Coach Ham died on Wednesday in a snorkeling accident. I first met him almost 20 years ago when he was a coach at now gone Henry Opukahaia School in Keaau (or is it Pahoa?). He was a very focused coach, but also a kind man. He never had massive talent there, but he always got the most out of the kids at Henry O and, later, Haumana.

His teams were usually in need of more preseason games, so Coach Ham was always willing to have our Pupule Ohana squad make the trip from Kona. One year, he brought his team over to Kona, and we played them in Konawaena High School's gym (aka Col. Ellison Onizuka Memorial Gymnasium). Coach Ham's faith extended to his players as they grew and became husbands and fathers. We stayed in touch over the years, well past my time as a sports editor at West Hawaii Today.

For the past several years, he participated in our weekly Top 10 and All-State voting. That's right, Coach Ham was very savvy with technology, voting by e-mail. We'd share memories sometimes and he told me that one of his former players, Hirosy Johannes, had returned to Micronesia, got married and raised a family. If I remember right, he said that Hirosy had named one of his sons Hamilton, which is only fitting.

Coach Ham was a father figure for many of us younger sports guys whether we were writers, coaches or players. He was fit as the come regardless of age, which makes his death completely shocking. I'm at peace, though, because he was a man at peace with his faith, his family, his mission in life. My only regret is that I didn't get to see him in person one last time to share some laughs and talk hoops.

I hope everyone remembers his legacy, which is one of great hope and trust. He never quibbled about wins and losses. He cared about his players and friends, and, of course, was a great family man. That's what I'll remember most about Coach Ham, who was one of many great gentlemen coaches over the past 20 years on the Big Island. We're losing more and more of them not just there, but statewide. It saddens me, but I will always remind myself, meeting Hamilton Manley was a blessing in my life.

Previous Article: Harrowing migration
Next Article: Wish list