I was going to share a quote I had published a little over two years ago which was simply:
“Be known for who you are, the influence you have, and the differences you make. Leave a Legacy.” – Jacque Georgia
After attending my Great Uncle, Lee Remmel’s, funeral yesterday; I believe that to be even more fitting today, than ever before.
To so many people Lee was much more than the infamous Green Bay Packer historian, former Packers public relations director, Green Bay Press-Gazette sportswriter and football guru. He was a brother, a husband, a cousin, an uncle, a great uncle, a leader, a role model, a mentor, an inspiration, an adversary, a true opponent…and an amazing story teller.
Yesterday was no different. It was all of his stories that continued to be shared through the eyes of those he originally shared them with. To listen to stories of how he demanded an apology once from the great Coach Lombardi, himself; that ended up earning Lee a nickname around the team of ‘Tiger Remmel,’ and how Bob Harlan once responded in question about what position the Green Bay Packers would have for Lee, Bob said, “I don’t care if we have to create a position for Lee. The Green Bay Packers without Lee Remmel would be like Christmas without Santa Claus.” The admiration of other sports enthusiasts, sportswriters and reporters, and the entire National Football League themselves, is incredible to say the least. I could see the humbleness in my father’s face as he walked with his fellow family members alongside Lee’s casket and looked out at the church, commenting before beginning the first reading, how the sunshine was beaming through and opening the gates of heaven for Lee, to welcome him home with his beloved wife, Noreen.
The beautiful flowers sent from NFL teams around the country wrapped the room and surrounded him at the church. Lee was the epitome of a true champion. He proved time and time again that despite being adversaries in the game of football; you are always respectful in the game of life, and a good story can bridge the gaps in both.
He lived life full of gratitude and passion with his family, friends, colleagues, and even opponents. He used that to inspire so many others and I am sure his inspiration will continue to live on through many years to come and his historic stories. I am blessed I was able to pay tribute yesterday, with my family; to a true champion, a true Legacy, Lee Remmel.
