Saying goodbye to a sports role model

LETTERS LETTERS@USATODAY.COM

I was shocked to hear of the death of golfing

great Arnold Palmer on Sunday at the age of 87. In his career, he won six major championships, including four Masters. Although he had numerous accomplishments on the golf course, I admire Palmer for the way he carried himself in life.

I have always appreciated Palmer for the class and grace he has shown. Whether he was endorsing a product on television or making a public appearance, he always was down to earth and made people feel comfortable. He had a friendly and honest demeanor that has become very uncommon among athletes in recent years.

Palmer has also played a part in one of my greatest regrets of my life. In 1994, he made an appearance at The Greater Erie Charity Golf Classic in my hometown of Erie, Pa. At the time, I was only 14 and wasn’t able to drive. I was staying at my grand- mother’s house for the week and she wasn’t able to take me either, so I missed out on meeting Palmer! That is something that will stick with me for the rest of my life.

Although athletes don’t really want to be called role models, the way Palmer led his life made him one of the greatest role models any sport has ever had. I am proud to share my Keystone roots with such a wonderful giant of a man. Craig Barto Girard, Pa. FACEBOOK FACEBOOK.COM/ USATODAYOPINION This is very sad. He was truly a wonderful man. A real class act. Don Scotter

Arnold Palmer was a gentleman, a businessman and one heck of a competitor. Those of us who were blessed to have met him will miss him. Now God has a playing partner in heaven. Carl Meyer