Don Colpoys Letters of Rememberence

Expressions of Sympathy and Thoughts on Don Colpoys

On behalf of Canisius College and the men who wore the uniform and played for Don, we are deeply saddened to hear of his passing. Our hearts and prayers go out to his wonderful wife Ellen and their extended family.

Coach had a heart the size of Fenway Park, home of his beloved Red Sox. He provided so many opportunities for young boys and men in Western New York to enjoy the sport he always loved.

He ran a Division I college athletic program the right way – with passion, hard work and integrity.

I'm sure, within no time, coach Colpoys will be giving Ted Williams hitting advice.
John Maddock - Associate Athletic Director, Canisius College

I personally only had the fortune to meet Don a few short times as a young assistant coach. From all I know and from what I have heard, coach Colpoys was truly a legend in the Western New York baseball community and especially at Canisius College. His longevity and service to the College and to the Canisius baseball program paved the way for the growth and success that has been maintained at Canisius today. Don was the foundation of the Canisius baseball program and will never be forgotten for all that he did for Canisius and the great game of baseball in Western New York. He will be truly missed.
Matt Mazurek (Class of 2006) – Head Baseball Coach, Canisius College

Buffalo lost a baseball legend on MLB Opening Day. All of us Griffs lost a legendary friend as well. A great coach and person, who gave his time and resources because he loved baseball and his players. Other than my own father, I can't think of someone I respected more. RIP, coach.
Mark Notaro (Class of 1995)

Coach Colpoys was a big influence in my life, and he still is. His knowledge of the game and his witty sayings will be missed, but never forgotten.
Kevin Biata (Class of 1994)

Not many people loved baseball and loved teaching the game like coach Colpoys. He was as caring as he was tough. I was lucky enough to play for coach for four years and have so many great memories from that period in my life. Coach was a gentleman and a role model. He taught me the game but he also greatly impacted who I am as a person. He was also a dear friend of my father and I take great comfort in knowing the two of them are together and most certainly talking baseball. Brian P. Hennessy (Class of 1997)

I can only say that I loved playing for coach Colpoys. He was a master baseball manager who knew how to get the most out of each player. He treated everyone the same. He had his favorites, but they all got treated the same. His sayings were memorable, also. His favorite of mine was yelling at an opposing player after making a spectacular play "Check your other hand you'll find a ham sandwich!". He was special, tough as nails, but a heart of gold. We'll miss seeing him.
John Boutet (Class of 1984)

As a coach on the field - he was demanding and imposing, but taught you to play with toughness and guts. As a coach off the field - he took the time to talk, explain, listen and you knew that he cared. Don Colpoys will be missed, but never forgotten...the countless stories will always remain.
Ryan Hilton (Class of 1995)

I transferred to Canisius at the start of my sophomore year. I was immediately drawn to coach Colpoys, as I was a catcher just like he was. We saw the game from the same perspective.

In practice, he would put a lot of pressure on his players, but when he saw you could play with the type of pressure he applied - he would back off - knowing the pressure he applied would not be as much as what you would see come game time. This prepared us for what we were about to face and made us all better for it.

All of that culminated in 1994 when we had our best year ever. Stacked lineup from top to bottom; a clear rotation, fabulous bench players and a dominant closer.

As the catcher on the team, I had the benefit of being by his side more than anybody else. You just couldn't come away from being around coach Colpoys and feeling like you didn't learn something about the game of baseball.

Gonna miss that guy!

RIP Kipper
Keith Applegate (Class of 1994)

Heard the sad news about coach Colpoys passing, strange that I have been thinking about him lately; hope his family is doing as best as possible. Kipper was one of a kind, not only a great coach and baseball mind, but a role model and special human being. His dedication to the game, our school and his family remain with me all these years later. Our time as Griffins under coach has shaped my life and made me who I am today, and for that I am truly grateful ….. he will be missed.
Pete Gibbons (Class of 1995)

Don was a great, great ambassador for baseball. He always kept me laughing during games with his one-liners. A good friend. Will miss him.
Tony Rossi – Head Baseball Coach, Siena College

Don did much with little during his time a Canisius.
Mike Rappl – Former Canisius Softball Coach

Please accept our condolences on the passing of Don Colpoys. We have known Mary Lou (Oddy) Colpoys Wynne for several years and know that Don had a special place in the heart of all of his relatives. We also knew him as the initial GM of the Buffalo Bisons as they returned to professional baseball in the 1980s.

May he rest in peace knowing that he made a major contribution while he was here on earth. Peace to all who were touched by him.
Mary and Paul Synor

It was a great honor to play for coach Colpoys. He always made us work hard and inspired us to play our best. He always made time for his players on and off the field. He made me challenge myself to take my skills to the next level. He will be greatly missed.
Rick Foit (Class of 1995)

Coach,

Words cannot express how much I’m going to miss you. You’ve been such an influence and important part of my life both personally as well as athletically. I will never forget you giving this young kid from the inner city a chance and offering me a scholarship to Canisius. You made me a better person and player and my parents could not have been happier that I played for you. Your legacy and memory and accomplishments will live forever through all he lives you’ve touched.

I love you coach. Have an ice cream cone w my mom in heaven.
Kevin Glover (Class of 1997)

Mr. Colpoys helped me out when I transferred to Canisius from Marietta College in 1983. I also know Mr. Colpoys was influential in my being named to the All-Western New York team in 1980. My baseball career may have been less than I had hoped for, but nonetheless playing for Mr. Colpoys was a highlight of it.

Any edge he showed, owing to his South Buffalo roots - where an edge was as much a birthright as a necessity - was paled by the huge heart, sense of humor, and his love of baseball.

I spoke with him last spring. I saw Donny at a game and he told me about his dad's struggle with Parkinson's disease. I was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's 15 years ago, when I turned 40. I thought I could cheer him up a bit and share some Parkinson's info as well as baseball memories. Mrs. Colpoys answered and warned me that Don was not well, that the Parkinson's had taken its toll. Sadly, our chat was short and I realized the challenges that the whole family had to deal with.

Our faith in Christ informs us that people like Mr. Colpoys find an eternal reward after this world that will make us infinitely more happy than anything this world offers. Considering the happiness that Mr. Colpoys derived from baseball and how he shared that happiness with, players, fans, institutions, I am positive that there is baseball in heaven. There has to be. That's as solid as the "Uncaused-Cause" proof.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Colpoys as well as the entire Canisius baseball family.
Paul Steffan (Class of 1985)

Don Colpoy's coached with a passion and ferocity that most Canadian boys had rarely seen. It was in his inexplicable, straight from the heart kind of rants, and his 'Jesus, Mary and Joseph' speeches that took us from teenagers to young men in a hurry. In many instances the messages he was attempting to deliver, were life lessons we would take with us for the rest of our lives... (even if he couldn't find the intended recipient at the time!) As this sad news was delivered to me tonight, these are the memories I sit here and reflect upon. As a young man playing for coach, I always respected his unwavering commitment to the team, the school and most importantly to the players who respected him. He will be sadly missed by all that played for him and all those that were touch by his big heart. My thoughts are with coach as he begins this new journey to the other side of the horizon.... Where just maybe, there's a new field of dreams. Godspeed!
Steven DeWolfe (Class of 1993)

Coach Colpoys was a great baseball man and even better person. I cherish the years I got to spend playing for him. His hilarious one-liners were legendary. I loved bumping into him at local games and just talking baseball. He was very loyal to his players and his love of the game always poured out. I can't think of anyone else who loved the game more. There will never be another coach Colpoys. He was truly one of a kind.
Joe Mamott

There are two things I remember about coach:

What most people saw was a very aggressive, vocal and “opinionated” coach. What many people didn’t know was that he was a very loyal, kind and caring person, especially to his players. Players at that age are learning to be professionals and hone their skills while dealing with college and it was very important to have someone that would spend the time away from the group to be intimate with their struggles in the sport and in life. He always found the time to ensure you received the attention you needed to improve and overcome many obstacles.
My time as a player at Canisius was a difficult time for the program and there weren’t many situations where we felt our efforts were producing the results we desired. Through my entire time on the team, it didn’t matter the score, the day or standings, he showed up with the intent to win and put forth our best effort. We had a direction and we were going to stay the course. To be dedicated during a time of success is a very convenient and easy thing. He was more dedicated and determined during the days when things were difficult than any coach I ever met.

Lastly, to this day, the friends I made during my stint with the team still get together talk about how wonderful our time was together during that part of our lives. And every time we get together, at least 50 “one-liners” or “zingers” are said with his voice…and it always, always makes us smile.
Eric Posa

It seems as though Don was a part of our lives since his days at Bishop Timon. A great friend to my dad, Cy Williams and teammate to my brothers. A wonderful guy!

Sincere sympathy to Ellen and family.
Jerome Gorski and Janet (Williams) Gorski

The passing of coach Colpoys makes me very sad and he will be missed. He was not only a great coach, but someone you enjoyed being around. Coach knew baseball inside-out and taught me a tremendous amount about the game within the game! During our trips across the state or country, he always talked and shared his baseball knowledge with all of us.
Glenn Weber (Class of 1992)

My first introduction to coach Colpoys was during a AAABA game when I was pitching for Lamm Post against Al Maroone's. As an opposing player, let's just say he wasn't the most endearing coach to play against. Little did I know, I would be playing for him a year later. No one could fire you up the way he could. I consider myself so lucky to have played for him. He was like a second father. Not only did I learn a lot about the game of baseball from him, but more importantly I learned a lot of life lessons. When I hit the pillow tonight, I know I will hear his voice telling me to stop throwing the curveball, and throw the ball by them.
Al Farrar

One funny memory that came to mind was when coach was driving a bunch of us in the Canisius van back from a game, and saw a Wendy’s across the highway. Coach slammed on the brakes and turned in the “no U-turn lane” as he yelled, “Frosty” to all of us. Thankfully, we didn’t get into an accident, but Coach had to have his frosty.
Jeremy Ross

Coach was a one of a kind gentle giant He cared for his players and always reminded us of his love of ice cream. There wasn't a road trip we went on that a quick stop at Friendly’s didn't occur. He will be missed.
Ted Majewski (Class of 1997)

The WNY and Canisius baseball communities lost a great man and coach. I will forever be grateful that I had the opportunity to play for coach Colpoys. He was a demanding coach that made us better players but more importantly, better men. Coach was always there for us, offering wisdom, a good laugh or a pit stop for ice cream. I always look back on my time at Canisius with great memories and legendary stories, thanks to coach.

I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the Colpoys family. As players, we truly felt like a member of your extended family and share in this loss with you.

Coach Colpoys will be deeply missed. The more years that have passed since my playing days, the more of a friend he had become. I will miss seeing him but more importantly, miss talking to him. RIP Coach.
Brian Przybysz (Class of 1997)

Don Colpoys was a great man who loved his players and always had their backs. A good coach is someone who improves your game, a great coach is someone like coach Colpoys who improves your life. Coach Colpoys was a teacher, not only of baseball, but life. One of my personal favorites... Before going on a road trip South, he made it clear, in his funny way, to make sure we were on our best behavior. I know he has it ingrained in my head, for life, to always be wary of 'Southern Justice'.
Ray Pawlyk (Class of 1992)

Coach,
You were the most influential baseball coach in my life. For that, I'm grateful. I have used many of the lessons learned from you to raise my two boys. I couldn't be a more proud or happier dad.

Thoughts and prayers to your family. R.I.P.
Dale Howard

My deepest condolences to the Colpoys family. The news of Don’s passing brings tremendous sadness. I considered Don one of the most genuine people I’ve had the opportunity to meet in my life. Even while we competed against each other in the Niagara-Canisius rivalry, I always, always, enjoyed talking with him before the game and at various parks. He had great insight and a genuine love of the game and the kids he coached. His commentary during games is legendary. There were many moments when we had to stifle laughs as Don was “questioning” an umpires call.

Don’s grandson attends Canisius High School now and, to no surprise, is involved in sports. I’ve had the chance to see Don at various sporting events over the past few years. After coaching and mentoring so many others, it was heartwarming to see him take great pride in watching his daughter’s son play.

I am very appreciative that our paths crossed and I had the good fortune to have had Don a part of my life. He was a great man and great friend.
Jim Mauro - Director of Athletics, Canisius High School

Thank you so much for the greatest athletic memories of my life. Your unselfish gift to others through the game of baseball will never be forgotten. My sincere and heartfelt best wishes and condolences to the Colpoys family.
Derek Zgoda

I was sad to hear the news of Coach Colpoys' passing. Although his earthly life may have ended his words, expressions, and life lessons will remain to be talked about to all he coached and was acquainted with.

A master of the "Don Colloquialisms" his stories are already shared and laughed at with my own family and friends. That’s what life is all about, the memories.

I sure hope God has ice cream in heaven. If Coach made the bus cross three lanes on a major highway because he saw a sign for Friendly's restaurant, I would love to see what he would do in Heaven for an ice cream.

Thanks for the memories, Coach.
Michael Mannella (Class of 2000)

Coach gave me a chance to play. I was 135 pounds, soaking wet. He was like a second father to me and others on the team. I thank him for that and realize he also spent more money on us than he made while coaching at Canisius.
Dave Penafeather (Class of 1994)

Coach was by far the most memorable coach I have played for in my life. I last saw him many years ago, which was many years after I graduated from Canisius, but he was still "Coach" to me, and I have thought of him often, especially during the baseball seasons when I have coached my sons in Little League.

I have told many friends and family members stories about coach over the years. He was a baseball legend in Buffalo and word of his passing saddens me, but brings back many great memories of my time playing baseball at Canisius College.

He was passionate about the game and had a quick wit. I still remember some of his one liners such as :
"You have a million dollar arm, and a ten-cent head."
"You couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with a hand full of rice."
"You couldn't hit a bull in the ass with a banjo."

Coach Colpoys was one of a kind. I feel thankful to have had the opportunity to play baseball for him and I am a richer man for having known him.
Brian Szymanski 1985-89

There are four men who played a major role in who I became, my father is the first, and when he dropped me off in New York, Don took over from there. The player/coach relationship is an interesting one. For some it is only as long as the player is coached. This was never the case with Colps.

Sure we smashed heads and had our moments when I was playing with him but there were some things I always knew.
First, he had my back. No matter what, he had my back. Second, and likely the biggest lesson I learned from him, was enjoy the now. He would always tell us that “this is the best time of your life. Right now”.

I always thought he meant college. He would remind us we had it made. No kids to worry about. No job holding us down. No wife breathing down our necks (sorry Ellen). We were playing baseball and loving life. What he meant by that was enjoy the now.

It was very clear in everything he did that he “enjoyed the now”. There was always family around whether it be Ellen popping into the scene to make sure he was treating the boys right or Max on the bench. during games acting as our bat boy. He kept family close and certainly passed that quality on to many of his players.

Coach lived so much of his life by this and I clearly remember traveling from the airport to a MAAC game on the New Jersey Turnpike when suddenly the bus came to a violent stop on the shoulder of an overpass. As Colps stood up most of us thought we were going to get our ass chewed for how we played in the last game but the words that came out in that clear south Buffalo accent were “who wants a Frosty?”

Apparently coach had spotted a Wendy’s just off the turnpike and had a craving. It was a sight to see him and 20+ players hop over the guardrail and traverse the massive hill to get to that Wendy’s.

I’ll never forget Don and I’ll always be thankful for what he gave me. He helped me become the man I am today and I am grateful. Rest In Peace, coach. One love from the north.
Mark West (Class of 2000)

Early in my coaching career (Spring 1986) Don and I didn't get along very well. I am sure it was because we both thought we knew everything there was to know about baseball. Don probably did and i certainly didn't.

Over the years of competing against each other, Don's knowledge earned my respect and admiration. We became friends and Don even recommended some Buffalo area kids to me when he was done coaching. Baseball in the Buffalo area is a little poorer with the passing of Don.
Larry Sudbrook - Head Baseball Coach, St. Bonaventure University

Former players, friends and Canisius fans are invited to submit their memories of Don Colpoys to the Canisius athletic department by emailing thoughts to Canisius associate athletic director John Maddock at maddock@canisius.edu. Please note, unless specifically mentioned in the email, all submissions will be posted on GoGriffs.com and the department's social media channels throughout the week.