LOUISVILLE, Ky. — University of Louisville fans celebrated the life and legacy of the late Denny Crum Monday night at the KFC Yum! Center.

The legendary Hall of Fame men’s basketball coach passed away last Tuesday. Although he was born and raised in southern California, Crum became a Louisville legend.

Fans, players and family shared touching stories of Coach Crum Monday night at the KFC Yum Center.

“I was happy to share him. He was my husband, be he was all of ours,” said his wife Susan.

She spoke about his generosity in the community.

“I don’t have to tell you. You already heard how selfless he was with his time and his resources,” Susan Crum said. “It didn’t matter any cause, he was going to support it.”

The Celebration of Life showcased a tribute to Crum’s impact on Louisville, especially on Coach Kenny Payne.

“As I thought about what to say about coach over the last few days, where do I start?” Payne said. “My thoughts go to how blessed I was to be taught by him and all the love he showing me.”

Fans and players filled the memorial with passionate stories.

“It was all about team and that’s why Louisville has that championship spirit. It’s about team. But team that is more than just a team, a team, that’s a family,” said Billy Thompson, a former UofL basketball player.

Thousands of fans honored Coach Crum in his final send-off for his 86 years of life.

“If you want to be a fan that he created generationally, grandkids, people who are now in the 70s and 80s same as Coach Crum that all went through that 30 year process to build this program to be one of the top programs in the country, show up from here on out for coach,” said Darrell Griffith, another former UofL basketball player.

Under Coach Crum, Louisville won two NCAA Championships.