Wirtz remembered as 'a giant among men'

Blackhawks owner William Wirtz, one of the last vestiges of a time when owners were as well-known as their teams, was remembered Monday as one of the towering sports figures in the city's history.

"He was a giant among men," said boxing promoter Don King, who knew Wirtz from fights at the old Chicago Stadium. "He represented the liveliness of the city."

Hundreds of mourners from the world of hockey and sports attended funeral services for Wirtz, who died Wednesday at age 77 after a battle with cancer.

Befitting Wirtz's place in Chicago's sports landscape, mourners included team greats such as Stan Mikita and Chris Chelios, as well as NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, Bulls and White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf, and Detroit Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch.

"I came here as a young boy, to Chicago, and to be fathered and grandfathered by Mr. Wirtz was a privilege," said Darryl Sutter, former Blackhawks player and coach and one of several former players who recalled Wirtz's role as a father figure.

Wirtz, long known for his tightfisted negotiations with big-name players, earning him the nickname "Dollar Bill," and his refusal to televise the Blackhawks' home games, was remembered for his generosity, devotion to his family and his sense of humor.

Tom Tully, a longtime friend of Wirtz, talked about the time Wirtz picked him up from the airport dressed as a caveman.

"He had a wig. And a club. And a loincloth," Tully said.

Dale Tallon, general manager of the Blackhawks, also had fond memories of Wirtz's fun-loving attitude. One year, during a Christmas party at the United Center, Santa failed to show up on time. When Tallon's daughter asked Wirtz where Santa was, Wirtz told her, "Santa just got pulled over on Madison for speeding."

Wirtz is survived by his wife Alice, five children and seven grandchildren.