Bobbye Sloan honored at memorial

MCLEANSBORO, ILL. — Utah Jazz officials and past and present players traveled to a rural Illinois town Saturday afternoon to pay tribute to Bobbye Sloan.

The 61-year-old wife of Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan died June 18, following her second bout with cancer. Hundreds of friends, family members, politicians and NBA players filled the commons area of Hamilton County High School during the memorial service in the couple's hometown.

Observers included Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, Jazz president Dennis Haslam, and current and former team members Greg Ostertag, Karl Malone, Mark Eaton and Jeff Hornacek.

David Lee, a friend of the Sloans since high school, said Bobbye would have wanted the day to be a "celebration."

"She didn't want any tears," Lee said. "She wanted everybody to think about her life, but be happy."

He said Bobbye was "a friend of all of us in Hamilton County," as well as people in Salt Lake City.

The most tearful tribute came from Bobbye's son, Brian, who frequently fought back tears while reading his speech. He said his mother exemplified courage, joy, dedication and sacrifice.

"Friends and family, she loved us all, and we loved her in return," Brian said. Though Bobbye was frequently on the sidelines of Jerry's basketball games, Brian said she would often slip away to a bathroom "if the outcome was even remotely in question." He asked her why she did not want to see what happened, he said, and she told him she could tell by the sound of the crowd.

He later added Bobbye's "spirit will remain in our hearts forever."

"I love you, Mom," Brian said, his voice wavering.

Former Jazz center Mark Eaton said after the memorial Bobbye was "a great lady that never missed any opportunity to live life." He said she also indirectly helped the team.

"Just the stability she brought to Jerry was the greatest asset she brought to the team," Eaton said.

A tear ran down center Greg Ostertag's cheek as he hugged Sloan outside the school. He often talked with Bobbye, he said, and she served as a mediator when he and Sloan butted heads.

"She always had a smile on her face," Ostertag said. "She didn't let (Sloan) bring basketball home. She was just great to be with."