A giant in Valley sports who served as a legend in sports broadcasting passed away Monday night at the age of 69.

Former KRGV Sports Director Dave Brown was mourned by several coaches in the Rio Grande Valley. Those who spoke to Channel 5 News to mourn Browns’ passing used one word to describe him

“This is what I would consider a Valley icon,” Mission Veterans High School Athletic Coordinator David Gilpin said.

“He'll always be a Rio Grande legend,” PSJA ISD Athletic Director Orlando Garcia added.

Brown spent more than 40 years with Channel 5.

"You can tell he was enjoying every minute of it,” retired coach Bruce Bush said. “He knew all the coaches, knew everyone's name and all the coaches…it was just his life."

Gilpin described Brown as someone who was passionate about his work.

“Somebody like Dave Brown that stayed here with us in the Rio Grande Valley for that amount of time, I think that's a lasting legacy,” Gilpin said. “I think that's something that us as Rio Grande Valley residents should appreciate. This was his home, he loved us, he loved the Rio Grande Valley."

A private graveside service for immediate family members and close friends will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Dave requested that family and friends give the gift of life by signing up to be organ donors. 

Sign up at the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance website.

Watch the video above for the full story.