It's all true: Eddie Logan was one of a kind

Yes, it's sad when we lose a friend like Eddie Logan. Yes, we're all going to miss seeing him at his familiar shoeshine stand at Santa Anita. But when we all move past the selfishness of not wanting to let go of Eddie, we should celebrate what a tremendous life he lived and what a remarkable, vibrant person he was. We all should be so lucky.

Eddie Logan, 98 years young when he died Saturday morning at his home in Monrovia, was definitely one of a kind. He was part of Santa Anita since its inception on Christmas Day in 1934, and knew and interracted with most of the legends who have graced the grounds at Santa Anita -- Eddie Arcaro, John Longden, Bill Shoemaker and Laffit Pincay Jr., as well as many of the trainers, including Hall of Famer Richard Mandella.

I had the great fortune of interviewing Eddie for a column in 2006, and what a delightful man. As I stood with him near his shoeshine stand by the executive offices at Santa Anita, I don't think more than 15 or 20 seconds ever passed before a fan or well-wisher would come by and speak with Eddie for a few moments. This was a gentleman, who also boxed and played baseball in the old Negro Leagues, who was not only liked but loved by so many and a man who had a work ethic the likes of which we don't see very often today.

I didn't know Eddie very well, but I've heard from some that he had the column I wrote about him posted right by his stand. I'm proud of that, and I'm also proud and grateful that I was blessed to say I once met and spoke with Eddie Logan.

I'm not sad today, just very, very happy that Eddie lived the great life that he did and with the knowledge that he's in a better place now. Eddie's was a life that should be celebrated, and I'm certain the amount of tears at his funeral will be matched or exceeded by the smiles because of the man he was and the remarkable life he lived.

Rest in peace, Eddie Logan.