Dwight, thanks for the article and sharing your story. I have a similar one I’ve been going and seeing Brian at his care facility and spending time with him and helping him get things from the store just sent to his relatives. He was in good spirits last time I saw himlast month. I was going once a week and it was so nice to see him every time and talk sports in his room. 🎙️🏀🙏😇❤️
Thanks for this remembrance. I’ve fought - still fighting- the same battle. I’ll bookmark this column to provide some motivation during a particularly tough time.
Dwight, thank you for your heartfelt tribute and wise words. I have enjoyed your reflections and analysis for many years since your time at the Oregonian and Oregon journal on. Will miss hearing you on 620. I have had much respect for your experience and analysis going back to when you coached my son Brandon in Little League baseball. He completed his PhD in Math many years ago and is working in R&D at Intel. Best of luck in your continued sports writing. RIP Brian, Gary E
Wow .. thank you so much for the kind words... So happy that Brandon has recovered from my coaching to go on to such a successful career!... Appreciate your support here
Thank you, Dwight, for writing this. I was here for all 21 years of Brian's Blazers career, including his radio shows. His incredible knowledge of all sports was amazing, which is why I took pride in stumping him and Kenny during their "Stump the Band" trivia part of their show. That led to me winning a bus trip to a Mariners game with Brian, Kenny, Jay Allen and others. It was an incredible time, and Brian was very engaging with all of us. The other time I got to spend time talking with him was when the insurance company I was working for took a group tour of the Rose Garden. It was during the day, and not many people were there, but Wheels was. He sat down and talked with us for 15-20 minutes.
I'm glad he got to connect with his birth family in recent years. His radio calls of the games were incredible. I loved that he was an unapologetic homer. I also loved his professional standards of referring to players by their real names, not their nicknames. During his game calls, he would always say "Lillard", not "Dame", "Wallace", not "Sheed", "James", not "Lebron"...etc.
Lastly, a cool memory of him. He had been the voice of the Blazers for several years when one game it was arranged for Bill Schonely to call the third quarter of a game. After the third quarter, when Schonely was signing off, Wheels said, "Wait, I've been doing this long enough to recognize a hot hand when I see one. Why don't you finish the game." Schonely was very surprised and grateful. It showed Brian Wheeler's' class and respect for the Blazers broadcasting legend.
Dwight, I understand your pain as Wheels was an amazing man away from the mic! I met him through Jay Allen and he attended our church for a few years! We socialized for several years! I saw him fight the food demon and he just couldn’t win! I was hoping and praying he would overcome it but he would achieve very small victories and succumb to the demon again! He was one of the nicest, gentlest, generous dudes I’ve ever met! And, he is gone way too soon! Boomshakalaka forever!
Great Article about a great man gone too soon. I understand food addiction, it has been a lifelong battle for me. I believe part of what makes food addiction a challenge is it is widespread and accepted by many and often excused or almost encouraged by others, many times our loved ones. If I told a friend I was addicted to cocaine I would be received with great concern and strong encouragement to get help. On the other hand if I tell the same friend I am addicted to sugar and caffeine I am likely to get a fist bump and a "welcome to the club." My addiction isn't likely to be of a great alarm. I have medical issues that would likely go away if I got disciplined as to what I eat but find being consistent in this area a challenge. I know what works but doing it consistently is the challenge. Sending Hugs and Prayers your way Dwight as well as everyone in this fight. Not an easy fight but a worthwhile one for sure. Thank you very much for this powerful reminder and inspiration as I take on this fight. I have learned when I put health first all other parts of life are better as well. OK enough rambling for now. Sincerely wishing you, friends, family, myself and everyone fighting this battle the victory they desire!!! ❤️🙏❤️
Thank you very much!
Dwight, thanks for the article and sharing your story. I have a similar one I’ve been going and seeing Brian at his care facility and spending time with him and helping him get things from the store just sent to his relatives. He was in good spirits last time I saw himlast month. I was going once a week and it was so nice to see him every time and talk sports in his room. 🎙️🏀🙏😇❤️
Thanks for this remembrance. I’ve fought - still fighting- the same battle. I’ll bookmark this column to provide some motivation during a particularly tough time.
Thanks Steven... let's hope it sticks this time
Thank you for this kind and heartfelt column, Dwight. And please take care of yourself. We need your voice.
Dwight, thank you for your heartfelt tribute and wise words. I have enjoyed your reflections and analysis for many years since your time at the Oregonian and Oregon journal on. Will miss hearing you on 620. I have had much respect for your experience and analysis going back to when you coached my son Brandon in Little League baseball. He completed his PhD in Math many years ago and is working in R&D at Intel. Best of luck in your continued sports writing. RIP Brian, Gary E
Wow .. thank you so much for the kind words... So happy that Brandon has recovered from my coaching to go on to such a successful career!... Appreciate your support here
Hey Dwight, I’ve found that listening to a podcast or two was the perfect way to distract myself from the boredom of a walk.
Thinking of you and Brian at this time, my friend.
Thank you Wendell... sure miss seeing you around
Thank you, Dwight, for writing this. I was here for all 21 years of Brian's Blazers career, including his radio shows. His incredible knowledge of all sports was amazing, which is why I took pride in stumping him and Kenny during their "Stump the Band" trivia part of their show. That led to me winning a bus trip to a Mariners game with Brian, Kenny, Jay Allen and others. It was an incredible time, and Brian was very engaging with all of us. The other time I got to spend time talking with him was when the insurance company I was working for took a group tour of the Rose Garden. It was during the day, and not many people were there, but Wheels was. He sat down and talked with us for 15-20 minutes.
I'm glad he got to connect with his birth family in recent years. His radio calls of the games were incredible. I loved that he was an unapologetic homer. I also loved his professional standards of referring to players by their real names, not their nicknames. During his game calls, he would always say "Lillard", not "Dame", "Wallace", not "Sheed", "James", not "Lebron"...etc.
Lastly, a cool memory of him. He had been the voice of the Blazers for several years when one game it was arranged for Bill Schonely to call the third quarter of a game. After the third quarter, when Schonely was signing off, Wheels said, "Wait, I've been doing this long enough to recognize a hot hand when I see one. Why don't you finish the game." Schonely was very surprised and grateful. It showed Brian Wheeler's' class and respect for the Blazers broadcasting legend.
Thanks for a great post Jeff. You are fortunate to have those great memories
Dwight, I understand your pain as Wheels was an amazing man away from the mic! I met him through Jay Allen and he attended our church for a few years! We socialized for several years! I saw him fight the food demon and he just couldn’t win! I was hoping and praying he would overcome it but he would achieve very small victories and succumb to the demon again! He was one of the nicest, gentlest, generous dudes I’ve ever met! And, he is gone way too soon! Boomshakalaka forever!
Great Article about a great man gone too soon. I understand food addiction, it has been a lifelong battle for me. I believe part of what makes food addiction a challenge is it is widespread and accepted by many and often excused or almost encouraged by others, many times our loved ones. If I told a friend I was addicted to cocaine I would be received with great concern and strong encouragement to get help. On the other hand if I tell the same friend I am addicted to sugar and caffeine I am likely to get a fist bump and a "welcome to the club." My addiction isn't likely to be of a great alarm. I have medical issues that would likely go away if I got disciplined as to what I eat but find being consistent in this area a challenge. I know what works but doing it consistently is the challenge. Sending Hugs and Prayers your way Dwight as well as everyone in this fight. Not an easy fight but a worthwhile one for sure. Thank you very much for this powerful reminder and inspiration as I take on this fight. I have learned when I put health first all other parts of life are better as well. OK enough rambling for now. Sincerely wishing you, friends, family, myself and everyone fighting this battle the victory they desire!!! ❤️🙏❤️
I've just started walking again myself. I kinda like it.
I too am fighting an addiction, one I can stop using. Thanks for the perspective of understanding Brian’s dilemma with food. Great article!
Thanks Ken
Thanks for writing this Dwight. I understand and fight the same battle. This is a good reminder to get back to disciplined eating.
Thank you... hope it helps -- you and me