By Scott Huff
Words are often inadequate to describe the impact that some people have on others.
Such is the case with Bruce Stansbury who died suddenly of an apparent heart attack hours after Council Rock South’s football game last Friday night.
Coach is one word.
Stansbury was an offensive line coach for the Golden Hawks the last six seasons under head coach Vince Bedesem.
“There wasn’t a better coach with the X’s and O’s,” said Bedesem. “He was a stickler for technique, and he always wanted the players to get it right.
“But he was also always worried about the kids getting playing time,” added the coach. “He always saw the good in every player.”
Teacher is another word.
Stansbury was a special education teacher within the Council Rock School District for 24 years. He was also involved in Special Olympics.
“Bruce had a tremendous impact of the staff and students,” said Council Rock athletic director Buff Radick. “He had a special rapport with his students, and he loved his kids.”
“Bruce had a strong sense of detail in the classroom,” added Bedesem. “His students never left the classroom without knowing exactly what was expected of them.”
Stansbury was a man of all athletic seasons at CR South as he kept score for both the basketball and wrestling teams during the winter season and also was an assistant track coach during the spring.
“This is a difficult time for us,” said Radick. He will be greatly missed.”
Friend.
“I have known Bruce since I have been nine years old,” said Bedesem. “He was my brother’s room mate at West Chester, and I was thrilled to have him be a member of my staff. He was not only an assistant coach – he was my friend.
“His loss has been very hard on everyone – the coaches, the team, and the community,” added Bedesem. “The players have been outstanding in the way they handled themselves at the services, and that in itself is a tribute to Bruce.”
Family.
Stansbury married his high school sweetheart – Mimi. He was also the father of five children - Kelly (Korn), George, Michael, Amy, and Lisa, and two grandchildren - Sandra and Travis Korn.
“The family is very special,” said Bedesem. “I’m trying to console Mimi, and she is talking about how the family wants the contributions in his memory to go to the ‘Turf the Rocks’ fund.
“Bruce always said that if he won the lottery all the money would go to buying a stadium for South and putting in a turf field,” continued Bedesem.
Gentle Giant.
“The best way to describe Bruce was that he was a gentle giant,” said Bedesem. “Everyone who knew Bruce would agree to that.”
Amen.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given in Stansbury’s memory to ‘Turf the Rocks,’ PO Box 1375, Newtown PA 18940.
- Log in to post comments
0
