February 9, 2010
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The Daily News
1 So...Coach Chuck Bean...2 It was a fast one. I found out last week that he had brain cancer, but kept some stuff out of the DN until I could get more info.
3 Sometimes the world doesn't wait for us to gather info. Such is the case with Coach Bean. Jennifer Izzarelli contacted me that Coach had taken a turn for the worse, and was being treated by hospice.
4 Anyway, yesterday at 4:30 p.m., Coach Chuck Bean left us. Jennifer visited him on Friday, and said that he broke into a big smile when he saw her, so despite all, he was a teacher who appreciated the students that he not only inspired, but who inspired him as well.
5 I wish I had gotten enough info and all from the family to clue everyone I knew, but as always, I had to delay any sort of public news until I was aware of the family's wishes.
6 I remember seeing Coach as a guy who gave everything to his family and to his students. Coach Bean was one of the rare teachers who gave his all to everyone, and in that regard, he was always my hero. His work ethic and professionalism were epic, and I always admired his dedication to teaching.
7 Shattering news...
8 It sure puts a lot of things in perspective.
9 I'll give you more info about services, etc. as they come in. I would like to thank both Jennifer and Tracy Wolcott for helping us get the word out, but as I said, I wanted to respect the family and not write anything that might have caused them any stress.
10 Please take a moment to give a thought or prayer to Coach Bean and his entire family, as well as to all of his friends, and former athletes.
11 Tough one to write about, lemme tellya.
12 I shall keep you all posted.
13 Moving on, Part 1: A little side note: Jennifer's horse, Star at the time, was the very famous horse used in our 1995 production of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream! The name was later changed to Cherokee, but anyone who was there that night will always remember the entrance of Puck, Richard Lambert, through the amazing forest we built. Sparkling, magical, and an "Awwww..." from the audience.
14 Star, or Cherokee, took to the stage, looking everything like a magical unicorn, and making for one of the most memorable moments in the history of the Workshop.
15 Good days, good times, and one more moment in life that was absolutely magical.
16 Whew.17 Change.
18 Well, as always, I could only handle so much in one short night.
19 For what it's worth, Coach Bean's passing is a rite of passage for all of us, a time of putting everything in perspective, and appreciating everybody we hold dear.
20 I'm moved this night. I was all ready to grade papers, jump into lesson planning, play some guitar, and enjoy everything I possibly could.
21 I still did most of those things, because if I know Coach, he would have wanted the world to just keep turning.
22 Still, I've known of this for a coupla days, and so the quickness really hit me hard.
23 Been a tough year; been a tough five years. I've lost far too many people, more than I could ever have thought. I remain strong, and wish only that you all embrace life with all your heart and soul.
24 And fight hard to live this life for all it's worth, and to love everybody you hold dear with all the hugs and heart you can.
25 Again, I will try to keep you all posted as to where and when we could join and support Coach and his entire family, which also includes anybody he ever inspired.
26 Stay tuned.
27 Peace.
Comments (1)
Hi -
Chuck was my brother. I have not seen this page before. Thanks for posting this. It makes me sad when I see things like this but it also lifts my heart to know that his footprint in his community was quite large and that he had quite an impact.
Can you tell me anything about this pic ? If I've seen it before, my memory is failing me.
Thanks, Brian Bean