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Russell BIERLEY Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Russell BIERLEY
Jerry Ronan
October 9, 2020
Russ was part of a circle of beautiful people, family, friends, colleagues -- many of whom are also gone -- our lives were enriched by his and their presence. Peace to those who remember and are still with us. Jerry Ronan 94
Jerry Ronan
October 9, 2019
ONCE AGAIN WE ARE REMINDED THAT LOVE IS STRONGER THAN DEATH.
October 28, 2010
Coach Bierley was a true midwestern gentleman. He may or may not have known the significant impact he had on the kids around him, but the number is, no doubt, off the charts. In the game of life at NHS, you were a winner if you had Coach Bierley on the bench beside you. RIP
----Peter Musurlian, Class of 1979
Don Irelan
October 24, 2010
I had the good luck to spend time in the classroom, and also on the court, first as team helper, and 3 years on teams coached by Russ Bierley during my time at NHS (1961-1965). Many classmates, my brothers Denny and David, and sisters Karen and Emily, who also knew and/or played for Coach Russ, have often remembered him fondly and with great respect. Some of my classmates and I recalled our time with Coach Russ at our recent NHS reunion, and we are very much saddened by the news of his passing. I hope his family and friends will all find comfort in each other at this very difficult time.
October 24, 2010
Dear Kay, Brad, Tracy and family....So so sorry to hear of Russ's passing...I am sure the past 5 years have been very tough times for all of you...He is now at peace with our Lord...May our Lord strengthen all of you now during these days of mourning and missing him....Love to all...Rex, Patti, Jeff & family and Rich & family..Hughes
October 23, 2010
Kay,
I was so sorry to hear of Russ passing. I have thought of you both with fond memories from our real estate days. God bless you and keep you strong, Margaret McGraw - Torrance, CA
Zanie Anderson
October 18, 2010
Mr Bierley always saw the best in me, gave me the best advise, and never let me give up on myself. My prayers are with the family and all who cared for him.
Don Albin
October 18, 2010
Kay and family --so sorry for your loss. I had the honor to play for him and teach with him and follow him as the next North High Varsity Basketball Coach. He was a great person and friend.
Don Albin Clas of 1965
David Hempel
October 18, 2010
It was with great sadness reading of Coach Bierley's passing. My sincere condolences to Kay and the family. Mr. Bierley was a great person, coach, leader, family man, and a man with a terrific sense of humor. His integrity was second to no man or person. I was lucky to play for Coach Bierley in 1961 on his first team at North High and watched as Coach Bierley and Coach Enger laid the youth basketball foundation for the kids in the North Torrance area. One game will always stand out in my memory and not for the win or for the points scored. The game began as a Junior Varsity afternoon basketball game versus Morningside High. Only one official had shown for the game and when Coach came back to the bench after meeting with the official and the coach from Morningside, his look of disbelief and wondering why he left the heartland of America to coach high school basketball in California came forth with words of "Oh My, the official is drunk". The game that began as basketball, soon became a game of "rugby" as Coach coached in disbelief. Good-Bye Coach Bierley, you made my life much better for being a part of it.
David L. Hempel North High Class of 1964
Jim Thompson
October 17, 2010
Dear Kay and Friends & Family of Coach Bierley,
What a wonderful man Coach was! Mr. Bierley was a big influence in my life, starting from grade school (Casimir) when he nurtured and grew the youth basketball program at North High in Torrance. As a 12 year old, I remember his interest in my friends and me who loved the game. Coached built a dynasty at North High, touching countless kids like me. Not only did he teach basketball, but he was passionate about sportsmanship and teamwork.
I last saw Coach during a visit I made with my friend, Carlos Ruiz about ten years ago to Arizona. (Carlos and I became lifetime friends from the 6th grade when we played basketball against each other in a league organized by Mr. Bierley; BTW, I remember Casimir always romping over St. Catherines!) This was in the early years of Coach's Alzheimers and I remember, Kay, how you took such good care of him.
One other memory: Coach and Kay had the basketball team over to their home several times. I remember playing shuffleboard and enjoying my teammates. Mr. Bierley always promoted team spirit.
Kay and family, my condolences to you. The world is a better place from the kind touches that Coach made to so many of us.
Sincerely,
Jim Thompson (Class of 1972)
Betsy Miller
October 17, 2010
Kay,
Our love to you on the loss of Russ. Many memories of good times with the Bierley family came back, as I read the paper. We are so sorry....love to Tracy.
Betsy and Chuck Miller
October 16, 2010
"Russ enjoyed so much visiting with his Cousins. What fun he enjoyed on the Sedona Jeep ride, viewing Old Faithful in the snow in Yellowstone and the late night drive through Teton Mt Pass, Jackson Hole, WY. These precious memories of being with my Cousin Russ will never fade.
Arlene Bierley Philp (Douglas, MI)
Gerald Ronan
October 16, 2010
With sadness and sympathy many in Torrance are thinking of you today. A consummate gentleman, Russ was rightfully proudest of his family. Blessings and may he rest in peace. Jerry Ronan
Tuffy Reason
October 16, 2010
Russ and I were at UT together. We were in a P.E. class together. One requirement was running a 50 yard timed dash. Russ beat me, 6.0 seconds compared to my 6.3 seconds. He had excellent speed for a big guy. Later it did not surprise me when I learned his son was a professional baseball player and a center fielder. Marilyn Arbaugh told me, quote, "You and Russ are a pair." Apparently we shared the same ability to remember trivia and things a lot of people would deem not important. I always liked Russ and regret not playing basketball with him at UT. My playing career ended when Eddie Melvin became the Rocket coach. Russ had a smile for everyone, was well liked and so laid back. I often would ask Marilyn about Russ and I am sorry I was not able to see him and spend time with him when he and Kay would make trips back to the midwest. Our condolences to Kay and the Bierley family.
October 16, 2010
We were very sad to read about Russ. Kay and Russ and Brad and Tracy were our special neighbors on Golden Arrow for many years. Our sympathy goes to the family. Sincerely, Betty Sevy Reider and Jack Reider
Laura Jabuka
October 16, 2010
Kay,
My prayers are with you and your family. Good memories will keep you going during these sad days. My memories are of you and of many "sewing sessions". God will grant you peace.
Jonathan Kaneshiro
October 15, 2010
Mr. Bierley was instrumental in my getting into education. His patience and understanding went a long way. I count myself as fortunate to have known such a fantastic man. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
John Nojima
October 15, 2010
I read today with great sorrow of the passing of Coach Bierley. Coach was such a wonderful man and great coach. I played for him in his last year coaching basketball at North in 19980-81. Coach was such a warm, kind and generous person and I think back fondly of that time in my life. Tonight is Homecoming at North and I hope that he receives at least some recognition, not for the wins or losses, but for the years he spent positively influencing hundreds of players and students over his career. I saw that Mr. Gross also replied on this message board and I want to tell him that he too was a wonderful coach (volleyball) and a great mentor to many of us during our formative years. I received calls today from many former players and students at North who all expressed their condolences to the Bierley family and who reminisced about the experiences we shared all those many years ago. I and all of Coach’s former students and players want to express our condolences to the family and express to them our sincere thanks for sharing Coach during our most formative years.
.
Greg Shearer
October 15, 2010
He was a coach when I played basketball at North High......he later became my friend and co-worker along with Kay. I have nothing but great memories and all my thoughts and prayers are with Kay and the rest of his family.
Rebecca Cariño
October 15, 2010
"Grandpa" thats what I nicknamed him! I have very fond memories of Mr. Bierley, he helped me so much and was always there to listen and put up with me! He was so kind, a gentle giant!! My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Bierley and family during this time of loss. Although nothing can prepare us to lose a loved one, we know he's now resting. May God above grant you the comfort you need!
Barry & Dianne Gross
October 15, 2010
Today is a very sad day for Dianne and me. When we opened the paper this morning and read about Russ, we were immediately flooded with many wonderful memories. Russ was the person that opened the door for me at North High School and we worked/coached together for many years. So many special memories rushed through our minds today but most importantly is our memory of Russ and his family. Basketball games, dinners at the Bierly's, and watching our kids grow come quickly into mind. Kay's kindness and generosity along with Russ's unique ways in working with students in the classroom, on the basketball courts, and in the front office have all made an incredible difference in student lives and the lives of our family. I will always remember the way Russ approached each day, his postiveness, work ethic, and always dressing incredibly well. Kay did a great job in dressing Russ for every occasion. North High is a very special memory for a lot of us and Russ's presence, friendship, leadership, and caring is a cornerstone of our experience. It is impossible to estimate the number of lives (colleagues/students) that Russ has influenced but I do know Russ made a difference and even though we are very sad, we will always remember and cherish our time together.
Love to the family,
Barry & Dianne Gross
Gary Richardson
October 15, 2010
Russ was a good man. He meant a lot to me as my coach in high school and later as my associate in real estate. He will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family,
Gary Richardson
October 15, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. I knew Russ well from North High School and have many memories of him. Kay, I know this has been a hard time for you because my husband also has had Alzheimer's for the past three years. He is still able to be at home. Franceen Smith
Marla Shwarts
October 15, 2010
It was a privilege and a pleasure for me to work along side of Russ when he was Dean of Students at North High School. By example I learned from Russ how to respect students, to guide students through difficult circumstances, and to encourage students. He always made me laugh when he was instructing students to remove their hats in school as he pointed to his bald head and warned them about their future should they continue to wear their hats inappropriately. I feel so very sad today.
October 15, 2010
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
AT THIS TIME. WE HAVE THOUGHT OF YOU AND RUSS MANY MANY TIMES OVER THE YEARS. LOVINGLY DON AND CATHY KASTEN
October 15, 2010
Kay,
Our love, thoughts & prayers are with you now & will continue to be. We look forward to being with you & sharing our feelings.
With Much Love,
Annie & Rich Costi
Erin Achstein
October 15, 2010
I remember Mr. Bierley from high school. He was such a good kind man. I am lucky to have known him.
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