Sports journalist Bryan Burwell, who wrote for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and occasionally made appearances on ESPN’s The Sports Reporters and worked as on-air talent for CBS Sports 920 in St. Louis, passed away early Thursday after enduring a brief battle with cancer. He was 59.
Burwell was well-respected and well-liked in the industry. His colleague and fellow sportswriter at the Post-Dispatch, Bernie Miklasz, wrote a touching tribute about him. Here is an emotionally evocative excerpt:
Until the end of his life, Bryan maintained the kind of enthusiasm that often wanes when sportswriters and broadcasters have been in the industry for a decade or two. Well, it was impossible to diminish his joy or take away his laughter. Not until Thursday, when this great man and cherished friend and colleague died too soon at age 59, succumbing to the evil cancer that he couldn’t conquer.We’re all in a daze now. Bryan’s special wife Dawn and their beautiful daughter Victoria are devastated by his death, and we ask that you please keep them in your prayers.
The last few months have been agonizing. Bryan had been diagnosed in October, suddenly and without much warning. It was cruel. And it was hopeless. But oh man, how he tried to fight it.
When I received the stunning news of the cancer, the Cardinals were playing the Giants in the National League championship series. I was at AT&T Park in San Francisco. I headed out to the McCovey Cove area above right field. The park wasn’t open to the public; the first pitch was several hours away. And I cried like a blubbering-baby fool as I wrote a heartfelt email to him.
Burwell’s response: “Stay positive. I’m going to kick this thing’s butt,” he told me in a text message.
You see, this is how it worked with Bryan. He went out of his way to provide comfort and good cheer to others, even as he coped with the horrific, unavoidable reality of a terminal illness.
Truly, just in reading his story, one is left feeling the enormity of his loss and the greatness of his humanity.
Fellow members of the media remembered Burwell, offering kind words and sympathies on Twitter.
Woke up to the news that sports media giant Bryan Burwell passed. The legend broke barriers for black journalists. No ego. Big loss. Sad Day
— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) December 4, 2014
Bryan Burwell’s one of people in business who had done everything and done it so well. Tremendous mentor to young writers, kind man. RIP.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) December 4, 2014
Bryan Burwell walked into room and commanded respect of everyone. It wasn’t “Look at me,” as much as “Watch me.” Few so respected and liked.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) December 4, 2014
Such a horrible way to wake up on the PST… phone inundated w/ messages abt Bryan Burwell’s passing. But goes to show his impact on so many
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) December 4, 2014
He was always the 1st writer I’d read from the hometown paper. Truly, may God give peace & comfort to the Burwell family. What a man.
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) December 4, 2014
We lost a great man and a great writer today. RT @STLtoday Post-Dispatch sports columnist Bryan Burwell dies at 59: http://t.co/CgzV0FR8EZ
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) December 4, 2014
Condolences to the family of Bryan Burwell, who died of cancer this morning. He was a great columnist & example.
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) December 4, 2014
Stunned by news of the passing of @realbburwell ..worked w/Bryan @ CNN Sports in 90’s covering NBA. A gentleman and fine reporter. Very sad
— Vince Cellini (@Vince_Cellini) December 4, 2014
Burwell was not without his friends and supporters among former NBA athletes.
Thoughts and Prayers to the family and friends of Bryan Burwell. Class man who will be missed.
— Mark Jackson (@MarkJackson13) December 4, 2014
Bryan Burwell R.I.P my friend.
— Isiah Thomas (@iamisiahthomas) December 4, 2014
Sad to here the passing of Bryan Burwell, when I say GREAT man, great man.. God now has his Editor in Chief..
— Reggie Miller (@ReggieMillerTNT) December 4, 2014
I’m very sad to hear the news that my friend and one of the best sports columnists in America, Bryan Burwell, has passed. Rest In Peace.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) December 4, 2014
My good friend Bryan Burwell conducted hundreds of interviews with me and we spent many hours just talking basketball & hanging out.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) December 4, 2014
I will miss Bryan dearly.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) December 4, 2014
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