Posted on 07/24/2004 10:05:45 PM PDT by TenthAmendmentChampion
Phoenix, AZ (Sports Network) - Former Phoenix Suns head coach Lowell "Cotton" Fitzsimmons died Saturday night due to complications of lung cancer. He was 72.
In 21 seasons, Fitzsimmons compiled a 832-775 overall record with the Suns, Atlanta Hawks and Kansas City Kings. He is currently tied with Phil Jackson for 10th place in the NBA's all-time victory list.
A two-time NBA Coach of the Year (1979 with Kansas City and 1989 with Phoenix), he retired from coaching following the 1991-92 season after guiding the Suns to four straight 50-plus win seasons and consecutive trips to the Western Conference Finals in 1989 and 1990.
A mass will be held at St. Timothy Catholic Community in Mesa, on Monday. The burial will be private.
Rest in Peace Cotton....
I Thoiught he was a great coach and enjoyed watching the KC Kings when he coached there!
Eternal rest grant unto him, Oh, Lord, and let Perpetual Light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace. Amen.
He was a great coach, a great personality, and he will be missed in the Valley of the Sun.
Hard to believe that we'll never get the chance to hear Al McCoy and Cotton call another game together. (That's one only Suns fans would understand.)
Prayers for your wife and the rest of the family.
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