The last thing David Jerome said to Bill Virdon before he left his side was that he loved him.
Jerome received a soft "I love you too," in return.
When Jerome set out on writing Virdon's biography many months before, the writer didn't expect to end up loving the man, but that's the type of impact Virdon had on people.
With Virdon's kindness, remarkable storytelling, a strong handshake, heart for family and dry sense of humor, anyone who spent any time at all couldn't help but love him.
Those will be among the many things that will be missed the most.