TEMPE, ARIZONA - Darrell Andrew Vincent, 60, of Tempe, formerly of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away Monday, July 19, 2004, after a courageous bout with lung cancer with his wife, Vivian at his side.

Darrell moved to Arizona in the early 1970's and made a career in public relations with Luce Press Clippings where he worked for more than 37 years.

A dedicated family man, he devoted his entire life to his wife, children, and grandchildren.  In doing so, he touched the hearts and lives of many.  His proudest role in life was that of coach, and he had a profound impact on youth sports.  He is a hero for Little League and Youth Baseball, Pop Warner Football, and USA Wrestling.  With the help of some of his closest friends, he founded Little League Girls Softball here in Tempe.  He also began the baseball and softball programs for Fees Middle School.  He ended his coaching career as a volunteer assistant coach for baseball and wrestling at Marcos de Niza High School.

Darrell will forever be remembered for his gentle touch, compassion, soothing voice, and bright sense of humor as he made us laugh every day.  Darrell's legacy will be carried on by his wife Vivian of 37 years; son, Dr. Andrew Vincent and daughter-in-law, Susan, grandson, Caden Andrew; daughter, Sarah Kaye, son-in-law, Dana McFall, and granddaughter, Kayela Marie along with family and friends.

A memorial service was held to celebrate Darrell's life on Saturday, July 24, at the Lakeshore Mortuary.  Memorial contributions were made to the Darrell Vincent Youth Sports Foundation.

(In addition Darrell's wife sent information about Darrell's sports foundation.)

THE DARRELL VINCENT YOUTH SPORTS FOUNDATION

About the Foundation

The purpose of this Foundation is to provide funds to support school athletic programs and non-profit volunteer organized youth sports programs within the Tempe School District.  The funds will provide opportunities for youth to participate in school/youth sports, develop athletic and life skills through organiized programs, enhance team traditiions, and to promote the concept of teamwork.  Further, preference shall be given to programs that build character, promote good citizenship, promote a spirit of cooperation among teams and players, support academic achievement, and that encourage good sportsmanship on and off the playing field.

Coach Vincent

The Darrell Vincent Youth Sports Foundation was created to honor Darrell A. Vincent, recognizing his respect for, and dedication and commitment to school athletic programs and youth sports organizations and their participants in Tempe, Arizona.

Coach Vincent created, organized, managed, and coached youth sports for more than thirty years.  His service on boards of directors and as a volunteer for school and youth baseball, softball, football, and wrestling programs provided opportunities for boys and girls to learn skills for athletics and life, as well as, develop an appreciation for the principals and values acquired through participation in competitive sports. His commitment to our youth fostered his beliefs that sports programs should offer opportunities for young people to develop life skills that promote cooperation, athletic skills, good citizenship, teamwork, academic achievement, and an appreciation of the sport for enjoyment in the future.  He dedicated much of his life to ensure the health and well-being of young athletes when participating in volunteer organized sports programs and school athletic programs.

Coach Vincent volunteered his time and resources to make something good happen for kids.  He coached and served on the board of Little League Baseball; he founded the Little League Girls' Softball program in Tempe; he organized the American Amateur Baseball Congress Mickey Mantle and Connie Mack programs, including the Mickey Mantle World Series; and served as coach, board member, commissioner, and member of the Scholar Awards and Scholarship committees for the Pop Warner Football Federation.  A former wrestler, he served as an AIA wrestling official, developed the wrestling program at Fees Middle School, and served as a volunteer assistant wrestling coach at Marcos de Niza High School.  He was instrumental in developing the baseball program at Fees Middle School and served as a volunteer assistant baseball coach at Marcos de Niza High School.  He was a founder of the girls' high school summer softball program.  He served his communtiy as a friend to families ensuring youth the opportunity to participate and as a friend to the schools developing positive relationships between school programs at all levels.