Taken far too soon

The BU hockey family suffered two tragic losses this past week with the passing of a pair of unique individuals, accomplished alumni each of whose lives had a far-reaching impact. Both were taken far too soon.

Last Sunday, BU journalism professor, author of numerous hockey books and former Sports Illustrated hockey writer Jack Falla died suddently at age 62. The Boston Globe obituary (check out the wonderful photo of Jack) provides a chronology of his career and illustrates his passion for both journalism and hockey). Numerous articles and blog posts that have appeared this week reveal that his loss is felt deeply among the student body and alumni as well as by his family and friends. Here are links to a few of them by journalists he mentored: 1, 2, 3, 4.

Falla’s books on hockey include a series of essays titled "Home Ice: Reflections on Backyard Rinks and Frozen Ponds" and newly published “Open Ice: Reflections and Confessions of a Hockey Lifer.” A member of The Friends of BU Hockey, he also wrote about Terrier sports for BU”s alumni magazine, Bostonia. A personnel favorite was a profile of Carl Corazzini, captain of the 2000-1 team.

Jack Falla guestbook

A less widely known, but equally beloved figure was Meryl Herman , co-chairman of The Friends of BU Hockey, who died Wednesday after a long illness. Meryl, a Class of 1966 graduate, was a longtime board member of the Friends, an organizer extraordinaire who planned and quarterbacked the annual hockey banquet and was a devoted and kind friend to everyone connected to the BU program, both young and old.

Our colleague cdral, who attended today’s funeral in Newton, reports that a large contingent of current and former BU players and managers were in attendance, as well as members of The Friends. Coach Jack Parker’s eulogy documented her strong commitment to the hockey program and how she been the force behind so many activities that supported BU hockey. Meryl had been voted co-chairman of The Friends with Paul Giandomenico earlier this year.

An online guestbook for condolences and memories is here.