Event The Celebration of Life for Brian Wheeler

[SlyPokerDog]

Tonight was Wheels' memorial.

It was a beautiful private event hosted by the Blazers at Dr Jack's

The invitation to attend was a surprise, and I was honored to represent all of you and to express how much he meant to the forum.

All the former players, past and present PNW broadcasters, current and former Blazer executives, and employees who showed up to honor and remember Wheels and what he meant to all of Rip City were amazing.

The Blazers even brought in members of his family. As some of you who attended the Wheels' Meet and Greets over the years know Wheels' search for his birth parents and his eventual finding of them. He would have been so happy to know they were there.

Thank you to the Blazers for making this happen and for allowing me to attend.

As Kenny Eggers said, Wheels replaced a legend and became one himself.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

I was on a bit of a leash, I am a dog, so I'm not sure how much I can share. I was asked not to take pictures, which I wouldn't have but someone we know did and sent it to me.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Thank you for both representing us and the words

 

[jlprk]

Can you list the names who attended? Even if a local news article does that, you could post your personal observations of attendees.

 

[Strenuus]

Brian Wheeler is the voice for me. He empitomized the Fandom and emboldened it in me. It's not the same (no disrespect to Travis in the slightest, cause he does do a phenomenal job and will be the voice that current blazer fans resonate with the same way I resonated with Wheels).

RIP legend.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

I only personally knew a few of the people there so I figured it would be best to sit in the very back row. You know, just chill and hear some stories about my friend Wheels. And right as the memorial started guess who grabbed the seat right next to me... Joe Cronin.

I naturally gave him some great trade and draft advice, such amazing advice that I'm pretty sure I'm going to be named the new assistant GM.

Nah, I didn't say a word to him.

I did talk to Kenny Vance afterward, he remembered meeting us when Wheels brought him along to one of the Meet and Greets. We're going to try to organize a Wheels' Memorial for the forum if you all would be interested.

 

[jlprk]

What kind of a local media star are you? Would Canzano or Quick have nothing to write? Make up stuff if you have to. You are paid a lot of cigars to be a pro.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

What kind of a local media star are you? Would Canzano or Quick have nothing to write? Make up stuff if you have to. You are paid a lot of cigars to be a pro.

I didn't see Canzano or Quick.

Mike Parker was there, so was MB, Antonio Harvey, Kevin Calabro, Casey, HCP, Jeff Curtain.

 

[jlprk]

All the former players, past and present PNW broadcasters, current and former Blazer executives, and employees who showed up

You only named 5 people, 1 player, Harvey, and HCP, whose category is questionable, definitely no reputation as a player. How about some more? I expected many players.

 

[jlprk]

You need a workout coach who will make you learn reporting, and I am that guy.

 

[MickZagger]

You only named 5 people, 1 player, Harvey, and HCP, whose category is questionable, definitely no reputation as a player. How about some more? I expected many players.

Dee Dee Anderson was there.

Also, Michael Harper who is an insurance salesman extraordinaire.

That’s just a little bit of a who’s who for you

 

[JfizzleBlazer]

I didn't see Canzano or Quick.

Mike Parker was there, so was MB, Antonio Harvey, Kevin Calabro, Casey, HCP, Jeff Curtain.

Did you whisper sweet nothings in MBs ear about returning?

 

[JfizzleBlazer]

Thanks for sharing Sly. Always loved going to the Wheels events. Listening to wheels would give somebody goosebumps after a big play.

Wheels on the radio and the Mike and Mikes on TV were my favorite era of Blazer basketball.

Rip Wheels. My dad was adopted, loved hearing about him finding his parents.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

Did you whisper sweet nothings in MBs ear about returning?

No, but I did ask @THE HCP how Rice is doing, they still talk regularly.

 

[MickZagger]

The popular usher Lisa was there. Ushers are like nuns and priests they have to wear their outfit everywhere.

 

[jlprk]

Dee Dee Anderson was there. Also, Michael Harper who is an insurance salesman extraordinaire. That’s just a little bit of a who’s who for you

I lined up Sly for a TMZ reporting interview. Thanks for reminding me to renew my Bodily Injury.

 

[Natebishop3]

I didn't see Canzano or Quick.

Mike Parker was there, so was MB, Antonio Harvey, Kevin Calabro, Casey, HCP, Jeff Curtain.

No Rice?

 

[PDXFonz]

No Rice?

Doesn’t he live out of state now? Not to say he couldn’t travel, but I figure that is why he wouldn’t have been there.

 

[Chris Craig]

Thanks for representing us. I am so glad to hear the Blazers did that for him.

 

[THE HCP]

Rice is in southern Florida.

 

[riverman]

WHEELSHAKALAKA!!!!

 

[riverman]

Rice is in southern Florida.

So are oranges!

 

[THE HCP]

Can you list the names who attended? Even if a local news article does that, you could post your personal observations of attendees.

Off the top of my head, those in attendance
A ton of former team staff
Michael Holton
Joe Cronin like Sly said
Darnell Valentine
A bunch of local news anchors whose name I forgot
Kenny Vance
Joe Becker
Adam Bjornson
Current Blazers Brass
Sports announcers that had either worked with Wheels or were close friends like Rich Burke and Mike Parker, and Rob Closs
Former team trainer Bobby Medina
A few former players from the 80s like Terry Porter and Michael Harper.
Radio guys like Producer Rich Patterson and Jay Allen
Catching up with Mike Barrett was great.
He even mentioned it looked like I took OFF some weight in the offseason, which made my day, HA!
tons of staff that’s no longer with the team like I mentioned.
Calabro was great, as was Antonio Harvey

Team definitely didn’t have to put that together for him, very kind gesture.

 

[JfizzleBlazer]

Off the top of my head, those in attendance
A ton of former team staff
Michael Holton
Joe Cronin like Sly said
Darnell Valentine
A bunch of local news anchors whose name I forgot
Kenny Vance
Joe Becker
Adam Bjornson
Current Blazers Brass
Sports announcers that had either worked with Wheels or were close friends like Rich Burke and Mike Parker, and Rob Closs
Former team trainer Bobby Medina
A few former players from the 80s like Terry Porter and Michael Harper.
Radio guys like Producer Rich Patterson and Jay Allen
Catching up with Mike Barrett was great.
He even mentioned it looked like I took OFF some weight in the offseason, which made my day, HA!
tons of staff that’s no longer with the team like I mentioned.
Calabro was great, as was Antonio Harvey

Team definitely didn’t have to put that together for him, very kind gesture.

Did you whisper sweet nothings into MB's ear for us?

I thought I saw Medina in the picture. Kingspeed would have been so excited.

 

[SharpeScooterShooter]

Tonight was Wheels' memorial.

It was a beautiful private event hosted by the Blazers at Dr Jack's

The invitation to attend was a surprise, and I was honored to represent all of you and to express how much he meant to the forum.

All the former players, past and present PNW broadcasters, current and former Blazer executives, and employees who showed up to honor and remember Wheels and what he meant to all of Rip City were amazing.

The Blazers even brought in members of his family. As some of you who attended the Wheels' Meet and Greets over the years know Wheels' search for his birth parents and his eventual finding of them. He would have been so happy to know they were there.

Thank you to the Blazers for making this happen and for allowing me to attend.

As Kenny Eggers said, Wheels replaced a legend and became one himself.

Thank you for sharing. I’m sure it goes without question that you gave our heartfelt condolences and love to Wheeler’s family and loved ones.
Thank you for representing all of us here.

RIP Wheels

 

[SharpeScooterShooter]

Chad Doing(sp?) was there and noted on the radio that Antonio broke down and it was a sad moment. He also gave some backstory to some of Wheels struggles with his love of food and battle with his weight.
I too love food and am no longer able to eat what I want most of the time. It’s a real struggle. I feel for Wheels struggles. I hope he is in buffet heaven eating anything and everything he wants without a second thought.

 

[Strenuus]

Off the top of my head, those in attendance
A ton of former team staff
Michael Holton
Joe Cronin like Sly said
Darnell Valentine
A bunch of local news anchors whose name I forgot
Kenny Vance
Joe Becker
Adam Bjornson
Current Blazers Brass
Sports announcers that had either worked with Wheels or were close friends like Rich Burke and Mike Parker, and Rob Closs
Former team trainer Bobby Medina
A few former players from the 80s like Terry Porter and Michael Harper.
Radio guys like Producer Rich Patterson and Jay Allen
Catching up with Mike Barrett was great.
He even mentioned it looked like I took OFF some weight in the offseason, which made my day, HA!
tons of staff that’s no longer with the team like I mentioned.
Calabro was great, as was Antonio Harvey

Team definitely didn’t have to put that together for him, very kind gesture.

Lemme guess, MB said you put on 15 pounds of muscle in the off-season too.

 

[crandc]

Wish I could have been there. Always liked Wheels

 

[KingSpeed]

Was Olshey there? Rich Cho? Stotts? Jake Layman?

 

[KingSpeed]

Chad Doing(sp?) was there and noted on the radio that Antonio broke down and it was a sad moment. He also gave some backstory to some of Wheels struggles with his love of food and battle with his weight.
I too love food and am no longer able to eat what I want most of the time. It’s a real struggle. I feel for Wheels struggles. I hope he is in buffet heaven eating anything and everything he wants without a second thought.

Food is so good