Story Title: Worlds Greatest Fan
By: Jeff Baksa
In my younger years of travel hockey, little league baseball, and jazz band, I never has a huge following.But there was one I’ll never forget, my Dad. No matter how far we traveled what day of week, hour of the day, how many hours in the drivers seat; he was always there.
During hockey games the bleachers would not suffice, he stood behind the glass of whatever net I manned, I thought he was all time goal judge. After every game he could give me a play by play of my greatest saves of the game, even the ones I couldn’t remember.
In little league he was in the dugout or on the field teaching me how to love and respect the game. Hours of “pepper” in the front yard, sore shoulder from batting practice, and the meat hand and sore shins from teaching me how to pitch.
Jazz band sitting on the rythm section side of the audience, smile from ear to ear, tapping his foot along with my bassline, every concert. He never once asked me to turn it down, although warranted, when I practiced all night. He instead bought me a headphone amplifier.
No matter what I did with my time, Dad was always there to let me know how important I was. When people ask me why I coach 4 or 5 baseball teams a summer, or 2 hockey teams every winter, or never miss a football practice to be on the field with my son I just say,”It’s what my Dad did and its important to me to make my kids feel as important as my Dad made me feel.”.
Thank you Dad for giving me a gift to pass on to my children and every other child that God puts in my path on the playing field. I love You and miss you every day.
Love The B man Zeke
Bonnie Hess says
Mary Jane and Family My thought and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time but just remember that George is in a better place and he is not suffering any more. I will keep you in my prayers.
Bill Bixler says
I was grateful for being able listen to the wit and wisdom George was willing to share during his calls and visit to the Dan Dakich radio show. Even during his final weeks his strength and message was a gift to many listeners. We lost a good one.
Jessica Hill says
Baksa Family,
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. However, I rejoice in knowing that George is now with Christ, an event that he was looking so forward to. He is no longer suffering and can finally be embraced by his Savior. My prayers and love are with you and I know that George is now truly in the place he has always longed for.
Lovingly,
Jessica
Aunt Anne Rob Antes says
I have such beautiful memories of George growing up with my children at his Big Tree home. He will be missed. All our love to you and the family from his Aunt anne(his mother’s sister)
Kelly Drake Rachels sister says
We are so sorry for your loss but we rejoice to know that George is with Christ. We will continue to keep your family in our prayers.
Mark and Mary Price says
Dear Mary Jane, Jeff, Casey, Rachel, and family,
Wish we were there to celebrate George’s life through the memorial mass. Our hearts and love are with you. I will miss my brother very much, but know he is at peace. Love to all of you.
Brian Anna Audrey and Natalie Hannum says
Mary Jane,
We send you our deepest condolences. Audrey and Natalie had George as a Sunday school teacher and they liked him very much. They thought he was funny and a big tease. He will be missed very much.
~the Hannum family
Tony Baksa says
I feel so fortunate to have shared in the celebration of my brother’s life at his Memorial. I don’t think I’ll ever forget it. It comforts me greatly to know Georgie had a substantial circle of friends and a loving family. Thank you MJ, Casey, Jeff and your wonderful Indiana family for loving my brother.
Tracy Darmer says
Dear MJ, Casey, and Baksa Family,
I met George only once, but I liked him immediately. I wish I’d had more opportunities to be in his presence to enjoy his easy laugh, room-brightening smile, and easy-going nature.
Wishing you peace and strength,
Tracy Darmer
Gary Shirley Hosking says
It is with great sorrow that we send our condolences for My cousin George’s passing. So many great childhood memories of him. Our sympathy and prayers are with you.
Aunt Anne rob antes says
our hearts are heavy with sorrow for your loss, but he is with the Lord and receiving his crown of glory
Vince and Rosanne Scarsella and Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with George and his family. I have many fond memories of a wonderful cousin who we all will miss greatly. Now he is forever with Uncle George and Aunt Bertha.
George Scharton says
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of a long time yet distant friend. George was a mentor and I was as well to him regarding salvation and Jesus Christ. He was a manager at Radio Shack and would pick me up every morning on his way into work from Bloomington. It was in Brooklyn Indiana where George came to listen to one of my Contemporary Christian Music artists on tape. He loved music and I believe opened him up to a deep belief in a saviour. George and I always struggled as friends, but I always knew that it came from a place of love. I confessed to George about my failings and we never spoke again. My sincerest condolences to MaryJane, Casey and to the rest of his extended famly.
Rosalind SpikerWiltse says
To George’s family, I was shocked and deeply saddened to read of George’s passing. It was wonderful to see him at our last Frontier Central High School Reunion. He loved his family and his face lit up when speaking about you. We had a special Class of ’64 at FCHS, and George will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to all of you.
Rosalind (Spiker) Wiltse
Diane Evans Zaferakis says
Just heard through classmates of George’s passing. It was wonderful seeing him at our last FCHS reunion. George told the funniest story and had us all laughing. My deepest sympathy to his family. Diane Evans Zaferakis
Ed and Judy Champa says
Ed and I had no idea George had passed away. We remember him from Radio Shack. RIP George.