Phoenix • Hot Rod Hundley's laughter and sense of humor. His transcendent broadcasting talent. His love for friends, his growing priority for family, and of course his adoration for all things Utah Jazz.
On Saturday morning in a small service in Phoenix, those in attendance told stories of the man who passed away last week due to Alzheimer's. The service was billed a celebration of life, and it didn't disappoint.
During the two-hour ceremony, a veritable who's who in basketball recounted memories of Hundley, his life with the Jazz and his life with his family and friends. Yes, there were tears. But there was plenty of laughter, jokes and stories to go around.
And while different people recalled different things, the underlying theme of it all was clear from the beginning: You were a better person for knowing Hot Rod Hundley.
"He was a player and a personality that was ahead of his time in many ways," said Rod Thorn, the NBA's president of basketball operations. "Rod was unique as a player and a person. He was Pistol Pete Maravich before Pistol Pete came along."
Thorn was one of the many basketball celebrities who made the trip to Phoenix to pay respects to Hundley. The Jazz were led by former coach Jerry Sloan, television play-by-play announcer Craig Bolerjack, radio analyst Ron Boone, President Randy Rigby and others.
Hall-of-Famer Jerry West spoke, as did Hundley's oldest daughter, Kimberly. Boone spoke, as did Rigby, Phoenix Suns play-by-play voice Al McCoy and 1280 AM radio personality Tony Parks.
Each person impressed upon how unique and funny Hundley was as a broadcaster and person. Parks executed a Hundley impersonation that drew a hearty ovation from everyone.
"If you spent five minutes with Hot Rod, you had a smile on your face for the rest of the day," McCoy said.
Every speaker found different and funny ways to recall Hundley's talent for never spending money. West spoke of his friendship with Hundley from their days at West Virginia and then in the pros with the Los Angeles Lakers. His love for golf and beer drew plenty of laughter and cheer from those in attendance. His broadcasting skills drew reverence.
"No broadcaster wanted to win more than Hot Rod Hundley," Parks said. "I think he took losses harder than the players did."
Rigby spoke of their longtime friendship. Then he read a letter sent by Jazz great John Stockton, which said in part: "When I think of my own career, I think of you and your voice. You were the first voice I heard in 1984 when I was drafted, and the last at my retirement in 2003."
That was indeed the overall sentiment from Saturday's service: Hundley made an indelible impact in millions of lives. The unique voice, and the unique personality, won't soon be forgotten.
tjones@sltrib.com
twitter: @tjonessltrib
