SOUTH BEND, Ind.- Ara Parseghian was known for many things, serving his county in World War II, becoming a great football coach, person and mentor.

Parseghian died Wednesday at the age of 94. As the campus prepares to say good-bye, Dr. Greg Crawford who supports Ara’s foundation, talked with ABC57 and shared some stories.

Dr. Crawford says Ara was known for his support of Niemann-Pick Type C disease, which affected his grandchildren and because of that passion, Dr. Crawford began fundraising.

Dr. Crawford says although it’s a tough day for Notre Dame fans and Michiana, we all have to celebrate Coach Ara.

“It’s just sad. He was an icon a legendary coach, but what he did for humanity and what he’s done for those kids and those families it was just extraordinary,” says Dr. Gregory Crawford President of Miami University. “We lost a legend this week, but we’re here to celebrate his life and what an extraordinary life.”

Dr. Crawford is the President of Miami University, which is coach’s alma-mater, also where he started off his career. Crawford says Ara will be remembered as a graceful and humble man, who never brought attention to himself.