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Indiana Pacers Organist Neil Copley Passes Away

By Ben Gibson

Apr 5, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers fans hold up signs welcoming back forward Paul George (13) as he checks into the game for the first time against the Miami Heat in the first quarter at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers fans hold up signs welcoming back forward Paul George (13) as he checks into the game for the first time against the Miami Heat in the first quarter at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sad news out of the Hoosier state today as Indiana Pacers organist Neil Copley has died according to Pacers.com.

"Pacers Sports & Entertainment lost a beloved family member on Friday, when longtime organist Neil Copley passed away.A graduate of Southport High School and Butler University, Copley served as the in-arena organist for all Pacers games at Bankers Life Fieldhouse since October 2008. Copley was also the organist for Pacers games at Market Square Arena from 1980-82.In his current role, Copley was responsible for playing live offense beds and crowd prompts. He entertained countless fans over the years with his distinct playing style that helped create a unique and timeless basketball experience at The Fieldhouse.“Neil was a tremendous asset to our organization and the fans and he will truly be missed,” said Dean Heaviland, Vice President of Game Operations. “His ability to follow the game and play the organ in sync with each possession in unmatched, and he was so good many people didn’t even realize he was playing live each game.”"

The small things game operations do are often taken for granted but you always expect the organ music hit once the Pacers start setting up their offense. Take a minute to read this great write-up by Dana Hunsinger Benbow of the Indy Star. Even as Copley was battling cancer, he still was at the arena playing live during games.

"The fans didn’t know it as they sat cheering for the Indiana Pacers.They didn’t know that as the organ blared — taunting the opponent and encouraging the players in blue and gold — that the man behind the fantastic sound had been rolled to Bankers Life Fieldhouse in a wheelchair.He’d had chemo that day. He was in the advanced stages of colon cancer. And he was dying.They didn’t know it because Neil Copley played on through the very last game of the Pacers season.“He was sick,” said Dean Heaviland, Pacers vice president of game operations, on Monday. “But he would often give me an update saying, ‘Hey, I got chemo today but I’ll come do the best I can.'”"

It’s simple part of any game but whether it’s the live music on offense or starting the “defense” chants on the other end, Copley added to the atmosphere of game days at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

Condolences go out to Copley’s family and friends.

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