In sports, as in life, we are often taught that actions speak louder than words. But how do you remember a man who so greatly impacted the sporting world without ever playing a professional minute?

Stuart Scott, the beloved anchor of “Sportscenter” since 1996, passed away  Jan. 4. A giant in the sporting world, Stuart Scott was a man that broadcast sports journalism never had, and perhaps never will have, again.

The face of ESPN, Scott rapidly defined sports for an entire generation, becoming prime-time entertainment and “must-see TV.” In an environment dominated by athletes, his personality, on-air presence and race combined to make him truly larger-than-life.

In reality, Stuart’s passing is not a departure from his life; it is a departure from ours. His passion for his family overrode his passion for sports in every way and his memory serves to remind us of the value in living every day to the fullest.

Known for “booyah,” and “cooler than the other side of the pillow,” Scott’s most impassioned speech was not derived from the teleprompter, but from the heart.

“You beat cancer by how you live, why you live and the manner in which you live.”

Against the fleeting nature of sports, his words and his memory will stay with us for much longer. You came into our homes, and brought us together through the universal language of sports. Rest easy  Mr. Scott, you will be sorely missed.