Tributes to Frank Busch Begin to Flow in From All Over the Country
As the news of Frank Busch‘s death spread across the country, the tributes to the former Arizona coach and USA Swimming National Team Director began to flood social media channels.
“It is with a very heavy heart that I share that my dad, Frank Busch, died yesterday. He had a heart attack in the Phoenix Airport on his way back from a fishing trip. My dad had various health issues over the years, but nothing that would have led us to believe that he would suddenly die like this at age 75. We’re all torn apart right now, but my dad was a man of faith who firmly believed that God would only take him when it was his time. I take a lot of comfort in knowing that is the absolute truth.
My dad really was a remarkable man. He had the honor of serving as the national team director for USA Swimming for 6 years, leading Team USA to historic performances at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. His college swim teams won multiple national championships at the University of Arizona. He touched hundreds, if not thousands of lives as a coach and mentor. My dad was old school. He preached hard work and humility. One of his favorite sayings was that the true measure of a man was not the size of his wallet, but the size of his heart.
He met my mom in college at Loyola of Chicago. They had five children together and were married for 54 years. He had seven grandchildren who affectionately called him Papa. It broke my heart yesterday to tell my three girls that Papa was gone.
As I type this post, I’m in tears at RSW Airport getting ready to board a flight to Arizona to be with my mom and siblings. Thank you for your prayers.”
– Peter Busch
“It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to the great Frank Busch. When I arrived in Tucson, I was a broken 18 year old transfer just trying to get back on her feet again. Michele and Frank had been kind enough to give me a new home and second chance. That first week, we had a team Welcome BBQ at the Busch home. They had 60 swimmers and divers playing yard games and sharing a meal. Frank’s smile couldn’t have been bigger. He truly loved and believed in his athletes. It didn’t matter if you were an Olympic Gold Medalist or little me, swimmer or diver; Frank was invested in you. As an athlete, a human, a Wildcat. The culture of excellence that Frank, Rocket, and Michele created enabled us to be such a force. We played hard and worked even harder. Being a part of the UofA Swimming and Diving Dynasty is a special thing. I can’t thank Frank enough for giving me the opportunity. Rest in peace, Frank. To the Busch Family, may your dad’s memory be a blessing.”
– Sara Quijano Jack
“Frank Busch was a trusted friend, mentor and colleague. I have countless memories of our coaching lives together and of the incredible kindness Frank and Patty bestowed on me. His passing is shocking and deeply saddening.
Frank was largely responsible for my move to ASU and Arizona which has positively impacted my life in immeasurable ways. I will never forget the day he asked me to meet him and Patty at the Starbucks on Scottsdale road to tell me that I would be Head Men’s Coach of the USA Olympic Team in 2016. I think he was happier for me than I was for myself.
I’m sure that over the coming weeks many, many people will recall and cherish their memories with Frank. I have so many. He was standing beside me for the 4 x 100 relay in Beijing, I can still remember feeling him grab my arm as Jason Lezak entered the final 15 meters. We shared joy, sadness, hard times and so many laughs. Through all of it he remained the same: positive, professional and determined.
My heart goes out to Patty, their children and grandchildren. Frank loved his family most of all. Rest well my friend. Until we meet again.”
– Bob Bowman
“Our Coach Frank walked in humility and was perpetually looking to gain wisdom. Not just for his craft, but for his subjects- every one of us. He’s one of those rare people who somehow had time for us all. My dad said Frank recently called him to check in— a college coach from 20 years ago called one of his swimmer’s fathers to check in. Wild.
Our coach is further evidence to me that by giving our lives away is how we find life as it’s meant to be lived. He gave and gave and gave. Wow, did he motivate and care and love and joke and pull wild potential out of a bunch of college children (we were children). When all this giving culminated in a pair of NCAA team Championships, he deflected all glory aimed at him.
Character was never left out of his white board diagrams. He wasn’t just molding fast people, he was refining the character of every soul he encountered.
And his interest in our lives did not stop when we graduated or hung up our goggles. He loved on our kids, prayed for my sick family members and would even seek counsel for his upcoming outreaches.
If ever there were an example of using every breath God gave wisely, it’s Frank Busch. He did not waste any of it. He shared his gifts and loved us all so well.
Thank you, Frank. We love you. We already miss you so much. Thank you, Busch family for being our home away from home and sharing your husband/father with so, so many.
“Teach us to number our days, so we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12”
– Annie Grevers
“The world lost a very special Husband, Father, Coach and many other relationships when Frank Busch passed away last night.
I was not his athlete, but he always treated me as one. Even after college, he shared with me his journey and struggles, to motivate me to keep going and provide for my family (Courtney and I were dating about to get married).
I can’t really find the words to justify how special it was to just have a conversation with him.
Let alone, the dozens of my friends that were coached by him and loved by him. There are so many groups of people he mentored and influenced and loved… I just feel for his family and those who viewed them as a father figure (as most all of them did). He was so special. I’m thinking about all of you at this time. Many will miss you Frank, Rest in Peace.”
– Adam Dutch
“Heartbreaking and so sad to hear the news of the passing of our friend Frank Busch… he was such a tremendous leader, coach, father and friend to so many… I’ll never forget his unwavering support during my dad‘s battle with cancer…. Frank left a tremendous legacy, and its hard to believe that one year ago I was literally handing him The Dick Tomey Arizona Strong award at the Arizona Bowl luncheon…. He will be missed … praying for the Busch family during this tough time 🙏 God Bless You Coach”
– Rich Tomey
“I would not have had the career I did without this man and his guidance. He will be missed.”
– Nick Thoman