February 19, 2015

Yesterday, our community lost one of the greats: former Portland Trail Blazer Jerome Kersey.

I do not have the words to express my shock and sadness at his sudden passing.

I was lucky enough to spend some time with Jerome at Schoolhouse Supplies' Celebrity Spelling Bee last month -- we were on the same team. He brought his lovely wife and step-daughter as guests.

It was easy to tell that Jerome was the biggest "celebrity" there -- throughout the evening, people asked for his autograph and a photograph. He was always more than happy to oblige.

Before that, I once played a game of H-O-R-S-E with him.

I lost, naturally.

Jerome was a great player and ambassador for the Trail Blazers and our entire community. He was also a wonderful human being. Wherever I saw him, people were drawn to him. He always found time to give back.

It was an honor to know him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and fans today.

Nick