It is truly with a heavy heart that I write these words.

Even though it maybe his smile that will be brought up when talking about Marques Butler, it was his sense of community, team spirit and character that made him the person that will be missed. From the first time I can remember watching him on a ball field, to his most recent endeavor on the gridiron, it was clear that there was no "I" when it came to Marques, which is certainly evident by what he gave and the impacts he made on so many lives throughout the years.

Friends, coaches, teachers and community members have all expressed the same feeling toward Marques, which was that he was an outstanding person who always gave his all, had a positive attitude and was simply a team player.

My first job in Key West was as a scorekeeper for the Little Conch Baseball League and in that first season in the press box I had the privilege of watching a group of 9- and 10-year-olds, who would later go on to win a state championship in high school, develop their skills. That group of players will always be special to me in so many ways. I enjoyed when they would excitedly run up to the score box following the game to see how many hits they collected or just to watch the game from a different angle, which I never minded, and amongst that group was Marques. Despite my being in high school, I could see there was something different about him even then.

I guess the reason was because one of my fondest memories from that season was when Marques came into the box by himself and I figured he wanted to know how he did, so I went back into the scorebook to check his stats. However, it was not just his stats he wanted, but he also wanted to know how the rest of his team did. To me that always made him special. He seemed more excited about what everyone else had done and not just what he had accomplished. From that point forward I guess I just assumed it was not always about him and from what I gather that never stopped.

From that point forward, I always remember rooting for him to succeed on the field and never minded when he graced the score box with his presence. I believe he made the all-star team that season -- I am fairly certain he had my vote -- and as time went forward his star continued to shine.

Though he was unable to play football in high school, since he had just one kidney, he still excelled in so many facets of athletics. It is his speed that is often brought up by his friends when talking about his best ability on the field, but it was the good hearted spirit, can-do attitude and encouragement that he brought to whatever he did that made everyone always want to be a part of his team.

By the time he reached Key West High, he decided to turn his focus to basketball and track, where he certainly always took his best shot, and still gave his all to his squads. When in track, his speed was best seen as part of the 4x400-meter relay team, on which he helped set a Conchs' school record. On the hardwood, rather than make the big shot, he would be just as pleased to dish out the big assist that would help send his team to victory. Although you might have to stand right next to him to hear what he was saying, it was the ways that he led by example that made so many just want to follow in what he was doing.

Marques' connection to the community and athletics ran deeper than just when he was in action. He was often seen in the stands rooting for the high school basketball teams as they made a march to the state finals or supporting the football teams, despite not being able to play the sport.

However, during his newest endeavor, which may have brought him back to the gridiron, he was hoping to be a part of the semi-pro football team the Bone Island Pirates, and once again shine for his home town. Whether he would have been able to actually play with the team or not, he was certainly already a part of the Pirates organization. For their first preseason matchup, the Pirates have discussed dedicating the game to Marques and good friend Brooke Paso, who also unexpectedly left us far too soon just a few short months ago.

There is no doubt in my mind after talking to his friends and family and what I remember of this young man that Marques was certainly the type of person that would gladly give you the shirt off his back if you needed it or not. Whether he knew you for 10 minutes or 10 years, he always treated everyone the same, with respect and courtesy.

Marques is truly one of Key West's Mr. Congenialities and we will never forget that he was a great friend and an even better person.

J.W. Cooke is a Citizen sports writer. He can be reached at 305-292-7777, Ext. 261, or at jwcooke@keysnews.com.