LINCOLN CITY – Retired Portland Trail Blazer Kevin Duckworth, 44, died Aug. 25 while at the Oregon Coast to host a free basketball clinic.

Duckworth had visited John Day July 25 for a similar clinic, bringing smiles and encouragement to young players from across Grant County.

Duckworth, who grew up in the Chicago area, started as a center for the Trailblazers in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He was a Western Conference All-Star in 1989 and 1991.

Pendleton sports commentator Tom Melton credited Duckworth with playing a strong leadership role in the Trailblazers run for the championship under Coach Rick Adelman.

Melton referred to Duckworth as “one of the kindest guys I’ve ever met. He was affable and just loved kids,” added Melton.

“It’s ironic that he died while hosting a free clinic for kids,” added Melton,”That’s what he was all about.”

The state Medical Examiner’s Office said Duckworth’s heart had been failing for some time. An autopsy determined that he had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle, which combined with high blood pressure to cause enlargement of the heart, contributing to his death.