History
A TRIBUTE TO PAUL H. BUSSIERE L.A. Pool League member
It is with great regret that I report the passing of our member and dear friend Paul H. Bussiere on Friday, May 4, 2001.
Paul was a member of the L.A. Pool League since the late '70s and played in each and every season without exception; never as an alternate, and more often than not as the Captain. Some years ago, when his close friend and teammate Mike Calderone decided to take a break from the rigors of the usual 30 or more weeks per year schedule, they both realized that their friendship had stood the test of competing together for more than thirty consecutive seasons. This must be a record for our League.
Paul was a very determined player and the results were obvious. He was one of the few multi-season League individual champions and also the holder of THREE West Coast Challenge individual titles; the first two being almost exactly ten years apart. However, nothing made him happier than a team win. He had that pleasure on several occasions. One of the teams consisted of Paul, Mike Calderone, Dale Barber and Bob Holden. Another was with Paul, Mike, Scott Holecek and Big Joe Dreibus. That team went on to win the West Coast Challenge Team Championship when L.A. hosted the event in the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel's Grand Ballroom. His Fall 1986 championship team consisted of Paul, Mike, Dale Barber and Don Lee. Two other winning teams were with Paul, Scott, Rick Ayres and I. Some of these names are unknown to our newer members and it may be difficult to relate to these memories. However, they are part of the foundation of this League and their fierce support helped keep us strong.
Paul also gave his talent and time to the League. When the League needed banners for tournaments or the West Coast Challenge, Paul created and donated them. As a Master Electrician, he helped rig lighting for the L.A. hosted West Coast Challenge events. When Lou Butera (1973 World Pocket Billiards Champion) gave his exhibitions to our League, he made certain that all of the technical aspects were first rate. Most importantly, he stood as an example of good sportsmanship and fair play.
He also served six terms on the Board of Governors during the 1980s. He was tough but his heart was always with the best interests of the League. He opposed cash incentives for winning players in the firm belief that it would corrupt the spirit of the League and draw the wrong element. For his service to the League, he received the Special Recognition Award at the Spring 1988 season's banquet at the Four Star.
Paul was a very private man and a devoted friend. He was the Rock of Gibraltar who could take a bullet without wincing and was definitely the man you'd want on the bridge in any storm. He was an experienced Captain; knowledgeable of our Rules of Play and always a gentlemen. He adored pool and it was obvious.
In the end, he couldn't lick the aggressive form of Cancer he developed with no apparent cause ever established. During the last 9 months, he spent a substantial amount of time in various hospitals while the doctors tried in vain to save him. His partner of almost 20 years, Scott Holecek, devoted the last year of his life to ensuring his comfort and care.
As the League grows and time marches on, we experience the natural transition of members for many reasons. Some players who joined in the early days of the League and stayed the course for 20 or more years, experienced a cycle of youthful exuberance; full time participation in our tournaments; developed life long friendships, and then suffered through the abnormally early loss of more than 50 of our members to AIDS and other tragedies.
As the string gets shorter and the light grows dimmer, it seems, for some, all the more important to hold onto those friendships. Paul was one Hell of a class act and he will be missed by many.
Our prayers are with him tonight. We send our love and condolences to Scott and the family and friends who shared a life with him.
With love,
Jeffrey Hersh L.A. Pool League President
BOB HOLDEN
March 1945 October 2000
A Tribute by Jeffrey Hersh, L.A. Pool League President, teammate and FRIEND
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of our longtime League member and dear friend and supporter, Bob Holden. After a long illness, he passed peacefully on October 6, 2000 at the Alliance Nursing Center of Echo Park in Los Angeles.
A member of our League for well over twenty years, Bob was a high performer, a fierce competitor and true sportsman. For many years, he held the record for Championship Team titles at a seemingly insurmountable total of fifteen! His native ability to digest, analyze and retain statistical information was remarkable. As a former League Historian and member of the Board of Governors, his experience, guidance and sense of continuity provided stability and order on an ever-changing League landscape. The League awarded him its highest honor for outstanding service, The Mike LaVoie Award, during the spring 1981 season.
In the summer of 1982, Bob and Roy Hutchinson co-founded the 9-Ball League, which continues to draw many of the regular players from our larger 8-Ball League. It has thrived and will be celebrating its 20th anniversary in July 2001.
His mind was always intellectually active. His knowledge and passion for the motion picture industry, entertainment and sports world was exceptional and he was a rare combination of both book and street smart. Steve Montgomery, his devoted and loving partner of 24 years, his two closest cousins, Cathi and Barbara, and a host of friends survive him. Bob's inspirational spirit, sense of humor and positive outlook will be sorely missed. He now becomes a part of our fondest memories.
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of John Cochran, long time League member and friend. Michael Pfannenstiel informed us that John's mother called at midnight last night with the sad news. At this point we have very few details. There will be a Memorial Service at John's Church and the League will hold an event to remember John, his friendship, his service to the League, and life. We will have a full article as soon as more details become available. We will continue to communicate via email with members and friends.
Click here for arrangements or call Bill Hoover 323-321-8338 if you have questions.
There's a face we shall always remember
A voice we shall always recall,
A memory to cherish forever,
Of one so dear to us all.
In Loving Memory of our former L.A.P.L. Members:
Revised and maintained by Jeffrey Hersh and Bryan Haneiwich
Don Carrier (February 2014)
John Jones (June 2014)
Lee Chavra (October 2013)
Rick Price (January 2014)
Rod Lansing (December 2013)
Walt Elk (May 15, 2014)
Ladies and Gentlemen and Friends of the Los Angeles Pool League,
The family of Frank Bustamante just called to inform us that Frank passed away this evening due to the most recent complications of his Leukemia. He suffered a mild heart attack earlier this week and contracted pneumonia.
David Boyd and I continue to be in direct contact with the family and they will advise the particulars of any services. With permission from the BOG, I will also arrange for a comprehensive obituary written on behalf of our League.
We certainly wish to provide this information and any address that would facilitate letters of condolence to his extended family.
On a personal note, I am grateful to the League Board of Governors, the Frank Bustamante Tribute Committee (Janell McKane, David Boyd, Angelo Pacella and Bill Hoover) for supporting David and I in our effort to arrange the event which afforded the large group of joyous friends that came to say goodbye to him on December 15th.
At present, we have no further details regarding time, date or location of any service.
4/5/2010 Follow Up from Jeffrey Hersh who has handled all the details and expenses to honor Frank publicly:
The following notice has been placed in the Los Angeles Times running this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. (April 9-11,2010)
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Bustamante Frank July 19, 1932 -April 2, 2010 The Los Angeles Pool League mourns the loss of the most revered member in our 36 year history. Frank has represented the epitome of Sportsmanship, friendship and dignity. Our community and League have suffered an irreparable loss. Our deepest condolences to his family. |
