PORT ANGELES — John Elway, one of the greatest quarterbacks ever to play football, was born in Port Angeles in 1960.
That’s because his father, Jack Elway, was coaching football and basketball — and sometimes baseball — at Port Angeles High School at the time.
Jack Elway died early Sunday morning of an apparent heart attack in Palm Springs, Calif., at age 69.
Elway, a native of Hoquiam, had his first teaching and coaching jobs in Port Angeles. He first came to the area in 1953.
“I played for that old fart,” Bob Brodhun of Port Angeles said with a laugh.
“Actually, Jack Elway was a young man when he was here; he’s only 10 years older than I am. He must have been 28 at the time.”
Jack Estes, who graduated in 1960 with Brodhun, says he lost a good friend when Elway died.
“He meant so much to me,” Estes said of Elway. “His passing was a shock to me.”
This full report appears in today’s editions of the Peninsula Daily News, on sale throughout Clallam and Jefferson counties. Or click on “Subscribe” at left to order your copy via U.S. mail.
