The following can be attributed to Mayor Rick Blangiardi on the passing of Coach Larry Price:
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend, colleague, and mentor, Coach Larry Price.
Coach Price was more than a coach to me. He was a teacher, a leader, and a man of great integrity who dedicated his life to Hawai‘i and to shaping the lives of so many young men.
My connection to Coach Price goes back to my days as a walk-on player at the University of Hawai‘i in 1965. He believed in me, he challenged me, and he pushed me to be better every single day as a player and as a person.
After my playing days, he brought me back to coach alongside him. I had the privilege of serving as his associate head coach and defensive coordinator when he became head coach at UH. But more importantly, I knew that I had earned his trust. That meant everything to me.
At a critical point in my life, when I was considering leaving coaching because my first child was on the way and I needed to make more money, Coach Price told me to stay in Hawai‘i. I listened. That decision changed my life forever and led me into a career in broadcasting and, eventually, into public service. I would not be where I am today without his constant guidance.
Coach Price’s personal achievements as both a player and coach, his academic achievements, and his professional pedigree are beyond exemplary.
Coach Price taught me that there are no limits if you are willing to work hard, commit yourself to what you believe, and to keep pushing forward. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my life.
Our relationship went far beyond football. Coach Price was family to me. He was someone I trusted, someone I leaned on, and someone I will always be grateful for.
Hawai‘i has lost a true legend, and I have lost a very dear friend.
On behalf of my wife, Karen, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, May, and their ʻohana. We will keep them in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Rest in aloha, Coach.”
