Longtime Arizona "super" fan George Kalil died Wednesday night at the age of 81. The Tucson businessman and philanthropist was the president of Kalil Bottling Co. and a big supporter of UA basketball. He was inducted into the Pima Sports Hall of Fame in 1998.
He was not just a staple of Arizona home and road games over the years, but Kalil backed up his fandom with giving. He gave $1 million to help renovate McKale Center and he also gave $1 million to help renovate the gym at Salpointe High School as well.
There has been an outpouring of support from the Tucson community as well as the UA basketball program, including numerous social media posts from former Wildcats.
UA's administration also released statements on the passing of Kalil.
"The Wildcat family is deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend George Kalil," UA AD Dave Heeke said in a statement. "He was a tremendous family man and outstanding business leader whose passion and generosity were truly inspiring. George’s impact on the University of Arizona and Southern Arizona is profound and his legacy will carry on through the many lives he touched. Our thoughts are with the Kalil family at this time as we honor George who was a proud Wildcat that made our community a better place.”
"George was a tireless supporter of the University of Arizona and Arizona Athletics," UA's president Robert C. Robbins said. "We will miss his remarkable enthusiasm for our teams and for our students. My thoughts are with his family, friends and the entire Wildcat nation as we mourn this loss."
He was not just a staple of Arizona home and road games over the years, but Kalil backed up his fandom with giving. He gave $1 million to help renovate McKale Center and he also gave $1 million to help renovate the gym at Salpointe High School as well.
There has been an outpouring of support from the Tucson community as well as the UA basketball program, including numerous social media posts from former Wildcats.
UA's administration also released statements on the passing of Kalil.
"The Wildcat family is deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend George Kalil," UA AD Dave Heeke said in a statement. "He was a tremendous family man and outstanding business leader whose passion and generosity were truly inspiring. George’s impact on the University of Arizona and Southern Arizona is profound and his legacy will carry on through the many lives he touched. Our thoughts are with the Kalil family at this time as we honor George who was a proud Wildcat that made our community a better place.”
"George was a tireless supporter of the University of Arizona and Arizona Athletics," UA's president Robert C. Robbins said. "We will miss his remarkable enthusiasm for our teams and for our students. My thoughts are with his family, friends and the entire Wildcat nation as we mourn this loss."
