There are legends, and then there are legends.

Dan Sullivan fell into the latter category. He was a legend among legends. He was a Butte Sports Hall of Famer and a Montana Grizzly Hall of Famer.

He was a Hall of Famer in life.

Dan passed away Thursday night at the age of 86, and we already miss him. We miss the stories. We miss the laughs. We miss the singing.

Dan was such a legend that one nickname wasn’t enough. He was widely known as “Dusty Dan” and “Deep Court Dan.” I always thought the “Deep Court” moniker came from his days in the handball court, where he was known for rolling the ball out from deep in the court.

As it turns out, however, that nickname came from a writer in Missoula who noted that Dan could score the basketball from very deep in the court. So, the nickname was fitting for two sports.       

Dan graduated from Butte Central in 1958. He was a basketball star for the Marrons before playing basketball for the Grizzlies. At the University of Montana, Sullivan roomed with his good friend and Butte High Bulldog legend Bob O’Billovich.

After serving in the Army, Dan ended up teaching for decades at Butte High School. His law class used to fill up faster than a Springsteen concert sold out. He was that popular as a teacher.

In February of 2023, Dan met me inside the Vault at the Metals for a great conversation.

After his passing, I figured today would be a great time to bring back his episode of the ButteCast. I figured it will be for all of us to hear the voice of Dan Sullivan one more time.

I will have more on his passing in my next column. It is going to take a few days to digest.

Funeral arrangements are still pending. I encourage all individual members of the Butte Sports Hall of Fame to wear their Green Jacket when attending the funeral.

Today’s episode is presented by Thriftway Super Stops. Download the TLC app and start saving today.