Wednesday, November 15, 2006

In Memoriam

My uncle, Robert Brennan, Sr., lost his battle with leukemia this morning. He passed away peacefully at home with his wife and a son present. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, four children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

He was a strong, quiet and labor-toughened man. Along with his love of family, his love of hunting and Penn State football is legendary. His Pennsylvania mountain home was always open to me as I moved from boyhood to manhood. Long will I remember all too short Christmas days sitting in front of his fireplace and long summer nights chasing fireflies with him.

I dedicated my race at Ironman St. Croix 70.3 to him to promote awareness of the need to cure blood cancers and provide patient services for all suffering from these terrible diseases. My last contact with him was when I told him I finished Ironman Florida and his name was the first one on the list of names I took along on the race.

You're probably here reading this because you are interested in triathlon and endurance athletics. Please do me a favor... it won't take much time... go to the Team in Training web site and search for what TNT is doing in your area. Who knows, maybe there's an event that interests you and you will join in the fight.

The next time you're at a race and see the purple and green TNT jersey say...

correct that...

yell,

"Go TEAM!" and you'll encourage an everyday hero racing to save lives; just like his.

Uncle Bob... you'll be missed.

18 comments:

Jill said...

So sorry for your loss. I am glad he was able to see all that you have accomplished - especially with Ironman. But more importantly what you have done for LLS via TNT.

Vickie said...

I'm very sorry for your loss. Your uncle was just waiting for you to finish your race so this wouldn't be on your mind. He will be missed, I am sure, but he will be in a better place.

Nancy Toby said...

I'm sorry about your uncle. I'll bet he was extraordinarily proud of his nephew.

Jeremy said...

My condolences to you and your family.

Pixie said...

My heart goes out to you and your family.

Iron Pol said...

Ditto Vickie. People are on earth long enough to see and do those things they need to see and do.

And now, he is free of the cancer he fought. His body may have lost the battle, but he won.

Born To Endure said...

So sorry to hear of your great loss, he will be missed, but you will keep his memories alive!!

LoneStarCrank said...

Uncle Bob and those fighting for another day remind us of who the real Ironmen really are...your honoring him and the other 270+ was an incredible tribute.

:) said...

Sorry for your loss, B. He is proud of you...

Bolder said...

thinking of you, and your family

Unknown said...

My condolences to you and yours.

Barb said...

Brian, I'm so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family.

Spokane Al said...

So sorry for your loss. I suspect his impact on you is generating waves of good as you continue to go through life.

Brent Buckner said...

My condolences. I'll do the yell.

Anonymous said...

I am so very sorry for your loss. Words too often fall short, but know that you, your work towards awareness and services, and your memories of him will allow his legacy to live on.

SingletrackJenny (formerly known as IronJenny) said...

I' sorry to hear of your loss. But like all the other posts, he had to be very proud of you, and you were very lucky to know him, too.
Thank you so much for all you are doing for LLS. Go Team! xoxoxo
Jenny

greyhound said...

You come from a long line of fighters, no doubt. Our prayers are for you.

Kim said...

boom, i'm so sorry to hear of your Uncle Bob's passing. I will keep him and your family in my thoughts and prayers. I would be honored to have him as one of my honored heros for my next TNT race.