Long-time Cardinals personnel executive Virgilee "Bo" Bolinger passed away Friday at his home in Tempe at the age of 78. Bolinger held a number of positions during his three decades with the team, including Director of College Scouting (1994-97) and Senior Scout (1998-2000).

"The biggest compliment I could give Bo is that he was not only a true 'football man' but he was also at all times a gentleman," Cardinals owner Bill Bidwill said. "He was the type of person who was always upbeat, always positive, and he could light up a room with his presence. Our organization was better because he was a part of it and our sincere condolences go out to his wife Barbara and the entire family."

An All-America selection as a guard at the University of Oklahoma, Bolinger finished ninth in Heisman voting following his senior season and was a starter on the  Sooners national championship team of 1955. He was selected by the Chicago Cardinals in the 13th round of the 1956 NFL Draft. He went on to coach at the collegiate level for 11 seasons, including stints at the University of Denver, Tulsa, New Mexico and Utah State, and spent two seasons as the offensive line coach for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League before joining the Cardinals organization in 1971.

Following his time with the Cardinals, Bolinger went on to serve as a scout for the Tennessee Titans before retiring three years ago.

He is survived by his wife Barbara and three daughters, Sharon, Susan and Sandra along with four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

A memorial service for Bolinger is planned for Aug. 27 at 2 p.m. and will take place at the First United Methodist Church of Tempe (215 East University Drive).