A Tribute to John "Mark" Russell

[buballer82]

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!

[TNel]

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.

[SFP]

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.

[Big Mike]

Sorry for your loss....Here's to your Father, and the "Bradley Family Bond" we all share as fans.

[Out of Balance]

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

[electricmayhem]

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.

[mrcoachdude]

Sorry for your loss....Here's to your Father, and the "Bradley Family Bond" we all share as fans.

Ditto!.....God Bless your family...

[Braves4Life]

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.

[Da Coach]

So sorry to hear about the loss of your dad, buballer.

[Braveman]

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....

[tornado]

Very sorry to hear -- that is so young....

[BUfan14]

Ditto!.....God Bless your family...

Ditto for me too! Sounds like he was a great guy, my prayers to you and your family. I'm sure right now he is putting in a good word for Bradley basketball next year!

[Beninator]

So sorry to hear about your loss. God bless your family and cherish the memories that you have and had with your family.

[Missouri Brave]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Baller. God bless.

[real fan]

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.