Cotton Fitzsimmons, one of the most colorful characters in the Phoenix professional sports scene, has died of complications related to lung cancer. Cotton was involved with the Phoenix Suns NBA Basketball team in various capacities throught the team's history. For the past 12 years, he was the team's senior executive vice president.

His quick wit was his trademark. Cotton Fitzsimmons was best known for arranging the trade that brought guard Kevin Johnson from Cleveland in 1988 for forward Larry Nance. Fitzsimmons coached the Suns three times, the first time in 1970 replacing longtime and current Suns chairman Jerry Colangelo, who had been the interim coach. Fitzsimmons left in 1972 to coach in Atlanta. From there he went to the Hawks, Buffalo Braves, Kansas Kings and the San Antonio Spurs. In 1988 he came back to the Phoenix Suns and coached for four seasons. Subsequently a broadcaster for the team, he had been on the executive staff ever since.

Through more than six seasons with the Suns, he had a regular-season record of 341-208 for a winning percentage of 62.1, second-best in franchise history. His playoff record was 22-22, also second in franchise history. As an NBA coach, Cotton Fitzsimmons was 832-775, among the all-time top 10 in NBA victories. He was voted NBA Coach of the Year twice, 1979 in Kansas City and 1989 with the Suns. Many believe he should be in the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Lowell "Cotton" Fitzsimmons was born in Hannibal, Missouri. He leaves behind his wife JoAnn, his son, Gary, and his grandchildren Tim and Kelly.

Cotton Fitzsimmons quotations:

"Whether you're winning or losing, it is important to always be yourself. You can't change because of the circumstances around you."

"You’ve got to be fired up with enthusiasm, or else we’ll fire you with enthusiasm."