service, sunshine filled the sky, shining in through the windows. Somehow, Herb Lauffer has touched upon the lives of every student and faculty member; he was so giving to Behrend and his community. Even though he no longer strolls the sidewalks of this campus, we should focus on the value of his life and the accomplishments he has left behind. A memorial service will be held at Behrend, the date is to be announced. about A Herbert A. Lauffer Memorial Fund has been established; contributions may be sent to the Development Office, Penn State-Behrend, Station Road, Erie, PA, 16563-0107. asier6 LaufferA' `THE MOST PED ICATLD MANI 'VE EVERSEEN" that's what I heard someone say. And just about three weeks ago this strong, loving man passed away. 4- 1 1 0 E mosT suppoßrlvE getNI'VE EVERMET " I thought I heard someone speak for he'dpkkyou up and carry you at that moment you felt too weak "IME MOST HARD WORKING MANIVE COME ACROSS" I swear I heard a younger man tell: He was here and there and everywhere and he did his job so very well "THE MONCDMPASSIONATE ..MANTO WORKAPIHIS SCHOOL" I overheard as two men went walking. He was there for us all to kruf a hand or and ear if you were crying or just needed to talk "DIE MOST CARING MAN IND& EV - ME WORLD" is what I would say of Herb Lauffer. He made us all special and convinced us all that we really had something to offer. "THE mos" . EXCELLENr mAN wiE EvER MET' that's what I heard someone say, so cherish the memories and moments you had and he will be in your heart every day. by kristen k gonter Herb Lauffer, one of Behrend's respected educators and most beloved friends, passed away on January 10, 1997, MAO to heart-related problems. He was 55 years old. With Mr. Lauffer's passing, we lose a man not only dedicated to Behrend athletics, but also a man dedicated to shaping and developing each Behrend student to the best of his or her ability. Mr. Lauffer demonstrated outstanding commitment as a teacher and exceptional ability as a coach. His record will shine in Behrend teams of the past and in those that play today. His legacy, In the form of Behrend's new athletic complex, will stand with Thursday, January 30, /997 The Behrend College CMlegion - Page ssed 411 111110 ' ''"_ " r' tow
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