Michelle Wie West Gets Emotional for ‘Papa’ After NBA and Husband Jonnie West’s Hall of Fame Tribute

Remember Jerry West? Well, Michelle Wie West definitely does. Furthermore, not the entire NBA world has forgotten him. The golfer’s brother-in-law and the basketball legend’s son recently paid an emotional tribute to his father. And unsurprisingly, it was a touching moment for the West family, including former LPGA Tour pro and her mother-in-law Karen Bua West.

The athlete shared a video of her husband’s speech about his late father on her Instagram account. The Golden State Warriors’ director of basketball operations spoke at the late Jerry West’s third Hall of Fame induction. Needless to say, it was very touching and heartwarming for everyone, including Michelle Wie West. The golfer expressed the same in a caption to the story.

“I’m proud of you @jonniewest4” the 35-year-old wrote as she expressed understanding for her husband’s struggle. “I know how much work you put into this and I know how hard it was for you. ILYSM. We love and miss you, Dad.” She then shared how her late father-in-law set a good example for the family before once again expressing her gratitude. “You will forever be a role model for our family. Thank you for everything you have done.”

But what did Jonnie West talk about in the tribute to his father at the ceremony? Well, Michelle Wie West’s husband thanked his late father for the contribution he made to the game and his family. “I want to thank you for everything you have done for the game of basketball.” said the late legend’s son in the emotional tribute, “And for everyone in the game and for our family too. Of course that includes me and Ryan, Mom – the other Hall of Famer in our family… and David, Mike and Mark.”

That’s not all. He also noted the impact Jerry West had on the sport and the people who followed it. “I also think of the countless people you have inspired, touched and helped throughout your unparalleled 60-plus years in the game.” said the son of legend as he highlighted how much of one “Role model, mentor, confidant and father figure” he was for so many. But when it came to the golfer and her daughter, he was just “dad.”

Michelle Wie West’s note to Jerry West after his death

“The world may know Jerry as the ‘Logo,’ the fiercest competitor to ever step foot on the court, the best teammate and mentor to so many.” the athlete wrote in an Instagram post: “But to Makenna and I, we just know him as… Dad. And we are extremely grateful for that.” She posted the eulogy along with a picture of West holding his granddaughter after the basketball legend’s death on June 12.

Michelle Wie Wes then shared how much Jerry West loved her daughter and vice versa, before expressing how much she and her daughter would miss “Papa.” “Thank you for loving us. You have no idea how much we will miss you.” added the ex-professional. “Rest in peace, Dad…I hope you catch some big fish up there.” Her late father-in-law died in his sleep at the age of 86.

On the other hand, the legend had left a big mark on sport as an athlete. In the 14 years of his basketball career, he reached the NBA Finals nine times and was elected to the Hall of Fame three times. However, he is best known as the player behind the silhouette of the “logo” that Alan Seigel was commissioned by the NBA to create. With such a distinguished career behind him, no one would disagree with Michelle Wie West’s husband when he said in his speech; “Contributor to the basketball game. This is you in every way. And that will live on forever.” He was truly an inspiring man!