As the son of parents who were funeral directors, I know all too well that death is a natural part of life. But it sure seems like saying good bye has been a big part of my life and people I know and/or with whom I work in the last few weeks.
The current string of bad news began in August when we mourned the passing of our good friend Ann Lueken, wife of Rock Director of Athletics Paul Lueken, after her valiant battle with breast cancer.
In early December came the sudden death of Leo King, a manager for The Rock men’s basketball team and younger brother of Rock Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach Jareem Dowling. That was the first of three deaths within the Rock men’s basketball program within a week. Senior forward Maron Brown’s father and junior guard Devin Taylor’s stepfather both passed away shortly after Leo.
This week, we learned of the sudden death of former Rock men’s player Itay Levi in Israel.
In between Leo’s passing and receiving the word of Itay’s death, I was also personally touched by the loss of a mentor, former SRU English professor Ed Walsh, along with parents of co-workers and close personal friends Bruce Boliver, Vic Campagna, Jill Fleske and Jonell Yard. And in a less-direct way by the passing of SRU staff member Patti Pink’s husband and former SRU AD and golf coach Dr. Bob Raymond.
(Pause)
I have this sinking feeling I am forgetting someone. If so, I sincerely apologize to the family and friends. The volume of the losses is a bit overwhelming.
To all the families and friends of those who have recently moved to their eternal home: Take comfort in knowing your loved ones are in a much better place, where pain and suffering can no longer touch them.
I have to think they’re all together with my parents, grandparents and many, many family and friends who preceded them, on the beach of which Ann Lueken always spoke as her picture of Heaven, where the sun always shine, snow never falls and we shall all eventually reside.
Thanks for listening.
Bob McComas
Sports Information Director
