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San José State legend and CoSIDA Hall of Famer Lawrence Fan Passes away
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Lawrence Fan's Fan Cakes - An SID who Takes (and Bakes) the Cake (CoSIDA 360, Summer 2017)
From the Desk of CoSIDA President Cindy Potter – A tribute to Lawrence Fan
by Cindy Potter – 2021-22 CoSIDA President
Columbia College (Mo.), Senior Deputy Director of Athletics @CougarCanuck
Someone once told me that it's not who you know, it's who knows you. In
Lawrence Fan's case, he not only knew everyone but everyone knew him. This is evident by the immense outpouring of support after learning about his unexpected passing. Our organization has lost one of the greatest there ever was.
Between 1994 and 2017 there weren't many in the profession that didn't encounter Lawrence as he served as the chair of the Job Seekers Committee. He organized and managed job fair activities at the annual convention and occasionally assigned topics pertaining to on-the-job activities for small group discussions. He started and managed what is now the CoSIDA Career Center to keep the membership informed about job vacancies and movement within the profession. He was an ambassador and an extremely friendly face for everyone entering the business or looking for a position.
Like so many, I met Lawrence at one of my first conventions and it was like we were long-lost friends. He became someone I looked forward to seeing each summer and was blessed to randomly receive email messages or phone calls from throughout the year. When the pandemic hit and a group of colleagues formed a Sunday night zoom session, Lawrence would hop on occasionally and engage us all in the best stories and overall positivity.
Lawrence, I'm sorry it took losing you to let you know the impact you had on this profession, on college sports, and on me. You will forever be missed.
Cindy
Mary Ann Mitchell: "We all know how amazing of a person Lawrence was as an SID. But it went beyond the sports information field. Several years ago, a friend and I were making a trip to the San José/Santa Clara area for a concert. I reached out to Lawrence beforehand for recommendations on restaurants and things we had to do or see. Lawrence not only sent me a lengthy and detailed list, but he followed up to make sure I got his email and then after the trip, checked in to make sure I had a good trip. And this was all during preseason football! Definitely the friendliest and most thoughtful person. I will miss his bright smile and seeing him every year at convention."
Ann King: "Like so many in our profession, Lawrence Fan was one of the first people I had the pleasure of meeting when I attended my first CoSIDA workshop. Together with Fred Stabley, Sr. and Jr., he was the face of CoSIDA Job Seekers! He provided mentorship, friendship, and advice to so many of us rookies as we navigated what it meant to attend CoSIDA and to begin to build our careers.
"When you think of CoSIDA Job Seekers and our Rookie Sessions, you can't help but get a warm feeling that comes to mind because of the genuine personal touch that Lawrence gave so many of us. He was such a guiding force in how he helped to steer young people in our profession. He was the quiet, gentle, and guiding voice that poured so much of himself into what being an SID is all about. His passion to do for others is an example of the personal touch that we all talk about as the CoSIDA family and how we all care for others. He never waived in his desire to help others. He was a role model day in and day out with how he carried himself and how to do your job and excel. He never waived in his attention to detail and passion to help tell the story of San José State. I know I am so much better at my job because of how he helped to shape my path and with his passing, feel our CoSIDA family has lost a gentle giant that truly cared for each and every one of us."
Danny Kambel: "Life puts people in your path for a reason. In the summer of 1999, my life journey put me in touch with a selfless servant. This man knew no stranger, he was a friend to anyone and everyone. He poured out a tireless spirit to help the nervous and in the same vein he gave a tenacious attitude to help the most experienced. That hot summer day at my first CoSIDA Convention, he pulled me aside and gave me my first of what would be numerous pep talks about the vocation that meant so much to him. He instilled into me that day a spirit that I will now challenge myself to carry forward. The spirit of being a selfless servant. I am going to go forward with job holders and job seekers. I am going to give 100% to my family, my friends and my peers. I'm not going to do it for acclaim. I'm going to do it to honor my friend, Lawrence Fan. You can still watch over me, my friend as you always have done. I just hope that I'll make you proud."
Sam Atkinson: "Lawrence Fan was a gentle and warm soul who truly championed the athletics communication profession. Lawrence was always welcoming to colleagues, media and especially people new to the field. He was a faithful servant leading the CoSIDA Job Seekers committee for decades. His hard work helped to place many into a career where they have been able to pay things forward like Lawrence did throughout his lifetime."
Wendy Mayer: "What to say about a legend who also was an amazing friend and mentor, who was truly an angel on earth, that loved and cared deeply, who was kind and generous to all, that made each and every person he met feel like the most important on earth, and who shared the most amazing stories, oh those stories. I met Lawrence Fan at the 2000 CoSIDA Convention in St. Louis. I was a recent college grad looking for my first full-time job in the sports information world. Lawrence met me at Job Seekers and literally took me by the hand and set up interviews and celebrated with me when I got my first job as an intern. From that first day, he never stopped supporting me, asking about me and my family and generally being the best example of a professional I have ever known.
"Over the years, Lawrence became a friend. I looked forward to our annual reunions at the convention, to that big, long bear hug I would receive and that amazing smile. We had a tradition of doing dinner on the final night of the convention and always finding ice cream, no matter the line. He was part of my SID family. When I was unexpectedly looking for a job in 2017, Lawrence called regularly to offer assistance and advice, to sign me up for a helpful newsletter or just to check on me. That's just who he was. He once demanded a bus driver cease from leaving a Young CoSIDA event, so that he could run in, grab me and make sure I was aboard with the rest of our crew. As gentle as he was, he could be just as passionate and determined.
"During COVID, we began a Thursday happy hour zoom chat to keep us all connected. When Lawrence arrived around 11 p.m. ET (8 his time), we all stopped and he held court while he ate dinner at his desk and worked, while sharing about whatever was happening in his world and reminiscing about the old days or sharing some amazing story that made our mouths drop. He might pull out a Super Bowl ticket or old game program from his desk drawer or simply share the latest video of his football assistant doing the Can't Touch This dance from MC Hammer. Whatever it was, we were surely all smiling and laughing along. I can't believe he will never pop up on my screen with that smile again.
"The only way to honor the legacy of a legend, which he hated when people revered him as such due to his humility of just doing his job, is to mimic what made them great. I only hope to have a small part of the impact that you did my friend. I will aim to be kind, humble and care deeply in your honor each day. Fly high my friend. You were and are forever loved."
Eric McDowell: "The Athletics Communications profession provides lasting friendships with colleagues far and wide. The profession features dedicated, determined, devoted people. Lawrence Fan was one of those people. He was inducted into the CoSIDA Hall of Fame and served on the board and on many panels. He was most known for his work with the Job Seekers program, helping to guide young people for opportunities, and he made such an impact in their lives. Whether it was a discussion about a person I should interview, or a lovely dinner he hosted with his parents at a fine San Francisco establishment, Lawrence was always there for others. His impact is not just everlasting at San José State University, where he served for 42 years. It will also be with those of us whom he touched with his heart, mind and soul."
Judy Willson: "Each Fall that I lived in the western half of the United States Lawrence and I would set aside time for a phone call to scout out CoSIDA Special Awards candidates from our half of the country. We would divide and conquer calling a list of folks that we knew needed to self nominate for 25-year and lifetime awards. Then one of us would reach out to folks to get the ball rolling on a nomination for someone in their league, no matter which division they represented. I miss those calls. I'm thankful that we were able to give Lawrence well-deserved recognition through CoSIDA Special Awards while he was still with us."
Doug Vance: "I believe that I first met Lawrence in the late 1980s and it was at a CoSIDA Workshop. He's one of those special people that has the gift of leaving a lasting feel-good impression on practically everyone he encountered. I read a quote in the San José Mercury today from someone who said he was the Lou Gehrig of sports information in reference to working 501 straight football games. I was in San José for the CFP National Championship game and Lawrence came to the FWAA Awards Luncheon. Afterwards, he escorted me about five blocks to the San José State campus for a tour. He was so proud of the school. He shared facts and figures about it that amazed me. What impressed the most was how many people we passed said hello to him or stopped to chat. I had the opportunity to interview him for a story in CoSIDA 360 and it was so enjoyable to hear him talk about himself and his famous "Fancakes" that me made for the media hospitality room in basketball. He was truly a unique, one-of-kind SIDs. I can't believe he's gone. But, I know he's in a better place and that place is better because he's there."
Blake Timm: "There are greats in our business, there are hall of famers and there are legends. And then there is Lawrence Fan on a tier of his own.
"I truly got to know Lawrence during our time together on the CoSIDA Board. His passion for the profession and for San José State was evident from the first time I met him. He cared so much for his student-athletes, for his coaches and for the media members he worked with on a daily basis. When he asked how your family was doing, it wasn't an icebreaker question. He genuinely wanted to know.
"Anyone that has ever looked for a sports information job has Lawrence to thank. His work with the Job Seekers Committee over the years provided hundreds, even thousands, of individuals with their start in the business.
"When my CoSIDA Hall of Fame induction was announced in 2020, Lawrence was one of the first people to call me. To have his congratulations, his well wishes and, frankly, approval meant the world to me.
"Lawrence and I had a running joke with a connection to the Bay Area media. I always referred to him as "The Great Lawrence Fan," connecting to the title that former KNBR morning host and KRON sports director Gary Radnich gave to people he liked to talk with. While Gary connected that label to a lot of guests in his talk show schtick, it was appropriate for Lawrence.
"One of my former interns at the GNAC, Connor Pelton, spent two years on the media relations staff at San José State, working with and for Lawrence. I was so proud that somebody that learned under me for a year would make the cut to work for Lawrence. As we talked over Twitter last night, I told Connor that I was so grateful that he had a chance to work with Lawrence.
"I can't read Connor's response without tearing up: "Not a week went by without him mentioning 'The Great Blake Timm' to me."
"That was Lawrence. Always lifting others up, putting others ahead of himself.
"Lawrence would hate all of this attention, but I am sad that we didn't get a chance to give it to him before he passed away. He is not only San José State, but he is CoSIDA. I will miss him dearly."
Roy Pickerill: "Our CoSIDA Family lost the Greatest Friend anyone could have way too soon. Lawrence and I both started attending our Yearly Family Reunions In the mid-80s and have been close friends ever since. It hurts so much. Rest In Peace Dr. Fan.
Danny Barnts: "I will always remember Lawrence as a man whose humility exceeded his reputation. He was always kind and willing to offer his time to help. I remember talking to him about financial advice at a CoSIDA event. He shared with me for 20 minutes. It was wonderful information and I will think of him every time I look at my TIAA account because he took the time to look beyond sports to offer advice and guidance in life. He will be missed by so many."
Will Roleson: "I had known him for a number of years through his work with CoSIDA's Job Seekers Committee but my favorite memory of Lawrence was at my first convention on the CoSIDA staff in 2012 in St. Louis when we had a glass-walled workroom in the hotel right on the street, and a homeless person (who, of course, Lawrence talked to) kept trying to make his way into the room. Lawrence was more than cordial but was careful never to let the man into the room. For years after, all we'd have to do to engender a smile from one another was to mention the name 'Bill Jones.'"
Barb Kowal: "We all have so many fond memories of being with Lawrence, and I'll share a moment which stands as one of my finest moments while attending a CoSIDA Convention (and I've attended them since the late 1980's) – with that experience courtesy of Lawrence and his parents.
There was no one more excited to have the 2010 CoSIDA Convention come to San Francisco than Lawrence! A most gracious, caring and giving host, he and his parents brought together around 20 of his friends, plus partners, at a Chinatown restaurant where an eight-course authentic Chinese buffet was served family-style. Lawrence's parents wanted to meet all of Lawrence's friends and welcome us – and did they ever with this wondeful evening!
The Fan family knew the restaurant owners, and Lawrence's mom was a dynamo, going back and forth to the kitchen to make sure that each course was presented "just right" on huge serving platforms at each table for "my Lawrence's friends from all over the country" as she would tell them. Lawrence was such a great host, fussing over everyone and was so proud to showcase his heritage at the dinner.
We ate and ate incredible food (I remember being served whole sea bass with heads- delish!) and drank Chinese tea – with all dining via chopsticks at the Fan family's insistence. We had a wonderful evening of conversation and laughter with our hosts. You could see how proud Lawrence's parents were to meet his friends, and how happy Lawrence was to host us all, with his CoSIDA family being served, appropriately, a family-style feast."
Pete Moore: "Like so many of my CoSIDA colleagues, I was absolutely shocked to read about the passing of Lawrence Fan. I know our time on earth is limited, but it never crossed my mind that Lawrence would be with us. Even though Lawrence spent most of his career on the left coast, I knew I could count on seeing him at the annual Convention. He was a mainstay at the Workshop each year. If he wasn't a part of the planned program, he was still an important participant in the gathering. Have any of us known a person more consistent than Lawrence? He was always kind, patient, attentive, caring, interested, and thoughtful in his interactions. We have lost a great friend. Thankfully, his influence on CoSIDA will live on with many of us."
Laurie Bollig: "When I was posting resumes and jobs for CoSIDA, I received a resume from a young man that was so poorly constructed, I would have felt awful posting it. I sent the resume to Lawrence and asked if he would mind helping this young person redo the resume. Lawrence was so passionate about helping young people in the profession that he immediately made contact and within a few days, we had a finished product to post. Lawrence was selfless and all about helping others. He taught us great lessons about service."
Chris Mitchell: "Lawrence was the true gentleman of CoSIDA, and always had a smile on his face. Some of my greatest memories with Lawrence was at CoSIDA. I also enjoyed the random email he would send, and his appearances on our Sunday night Zoom call."
Beau White: "I can still remember probably 25 years ago when, as a young person, I first heard of Lawrence Fan and that job seekers could email this address to get on a list to receive the latest job openings. I didn't know at the time who he was, or honestly that he was even a real person — but I soon figured it out. I realized he was an "ordinary" SID like everyone else but was doing this work for job seekers because of his desire to serve others. As I got to understand who he was and what he was doing, it became clear that he was no ordinary person at all and that what he was doing for people like me, who he had never met, was what CoSIDA was and should be all about — people selflessly serving other people. Even from afar he was a huge influence and a great example of how to be. When I came onboard the CoSIDA staff I finally got to know Lawrence. It was my role to receive and post jobs to the CoSIDA job board. I've posted almost 3,000 jobs and on many of them, especially the days where there were a bunch of them, I always thought of Lawrence and how I wanted to do a great job because I didn't want to let him down. He represented a legend that we have a responsibility to honor and continue."
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