The news came nearly one right after another, first the passing of former Bulls great and broadcaster Norm Van Lier, followed almost 24 hours later by news of the passing of former Bulls great and longtime game broadcaster Johnny “Red” Kerr.

For many Chicago Bulls fans, these two have been as synonymous with the Chicago Bulls as just about any player, coach or owner.  These two have been providing the pre-games, broadcasts and post-game shows for years.

Johnny “Red” Kerr

Although up there in years and experiencing ever-deteriorating health due to prostate cancer, Bulls fans still expected to see Kerr courtside calling the game.  After all, he had been doing it for over thirty years.  He had to take a break from broadcasting just this season due to his health.  It was only a couple weeks ago that the Chicago Bulls put together a tribute for this Bulls great, recognizing not only his contributions to the organization, but to the NBA in general.

Kerr has a reputation around Chicago as one of the most approachable people in sports.  I couldn’t tell you how many stories I’ve heard of someone walking up to Kerr in public or even at Bulls games and Kerr just talking with them about basketball as if that person was an old friend of his.

My own personal story, though brief, was when I happened to see Kerr waiting for a plane at O’Hare International Airport.  He was with someone, I would imagine family, so I didn’t want to disturb him, but I did want to shake his hand.  So, I approached him in the terminal waiting area, and before I could even say something he was already extending his hand.  I told him what a pleasure it was to meet him and how I’ve enjoyed his broadcasts.  He gave me a sincere “thank you” and “nice to meet you.”  I then proceeded on my way.  Although just a few seconds, it was apparent that Kerr was a genuinely nice guy, who would always make time for anyone, especially his fans.

Norm Van Lier

I remember when I was about nine years old, I met Norm for the first time.  He was doing a signing with Chicago Bear Jim Morrissey at the local shopping mall, and as I approached the table, he greeted me with an enormous smile.  As I asked for his autograph, he made it a point to actually converse with me, a nine-year-old, about school, sports, whatever.  While I don’t exactly remember the substance of the conversation, what I do remember and will always remember is his large smile and his eagerness to relate to and make time for his fans, regardless of age.

Yesterday, guest after guest phoned into the local radio shows to share their stories about Norm, their appreciation for the man, and their remorse.  Oscar Robertson, Mike Ditka and Jerry West were just a few of the guests.  One story I want to relate comes from Danny Zederman, who produces the Carmen, Jurco and Harry show for ESPN 1000 here in Chicago.  Apparently he found out about Norm’s passing right before the show started, and they decided at the last second to make the show a tribute to Van Lier.  He called up Oscar Robertson and asked if Robertson would be willing to be a guest, and Robertson hadn’t known of Van Lier’s passing until then.  Robertson said he would love to, but the news hit him hard and he needed about a half hour to collect himself before he went on.  Zederman noted that sports stars were jumping at the opportunity all day to pay their tributes to who they felt was a great man.

Both of these men are engrained in Chicago sports history forever, and they have certainly left their legacy through the impact they’ve had on not just the Bulls organization but on the NBA.  However, these two will best be known for the great people that they were, always friendly, always sincere and always appreciative.  It truly is a sad time for Chicago sports, and, in my opinion, for sports in general.

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