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A Tribute to John "Mark" Russell

B

buballer82

New member
I wanted to take a minute and post in honor of my father Mark who was a huge Bradley basketball fan. He unexpectantly died Friday evening at the age of 59. He was responsible for starting my two brothers and I on the path of being Bradley Basketball Fanatics! I have fond memories of him taking us to the open practices Stan Albeck used to run, and ever since that first time I saw the red and white in person, I have been obsessed. He was an avid follower of Bradleyfans until his eye sight limited his ability to read. After that I would give him regular updates of the goings on of the board much to his delight. He always would ask about new recruits and was very excited about the prospect of Lemon and Ocherobia coming this season. When I saw the signing of the newest big man, it brought tears to my eyes thinking that I wouldn't be able to call him and update him anymore. I have to say, in his mind Bradley was the favorite to win the Valley every season, only to be disappointed time and time again when they came up short. It did teach me one thing though, to always be optimistic and if you are, your love for Bradley Basketball will never fade. Here's to my dad - BU, BU, BU!
 
Losing one's dad is never easy, but to lose him at age 59 must be extremely difficult. Your dad sounds like my kind of guy. And it sounds like he raised some mighty fine sons and created some great memories. You have my sincere sympathy.
 
I will have you and your family in my prayers. My condolence goes out to you. My father past away a long time ago and I can say that those memories that you have with your dad heading to games will be relived time and time again. His spirit will remain with you and your family for the rest of your life. Some of my best memories of my dad was us heading to Oriole's game with my brothers or playing catch. It's amazing how many people have had positive memories stamped into their brains of their father around sporting events. That's why Field of Dreams tears me up.
 
Sorry for your loss....Here's to your Father, and the "Bradley Family Bond" we all share as fans.:wink:
 
I did not know your Dad personally but after reading your post, I do know that he was a very special person and family man, who took a very loving interest in raising his sons:!: It is NEVER easy when you lose someone you love:!: I lost my mom 3 years ago and there is never a day that I don't think of her and all she did for us 5 kids. My prayers and my most sincere sympathy go out to you and your family:)
May BU win a Big one for your Dad:)
 
My dad was never a college basketball fan, so cherish those memories you have of your dad and the Braves. I picked up my love for the St. Louis Cardinals from my old man, and still love to talk to him about them every day.

I don't know you, baller, but please know that your family will be included in my prayers tonight.
 
I'm sorry for your loss baller. I'm fortunate not to have had to deal with such a loss yet. From the way you speak of your dad I can tell he was a truly great dad. May he rest in peace, and may you find comfort from your great memories of a great man.
 
That puts it all in perspective... Remember him fondly every time you go to a BU game- MY mom and dad both got us going- and hopefully we are doing them proud now they both have passed away..

Godspeed to your dad....
 
So sorry to hear about your loss. God bless your family and cherish the memories that you have and had with your family.
 
I am also sorry for your loss , it is always hard to lose a loved one that you shared so many good times together, hope by the time basketball season comes around that you will be able to remember all the special games you shared with your father.
 
Yeah, he was a true BU fan like no other. I can remember him hyping some incoming BU players like they were going straight to the HOF, only to see them be average at best. Not 1 but 2 6-year senior centers come to mind. He was always excited about the new recruits, the returning players and as was already said, he'd have no problem predicting a BU first place Valley finish year after year after year. Wish he could have been here for when it finally does happen!!
 
Sorry it took me so long to get one on here, buballer82, but when I see dad again, I want to be able to tell him I had a post on this thread too...

Dad was the ultimate kool-aid drinker for Bradley Basketball. I know many people on this forum think I'm a BU/Les hater, which couldn't be further from the truth. I'm just battle weary from trying to keep Dad's expectations and wild predictions somewhat grounded:lol:

I'll never forget when Dad took me to get my picture with Voise Winters when I was about 5 but I was too awestruck to go through with it. I ended up getting a picture with a white dude I can't even remember instead!

I remember going to a real game at the fieldhouse against SIU and sitting in the front row. Too cool when you are a little kid!

I remember listening to the games on the radio together. I remember thinking that Mike Cash and the boys could somehow rally up to victory. I remember you me and Dad in the living room, listening to the BU-SIU game where the Braves were down 18 with 5 minutes to go, and 15 with 3 minutes left, but 3 Eric Roberson steals and an incredible Anthony Parker buzzerbeater brought them all the way back in the most incredible few minutes of Bradley Basketball I've ever experienced. I remember vividly Dave Snell's call, and I remember us screaming and yelling and laughing and me picking you up to where your head almost hit the ceiling. And every time I hear that play-by-play at the end of the Bradley Loyalty Song on the BU Basketball band CD, I think of that moment in the living room. And I'll always remember him being there. From the beginning of Braves Plus to the very end of the postgame show, he was there. From the fieldhouse, to carver arena, to Hinkle Fieldhouse for our first Rollin' with the Braves bus trip (that was, I think, his favorite moment), to St. Louis for all those Valley tournaments, he was there. And in our memories, he always will be.


And BTW, Braves4Life, had his eyesight not failed him in the last few years, he would have appreciated your array of avatars the most! :lol::lol::lol: (I couldn't get through this without one more zing on ya, pops!!!)
 
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My condolences go out to you on the loss of your father buballer. He sounded like a great person. Here's hoping he can spur Bradley onto that Valley championship next year! :)
 
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