SANDUSKY, Ohio – The simple words of Perkins High School tennis coach Joseph Taylor said it all: “Alan Schlessman was an outstanding young man.”

His words were echoed by everyone who shared their memories of Alan Schlessman, who was laid to rest Saturday.

Schlessman, a 21-year-old sophomore in business at Ohio State University, died along with four of his friends in a fire April 13 at 64 E.17th Ave.

More than 600 friends and family members gathered at Trinity United Methodist Church in Sandusky to remember and say goodbye to Schlessman, who was originally from Perkins Township, near Sandusky. So many came, that, as guests stood lining the inside of the church, additional seating was set up in a separate room so more friends and family could attend the service.

Everyone shared stories of a young man who touched many lives, young and old. They told of an outstanding athlete who was captain of his Perkins High School tennis team, and Perkins’ first state golf champion in 2001. They told of a person who loved his family, friends and who loved life.

“The last time I saw him he had a big smile on his face,” said Sandeep Syal, a sophomore in family resource management and a housemate of Schlessman. “He lived life to its fullest.”

Pictures of Schlessman surrounded the lobby of the church before the funeral. There were pictures of him as a young boy swinging a plastic golf club and then some of him from high school swinging a club as he won the state championship. There were pictures of Schlessman with his parents and sisters enjoying vacations, and pictures with his friends from OSU at football games and parties.

Housemate John Chambers, a sophomore in business, remembered Schlessman as one of the most laid-back, easy going and care-free people he had ever met.

“Al would never hesitate to let you borrow his car or throw in a couple extra bucks for pizza. That’s just who he was,” he said.

“Big Al,” as he was affectionately known by friends and family, also had a love and gift for working with kids. In high school he was involved in “Pirates for Peers” in which he helped tutor handicapped children.

His father, John Schlessman, said he would also shorten dates or plans with friends so he could spend time with his younger cousins when they unexpectedly stopped by his house.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better role model,” said his aunt Lynn Widdoes-Hessenauer, reading from a diary Lori Schlessman kept for her son.

In the end, all the love Schlessman gave to the world was given back. His wake Friday night lasted nine hours, and the line of people wishing to pay their last respects stretched more than three blocks out of the church. Saturday, the funeral procession stretched as far as the eye could see through the streets of Sandusky, totaling more than 100 cars.

“Look around,” Widdoes-Hessenauer said. “Did you ever imagine in 21 years one could have touched so many lives?”

As a tribute to Schlessman, a special rendition of “Carmen Ohio” was sung just before the service came to a close.

“My side of the family usually roots for Michigan, but today we sang “Carmen Ohio” as loud as we could,” said his aunt Ann Schlessman-Voigt.

John Schlessman said he hopes to set up a scholarship for Perkins High School seniors in his son’s name. He also plans on starting a golf and tennis clinic for underprivileged youths – which had previously been a dream years away – as early as this summer. But for those looking to honor Alan Schlessman in a simpler way, he had this suggestion.

“The next time a young person comes to your door and asks you to play, just do what Al did. Give them a smile and go out and play.”