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Daniels -- Bill Daniels, died Tuesday, March 7, 2000, at Eisenhower Medical Center in Palm Desert, CA. Daniels, widely known as"The Father of Cable Television" was surrounded by his family and close friends at the time of his death, including his brother, Jack Daniels of Albuquerque. Bill was born in Greeley, CO, in 1920 and came to Hobbs, New Mexico with his family in 1936. In 1947, he and his brother, Jack joined their father in Daniels Insurance Agency, which continues today with offices in Hobbs, Albq., and Santa Fe. He was a decorated Navy pilot in WWII and a veteran of the Korean War. In the early 1950's, Bill left New Mexico for Wyoming, where he established his first Cable system and later returned to Colorado, where he built Daniels And Associates now a premier cable brokerage firm. In addition to his well-known career as a Cable entrepreneur, Daniels also ventured into the world of professional sports. He owned the Utah Stars in the 70's, sponsored a race car at the Indy 500, was partners with a heavyweight fighter, and at the time of his death held a minority interest in the Los Angeles Lakers. In 1989, he formed Prime Network. One of his proudest accomplishments was the establishment of the Young Americans Bank in 1988. The bank helped teach kids the free enterprise system and is the only one of its kind in the country. Bill was widely known in recent years for his generous philanthropy, including contributions to the University of Denver, New Mexico Military Institute, and the College of the Southwest in Hobbs. In 1999, the Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver was named in his honor. At the beginning of the new century, Daniels announced that he was leaving more than $1 Billion to create the Daniels Charitable Fund for scholarships, care for the homeless and disabled, and other causes. Daniels was a loving son, brother, uncle and friend to many. He was preceded in death by his father, Bob, in 1948; his mother, Adele, in 1987; his sisters, Bobette, in 1973, and Dottie, in 1985. He is survived by his brother, Jack and wife, Peach of Albuquerque. He was an inspiration to his family, including his nieces, Diane Denish of Albuquerque, Dana Reaud of Beaumont, TX; and nephews, Bob Daniels of Albuquerque, Mike, Bob and Pat Tinley, and their families. He will be lovingly remembered for the lessons he taught us and for his generosity to people around him--from the janitor to the CEO. Contributions in acknowledgment of the many lives he touched may be made to: NMMI Foundation in Roswell, NM or the College of the Southwest in Hobbs, NM. Memorial services will be held in Denver, CO, Hobbs, NM and Carlsbad, CA.
        Published on: Sun March 12, 2000