Keith Eric
I’ve had the privilege of knowing Mr. Supple for over 45 years. His son Billy and I grew up just a quarter block from each other in Elk Grove Village, IL, and we were inseparable for much of our childhood. Mr. Supple was always there—more than just Billy’s dad or our soccer coach, he was a steady, reassuring presence in my life.
He treated me like one of his own, always looking out for me, whether it was on the soccer field or during the little moments that meant so much. He coached our team for years. We didn’t win many games, just one halfway decent season, really, but you wouldn’t have known it from how proud he was of us. At the house I grew up in, I still have the trophy he gave to every player on the team at our end-of-season party, and it brings back such good memories.
One of my favorites was celebrating one of Billy’s birthdays with a trip to Wrigley Field. Mr. Supple took us to see the Cubs, and it was such a special day. That kind of generosity and care is what I’ll always remember about him. I feel lucky to have grown up with someone like Mr. Supple in my life.