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Gary Stamp and his son, Quinn, clown around during football practice at Lisbon in 1997. Stamp, who coached 42 years at 12 schools, died at age 65 of complications from lung cancer. (SourceMedia Group News)
LISBON – Gary Stamp was granted another season to coach. Another vacation. More miles to run.
More time.
“Life’s a journey, and softball’s a journey,” Stamp said in July after his softball team from Mount Vernon High School lost to Solon in a Class 3A regional final.
“It’s going to hurt tomorrow, and the next day, and next week … but this season has been a joyous ride.”
Stamp, who coached 42 years at 12 different spots, died at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston at 1:45 Friday afternoon due to complications from lung cancer. He was 65.
He was diagnosed March 9, despite being a non-smoker.
“I won’t remember how he died, as much as I’ll remember how he lived,” said Bud Legg, information director for the Iowa High School Athletic Association. “He had a perspective, and if all coaches had it, it would be a better world.”
Through last winter, Stamp could not shake bad health. His appetite was poor. He was treated for bronchitis, then pneumonia. But his condition worsened.
In early March, a few weeks after he served as an official at the state wrestling tournament, he was diagnosed with lung cancer. A week later, it was discovered that it was in its most advanced stage (Stage IV) and had spread to his bones and lymph nodes. He underwent treatment at MD Anderson, then returned home.
A benefit was held in Stamp’s honor May 1 in Mount Vernon.
“Gary is an amazing, caring individual. He does things the right way,” said Kraig Snyder, who played football for Stamp at Olin High School in the mid-1980s and was a member of the benefit’s organizing committee. “He has the ability to make you feel unique, and he’s done that for so many people, for more than 40 years.”
Meanwhile, a drug named Tarceva, a chemotherapy pill that combats lung cancer without major side effects, seemed to be working.
From April into September, Stamp’s condition improved. He returned to coach the Mustangs to a 32-7 record. They finished one game short of the state tournament after advancing in 2009 and 2010.
“(Coaching softball has) been good medicine,” Stamp said before the regional final. “It’s been a fun, rewarding summer, and the kids have kept me energized.”
After the season, Stamp and his wife, Ava, went on an Alaskan vacation.
An avid jogger before his illness, Stamp was told by doctors during his original diagnosis that he would not run again. On Sept. 17, he completed a 5K road race at Coe College, winning the 65-and-under men’s age division in 33:24.
But soon after that, it was clear that cancer was on the move again in Stamp’s body. On Oct. 7, Tait Stamp wrote at his father’s Caring Bridge web page that it has spread to his bones and his liver.
A native of Camanche, Stamp began his coaching career at Vinton in 1969. It was the first of 13 posts he held.
From Vinton, he moved to Creston, Midland, Camanche, Lincoln Community, Olin, Lincoln again, Lisbon, Iowa City High, Tipton, Mount Mercy College, Anamosa and Mount Vernon.
He compiled a 548-360 record in softball, 253-157 in baseball and 112-89 in football. Last summer, he was voted into the Iowa Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Stamp will be inducted posthumously during the ceremony in November at the UNI-Dome.
Stamp coached Lisbon to the Class 1A state baseball championship in 1994. He coached three football teams to the playoffs – Lisbon advanced to the Class A quarterfinals in 1995; Tipton qualified in 2A in 2002 and 2003.
Gary and Ava had four children — Tait, Paige, Quinn and Shea. All graduated from Lisbon, and all excelled athletically.
Stamp resigned at Lisbon in 1999, just as the football season was beginning, after a number of parents and players felt he provided preferential treatment for his sons.
But judging by the volume of entries in Stamp’s Caring Bridge guest book through the past months, he had far more supporters than detractors.
“I never dreamed that this many people out there care as much as they do,” he said last spring. “All the e-mails, the cards, the visits … it’s all been overwhelming.”
Services are pending.
32 Responses to Longtime high school coach Gary Stamp dies at 65
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Football, Gary Stamp, Lisbon, lung cancer, Mount Vernon, Softball
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Thank you for the wonderful story about Gary Stamp!!! He was a tremendous Coach but more importantly, a GREAT MAN!!
Gary Stamp was the most amazing man and coach!!!Jeff…no need to bring up the past(1999) at a time like this!!!He was wonderful! God Bless him,his family and his memories!Love him!
Very good man, and Coach, ranks up there with Coach Ed Thomas, gonna miss ya COACH!!
He coached me and then later I coached against him. He was a great man that touched many lives and for that reason he will live for ever. All I have to say is ” Gary good luck in your next journey as sure there will be a coaching job up in heaven”.
I’ve known Gary for many years, primarily as a wrestling official, and he was a good one. A finer, better man one could never find. He will be greatly missed.
I played softball for Coach Stamp at Midland HS – it was both an honor and a privledge to play for him – my heart goes out to the family. He has touched so many young peoples’ lives, taught us many things and gave us many memories. May God bless all of you.
I had the pleasure of being on coach stamps 94 state champion baseball team…he was a great man, father, husband and coach! And all of his kids were phenomenal athletes who deserve every award they ever received…thank you for everything coach! I have a very heavy heart tonight and I know I’m not alone!
My wife, Marcia, and I have known the Stamp family for years. Marcia went to school with Ava. The “Stamp Collection”, as Ava called them, have lost their patriarc but I am betting that they will continue to be the strong, directed, positive individuals with a never give up attitude that Gary instilled in them. A finer family would be hard to find.
As a long time wrestling official and friend of Gary I never met a more dedicated man in athletics or family.
He will be dearly missed but never forgotten.
Gary Stamp was a wonderful person and he touched a lot of peoples lives. He had a tremendous amount of accomplishments and he wiil be remembered forever.
Iowa has lost a great man that cared deeply for the kids of our state. It was an honor to have known Gary. Thoughts and prayers to the Stamp family.
I was very saddened this afternoon to hear that Coach Stamp lost his fight with this horrible disease. I had the fortune of playing football and baseball for Coach in HS and graduated with Tait. I consider the entire Stamp family friends, and they are such wonderful people thanks to Gary and Ava’s influence. My heart and prayers go out to Ava, Tait, Paige, Quinn, and Shea for their loss. God Bless. Coach if there’s football to be played in Heaven, I’ll be happy to play for you again someday. Thank you…
Very few possess the spirited devotion to helping ensure the success of others that I witnessed in Coach Stamp. Also a great teacher whose door was always open, he taught so many so very much. His tireless commitment in pursuit of excellence set an extraordinary example for all of us who were blessed to be shaped by his efforts. Well done, Coach! My sincerest sympathies to the Stamp family, and warmest thanks for sharing your husband and father with so many of us over these years.
Gary was my English teacher at Olin High School and was an amazing human being. He inspired as well as demanded the best from us as students and those who were fortunate enough to have known him. He was the teacher I wanted to have advice from in my senior book and was genuine enough to mean it.
The world is a better place from having him in it with us…
He became my baseball coach in 1969. Took me to my first FB game. ISU vs. Kanas St at Ames. He was my father on parents night. He was my chaperon for my Hall of Fame induction. We have remained friends throught the years. We always made it a point to get together when I came back for my reunions. He was always available. I’ll miss him!
Steve Brown Class of 1971 Washingon HS Vinton, Vikings. EMAV to Coach Stamp. I’ll miss him!
I met Gary when I student taught at Lisbon in 97. As a young, aspiring coach and teacher, I was impressed with how organized Coach Stamp was. I have tried to emulate this throughout my career. He was a great person and coach. I taught and coached Quinn and Shea and was equally impressed with the character and work ethic. They are a great family. My thoughts and prayers are with the Stamp family during this difficult time.
A legend has passed. It was not fun when my boys played against Garys teams but it was fantastic when my daughter played for him.His passion for his teams and his family was a road map for us all. This is just the seventh inning stretch for Gary.He plays on.
As a softball official, there is no coach I respected more. His teams played hard, played smart, and had fun. You just knew that his players would play the game right. Coach Stamp was a student of the game and a master of the game.
After having 2 children taught by Ava and knowing Gary for the better part of 35 years, no matter what the circumstances, whether on the athletic field or classroom, Gary and Ava have shared their lives with what matters most, the raising of our children, doing so with a high degree of professionalism and love. Thank you Gary and Ava . God Bless
Its hard to find the right words to speak of now, acutally its very easy but so many others are saying all of them. All I can think of is being thankful that all the pain has gone away for him, no more suffering. But it makes me sad that our pain of missing him has begun. The great thing is his life will live on through all of us from his coaching, teachings in sports and life. Gary put a “STAMP” on many peoples lives, I’m greatful for being one who has been “STAMPED”.
Last night it was cool friday evening, perfect weather for final week in High School football. I kept looking over at the sideline to see Gary, I’m sure he was there everywhere. Leading young men through victories and loses.
Together N Tuff
“The Man Who Thinks He Can”
If you think you’re beaten, you are. If you think you dare not, you don’t. If you’d like to win, but think you can’t,
It’s almost a cinch you won’t.
If you think you’ll lose, you’ve lost. For out in the world we find, Success begins with a fellow’s will,
It’s all a state of mind.
If you think you’re out-classed, you are; You’ve got to think high to rise. You’ve got to be sure of yourself, If you ever want to obtain a prize.
Life’s battles does not always go, To the stronger or faster man. But, soon or late, the man who wins,
IS THE MAN WHO THINKS HE CAN!!!
“The Man Who Think He Can”
Thanks for putting Coach’s poem up Kevin. For those who don’t know, Coach Stamp required all of his players to remember and recite this poem every year before we could take the football field. It is a wonderful poem and truly fitting for the way Coach taught us to live our lives on and off the field.
Sorry to hear about “Coach”. He was a true friend and a true competitor. He will be missed and if there is softball in heaven he will be waiting for me at the gates when I get there asking if I want to have a catch. My condelences to his family. (Former Head Coach of the DeWitt Sabers). Kevin Roling
A true sign of a great person is how they positively influence others in life. Even though Gary never coached my daughters in Tipton, he was the first to recognize commitment, dedication, and commitment to your team. He was always interested in any young althlete’s journey in their chosen sport and ALWAYS had such a positive attitude. It was a privilege to know Gary Stamp during his stay in Tipton. Our condolences go out to his family, friends, and athletes.
Coach Stamp was a great guy and coach,he will be missed 1970 Vinton Vikings.
I taught with Gary at Olin back in the 80″s and played women’s softball with Ava for several years . Gary was always willing to help me out as a young teacher and coach. I remember the lessons he taught me about being organized and break skills down to simple steps. Lessons I still remember and use today. I watched Gary motivate the students and athletes at Olin not only to be winners on the field, but also to be winners in their daily life. My heart goes out to the Stamp family. Both Gary and Ava have touched so many lives in such a positive way.
I had a long phone conversation with Gary last week as he explained his trip to Houston and what it involved. During that talk he referred to me several times as “his freind”. I will hold that thought forever. God bless his family and guide them through this time of sorrow.
Tears have been shed at our house for the loss of Gary Stamp. He was the one who helped us move in when Tim began working for Midland Schools. Gary and Ava were the first ones to have us in their home for dinner. Our hearts go out to Ava and his children and his grandchildren and every person whose life he touched. The ripples he sent out on this earth will remain in the hearts of all of us who were privileged to know him.
As a softball official, I was blessed to have been involved in a small part of Gary’s life. His passion for the game was evident. Gary never missed a thing that happened on the field. He brought out the best in his players and I knew that I better give a solid performance as an official as well. Umpires had to earn respect from Gary but he always acknowledged a good effort. There are several great coaches in Iowa in various sports. But the thing I will remember most about Gary was his joy in simply being on a field like a maestro conducting an orchestra. He loved it and he made those around him elevate themselves. I will miss that but I will never forget it either. Though he never gave me any direct advice, he taught me invaluable lessons. My prayers go out to the Stamp family.
I got to know Coach Stamp when he was one of my coaches and Tait was one of the managers at the 1987 Shrine Bowl. I enjoyed being around him very much, he will me missed. My prayers are with the family.
Hey guys, please know that your friends at Central College are praying for you at this tuff time. I remember your stories about your dad, and I know how much you loved him. Prayers are coming your way…..JoeBrummel
In 36 years of officiating high school football, and many a Lisbon game, I never met a coach that was more loved than Gary Stamp. Through those years, I officiated games with Tait, Shea and Quinn and knew that I had never met a better Father due to the love and pride that was obviously shared between them. Godspeed, Gary.
I wasn’t Coach’s athlete, nor his student. I was the younger sister, and in more recent years the opposing coaches aunt. Yet, I understood the respect Coach earned and taught. He wasn’t perfect….no one is. Students and coaches have an ideal to which they can aspire. He was among many adjectives, compassionate and inspiring. Prayers are with his family.