Joseph William “Joe” Frazier, January 12, 1944 – November 7, 2011.

“The Vietnam War stopped for several hours so the military could listen,” said Leslie Wolff, Frazier’s business manager. “Troubles between the Protestants and Catholics in Belfast stopped so the Irish could see it. This man is an important figure in history.”

It seems that there has been too many posts on here lately about someone passing. Last night Leigh and I heard the news about Joe. We were sitting on our sofa looking for a new Breaking Bad to watch when the texts started to come in. We have had a really nice relationship with Joe over the past three years: limo rides, Flyers games, holiday parties, and what have you. Joe was a stand up guy and I feel lucky to be able to call him a friend. His life reminds me a lot of the life that Seabiscuit had, not an easy one but a great one, the underdog that claimed what was his, a champion for the rich and the poor, a leader for those that have none. “It was 1959, I was 15 years old and I was on my own.” We love you Joe, and we will never forget you or what you have done for us. Thanks for being in our corner. Smokin’ Joe Frazier. More photos below.

All photos by Jonathan K. Slingluff unless otherwise noted.