He will be missed -- Long-time Paris sports editor Van Hilburn Jr., 46, died

[IRONCAT]

Van Hilburn Jr. dies at 46

 

By Mary Madewell

Published July 28, 2010

 

Long-time sports editor Van Hilburn Jr., 46, died early today at Medical City Hospital where he had undergone several spinal surgeries beginning in early July.

 

Known for his attention to statistical data in his sports coverage, Hilburn first joined The Paris News in August 1993. Since that time, he has covered thousands of sporting events ranging from football, basketball, baseball and softball; to volleyball, soccer, tennis, golf and swimming.

 

The Paris News Publisher Patrick Graham bestowed accolades.

 

“Van was not only tremendously important to the newspaper but to the community as a whole,” Graham said. “I can’t tell you how many people have approached me in the last few weeks asking about Van and sharing stories about how he has positively impacted their lives through the stories he has written about them, their children or their favorite school’s teams.

 

“Van has left a lasting legacy through the quality of the sports coverage he has provided the community through the years, and he will be sorely missed by all of us.”

 

Coaches from both North Lamar and Paris High praised his abilities.

 

“He did a great job,” said Tommy Felty, North Lamar head football coach (entering his 14th season as Panther head coach).

 

“He was easy to work with. It was more like working with a friend than a sports writer. We talked about our families and there was interest in that on both sides of our conversations. It went beyond a professional job when we visited. Even though we took care of business, there was a concern for one another. This is a deep loss to the sporting community here. It’s terrible news. We were close for a long time, and he did a good job covering our teams and our kids.”

 

And Billy Mack Steed, Paris High School head basketball coach, had this to say:

 

“I think a lot of him and like to joke with him. I’m really stunned by this, to be honest,” Steed said. “I hate to hear it. He always did a great job for teams I was coaching. He has done a great job for The Paris News.”

 

A basketball standout himself, and the valedictorian of his graduating class at West Lamar in 1982, Hilburn attended Wiley College in Marshall where he graduated summa cum laude in 1985. The journalist remained in Marshall at the Marshall News Messenger before returning to Paris and joining The Paris News staff.

 

[TxBroadcaster]

WOW..HE was writing in MArshall when the Mavs began their run in the late 80's always a good read

 

so sad

[easttexan]

Van did an excellent job, and truly went above and beyond. He will be missed greatly.

[1914hoops]

Van, was a outstanding young man. He will be greatly missed. May the Lord continue to be with his family during such a difficult time.

[SptsEd]

Van was a credit to the sportswriting profession. He was always willing to help others in the business and understood the importance of sports coverage in a community newspaper. Prayers go out to his family.

[TxBroadcaster]

What was all the spine procedures for? What is actual cause of death?