HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. () — Students, faculty, staff, friends and family gathered to bid farewell to the Hilton Head Island High School’s longtime athletic director Monday.

Joe Monmonier passed away July 9 at 53. He served Hilton Head Island High School for more than 20 years, first as a special education teacher and lacrosse coach. More recently, he served as the school’s athletic director for the past 13 years.

Monday night, those he impacted gathered at the school’s stadium to honor the legacy of a remarkable man.

“Most importantly, Joe taught me something that changed my life. He started saying ‘I love you’ when he’d leave, and it started me saying it too to those I care about. Thank you, joe, for that gift.” Jason Cooke, Monmonier’s best friend said. 

Guests coming out to honor joe were encouraged to wear the school’s colors or purple, in honor of Monmonier’s beloved Baltimore Ravens.