An estimated 300 people gathered to celebrate the life and career of legendary Mercer Island High School boys basketball head coach Ed Pepple on Oct. 1 in the school gymnasium. Pepple passed away from cancer at the age of 88 on Sept. 14, 2020. Attendees at the emotional event — which featured a host of speakers, video recordings and a traditional “blackout” segment to honor Pepple with the lights turned out — included family members, players, coaches, administrators and fans spanning Pepple’s entire 42-year Islander coaching career. Organizers handed out “attitude” pins to people at the door, something Pepple gave to his teams during their preseason retreats to emphasize that “attitude is everything.” A reception followed at the Island VFW hall and featured copious stories and fond memories exchanged across generations with Pepple family memorabilia on display. Courtesy photos from the event program

Pictured are the Pepple family after the program, speaker Gavin Cree, a photo of Ed Pepple and the Mercer Island High School Animal Band. Courtesy photos