Untimely death

Sad news from the old home town today. Ex NBA player, Kevin Duckworth, of Trailblazer fame passed away at the age of 44.

I remember going to one of my first games, and getting his autograph. Although busy with pre-game rituals of warming up and shooting hoops, he took the time to come over and talk with a group of us kids who were there court-side.

I met him years later in Vancouver, I think he was running a restaurant or a gym or something. We spoke briefly in the parking lot, and I left with the feeling that he was the same genuine guy who used to represent the Blazers back in the day. As I reflect back now on the first encounter and the encounter in the parking lot, I can honestly say he was a good guy, and am happy that I cheered for him during those years. He was an ambassador on and off the court, to the end, for the NBA and playing hoops.

Good bye Duck!