The George Foreman I knew was generous, kind and determined to set an example

The great heavyweight champion took his religion seriously and became lifelong friends with Muhammad Ali

George Foreman died on Friday at the muchtooyoung age of 76. His aura of strength was such that there were times when it seemed as though he'd live for ever.

People know about George Foreman the fighter and George Foreman the product pitchman; holding a small American flag in the ring after winning a gold medal at the 1968 Olympics; dethroning Joe Frazier in Jamaica; losing the title to Muhammad Ali in Zaire; the quixotic ring comeback that culminated in a 10th-round knockout of Michael Moorer to reclaim the heavyweight crown; and George Foreman's Lean Mean Grilling Machine, which earned him more than $100m. I lived through those times. But I was also privileged to know George as a person.