Emil Drzayich Jr., 53, beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, coach and friend, passed away on Friday, April 11, 2008. Emil was born on Jan. 31, 1955, in Steubenville, Ohio to Mary Visnic Drzayich and Emil Drzayich and raised in nearby Mingo Junction, Ohio. Emil was an active and obedient youth who excelled at sports and academics. He learned discipline, love and hard work from his parents as well as competition and camaraderie alongside his only brother, Fred. He played baseball, football and basketball through his high school career and found his true passion in baseball. He graduated from Mingo High School in 1973 and received a baseball scholarship to Ohio Univ. While there he garnered All-Conference and All-Region honors. He also broke the career home run record, then held by Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt of the Philadelphia Phillies. In 1978 he moved west to Boise to pursue his dream of playing professional baseball. He played with the Boise Buckskins. While in Boise, Emil was introduced to the love of his life-his best friend and eternal companion Peggy Ann Bingham. They were married on May 5, 1979. Peggy accompanied Emil as he went on to play with the Victoria Mussels in Victoria, British Colombia. Success there brought the opportunity to sign with the Cincinnati Reds organization where he played in Cedar Rapids for their 'Single A' long season affiliate, the Cedar Rapids Reds. Emil was eventually forced into an early retirement from professional baseball and he and Peggy settled in the Boise area. They were blessed with four sons-Zac, Nick, Jake and Mack. Emil was a devoted husband and father. His family was always his first priority. He loved spending time with his sons, teaching them how to work hard, be thankful, respect their mother, love, serve and respect all those around them. Emil was as proud as a brand new dad of the two recent additions to his family: Kristen (Seamons), who married Zac in 2004; and Jessica (Thompson) who married Nick in 2007. Emil was employed by Computer Arts, Inc. for 23 years, and thoroughly enjoyed his associations and friendships there. He was extremely grateful to the company for the flexibility afforded him which enabled him to continue to fulfill his passion for baseball. He coached all four of his boys (sometimes two and three at a time) through Little League and on through high school. After his boys graduated, Emil continued to coach at Eagle High School, not wanting to leave the camaraderie and associations he had developed over the years. Emil was not known for his speed at any level, but he was strong and steady. Even though he was not a member of the LDS church for the majority of his married life, he was always involved in church activities. In 2001, Emil added on to the strong foundation laid by his parents in the Serbian Orthodox faith, and was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by his sons, Zac and Nick. This was a pivotal point in his spiritual life. He had a special affinity for President Gordon B. Hinckley and was saddened by his death. More importantly, he loved his Savior Jesus Christ. As he drew closer to him and tried to emulate him, Emil's sphere of influence became more profound. Anyone close to Emil will confirm that words are insufficient to express the love, support, respect, admiration, dedication and compassion he felt for his sweetheart, Peggy. She was a constant source of strength and inspiration for him. Theirs was a real life story of true, everlasting love. Emil was a man of integrity and faith. His humble and genuine personality touched the lives of all he came into contact with. His influence and example within and without the baseball community is far-reaching and has surely impacted the lives of countless individuals, both young and old. He was a gentle giant with a huge heart who was quick to tears. His family is forever grateful that they were sealed in the Holy Temple for time and all eternity and find strength and courage in the knowledge that Emil was well prepared to meet his Savior. Those who knew him will greatly miss his bright smiles and his warm hugs. Emil was preceded in death by his father, Emil Drzayich. Emil is survived by his beautiful wife, Peggy; his children Zac and Kristen, Nick and Jessica, Jake, and Mack; his mother, Mary Visnic Drzayich and his brother, Fred Drzayich.