Bill Walsh, whose death at age 75 was announced Monday, was more than a Hall of Fame football coach. The longtime Woodside resident was a friend and mentor to an entire generation of coaches (of a variety of sports), teachers, business professionals and others who dealt with people. Walsh was a master motivator and communicator. He was gifted in that regard. He understood people far better than most in his chosen field of endeavor. The College of San Mateo alum _ he played football there in the early 1950s _ developed a knack for getting the best out of his players, assistant coaches and even front office types during his highly productive years with the Forty Niners. His innovative influence spread far beyond the football field, however. He was in demand as a public speaker. Corporations understood Walsh’s gifts. Extremely bright and articulate and blessed with a sense of humor, often self-deprecating, he could get his critical points across succinctly and without crushing the spirit of the intended target, or targets, of his focused comments. That came in especially handy during his career in the National Football League, where ego and big money tend to dominate. But the NFL was just a part of his legacy. His influence stretched far beyond that realm. Walsh will be missed by just about everyone who came in touch with him. There probably won’t be another like him for a very long time.