Remembering Bill Keightley

[lakercat]

We will never forget Mr. Wildcat; he would have been 89 today! I remember meeting the Wildcats, and the first person I met was Bill Keightley! As an out-of-stater, I didn't understand his significance right away. He gave me a big hug, and talked to me like I was a friend, although I was 60+ years younger. I have talked to him on other occasions and he greeted with a "hello", and smile, and a bear hug. He became one of my favorite things about the Wildcats. I was sadden when he passed, and was stuck at work, and couldn't go to the memorial at Rupp. So disappointing. But I never forget, which is why he is in my sig.

 

[Chuckinden]

That seems to be the way he was with everyone. I only met him twice, once at the open house of new basketball facility and I met him again at a Legends baseball game in the bar. He acted like he and I were long time friends. Never forget him as long as I live.

 

[ORCAT]

Same experience for me. I met him once and he treated me like a good friend he had known for a long time. Very welcoming gentleman who just had a way of making you feel very good and special. I think it was all genuine from him too and just the way he was as I've heard other people say the same types of stories about Mr. Wildcat as the two above me. Surprised to see so little comment in this thread for one of the greatest people to be connected to the UK basketball program. Sure hope his memory isn't fading that fast already. Happy Birthday, Mr. Wildcat, wish you were still with us.

 

[Ben101er]

He was a tremendous gentleman, who always represented the team, university, and Commonwealth, with class. He was someone that cannot be replaced. Plus, he hated UL as much as I do. Maybe the only one I ever met, that did.

 

[.S&C.]

My family knew him well and he was a great guy. Former mailman with my grandfather and one of the absolute best to be around.

 

[musrat59]

I remember he was here in Cincinnati attending a Reds game when he had the heart attack. From what I heard, he was good friends with the Reds announcer, Marty Brennenman.

 

[kybassfan]

I can never think about Bill Keightley without thinking of Cawood and vice versa. While many of us are fans of Kentucky basketball, those guys were both face and voice of the legacy of Kentucky basketball. I would go so far as to say almost as much as Rupp himself. I always like to see threads like this one. I think, in some small part, they help to carry forward that legacy into the next generation of Kentucky fans.

 

[CharlieT71059]

I used to take my boys to the father/son camps. After the first year, he always remembered my name. That was impressive

 

[UKvisitor]

My fav vid on youtube. (I posted it.) {someone else did the work}

 

[Kycatspaws]

He was the equipment manager for 48 years. Known affectionately to most as "Mr. Wildcat," players referred to him as "Mr. Bill" or "Big Smooth.

 

[Chuckinden]

He was the equipment manager for 48 years. Known affectionately to most as "Mr. Wildcat," players referred to him as "Mr. Bill" or "Big Smooth.

I didn't know that. Thanks for posting.