i met geoff a few times in the bay area in late ninties when he came out to the Farm. there was a nike-supported team there then, and it had top talent like Steve Agar and scrubs like me. Geoff was just a cool guy and there were no airs about him. much like employee #1, jeff johnson, just a great guy who truly loved running and (IMHO) loves seeing people getting juiced on the sport he loved. very sad...thoughts and prayers to his loved ones.
We can only wish that people would say this many truly wonderful things about a man when we die. It speaks volumes.
To celebrate Geoff's Birthday last Friday, Nike team mates from all over the world got out running in Geoff's honour wearing the UofO Green & Gold on the very day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYmp1ULmMOA
Great tribute to a man who had many friends in the world of Running and really made a difference to our sport.
Sad times to lose a great friend & Nike team mate!
Rest in Peace Geoff.
you get so many things right. geoff did what he could and sometimes his hands were tied when he would have liked to do things in another manner.
thanks for your email. it will be passed on as you requested. my thoughts are frequently with you and yours.
I had the pleasure of knowing Geoff (a little bit), in several different phases of my life.
Champ or runner, if you were giving your best, Jeff was your fan and championed your cause.
My experience was that he encouraged every athlete on the Duck track team...not just the top athletes. Classy.
Geoff, you will never be forgotten.
I encourage everyone to read his book. An inspiring guy, an inspiring life.
Condolences to his family and friends.
And Geoff, "Thanks For All The Shoes."
Had the opportunity to meet Geoff a few years ago at Coach Benson's Camp in Asheville, NC. At the time my son was a 7th grader running junkie and Geoff took the time to sit down and talk with him like he was a world class athlete. Over the years he continued to correspond with my son and encourage him as he continued his running career through high school and college, they met up on several occasions as their paths crossed. Geoff never forgot his name and always made the time for him. Not many folks around like that anymore. Geoff we will always hold you in high regards!!! Peace be with you!!
As a young coach, I remember how Geoff understood the early Nike concept of grassroots support for both athletes and coaches. He was the key to early Nike success and his impact is not appreciated as it should have been. I thank Geoff for all he gave to the sport, to teams and to young developing athletes. May Nike remember the impact he had on so many of us and honor his memory by going back to support what Geoff believed in.
Nike debuted a movie project of Hollister's, entitled "There is No Finish Line," a nod to the old Joanie advert. They showed the premier at The Stanford, a cool theater on the Nike Campus.
Benoit and Geoff walked on stage and brought down the house !
As a cancer battler, I was touched by Geoff's uplifting words when I was lucky enough to meet him. I believe he was instrumental in generating the NTN concept.
I used to live at The Athletic Department in the Atrium Building as a kid. It had such a community feeling. And The Shoe Doctor was on the other corner inside.
A lot of Shoe Goo has come and gone since then.
RIP Geoff