May 3, 2012

ROCHESTER, Mich. - Oakland Athletics lost a dear friend of the department as William Schwalbe, 86, lost his life unexpectedly of natural causes on April 29. He rarely missed a men's basketball game and was a supporter of the athletic department. Schwalbe spent countless hours at OU practices, games and would wish the team well before many road trips.

"We send our prayers and condolences to the Schwalbe family," said Director of Athletics Tracy Huth. "Bill will be missed by the Oakland family. He was always an inspiration and consistently demonstrated excellence around the men's basketball team."

"It's a sad day for Oakland basketball," said men's basketball coach Greg Kampe. "Bill meant a lot to our program. He was a donor, a presence at our practices, and had daily interaction with our players. He was a great man who loved Oakland, and loved basketball."

A World War II veteran, Bill was a member of the U.S. Army's 24th Cavalry Squadron. He worked for GM's Pontiac Motors Division for 38 years. Bill is survived by his first cousins, Janet Thayer and William Webb; and several other cousins and friends. His funeral service will take place on Friday at 1 p.m. in Grace Episcopal Church in Mount Clemens. Visitation will be today from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Smith Family Funeral Home - South, 1230 Seventh Street, Port Huron, Mich., 48060 (www.smithfamilyfuneralhome.com).

-OAKLAND ATHLETICS-