re: For Those Tiger Fans No Longer With Us...

MKZ 2/21/12

Friend and brother, one of the most diehard LSU fans I know. Shared some awesome times in the student section with him and will never forget him.

To my dad who passed away Feb 29.. One of the most decated tiger fans out there.. I can remember going to games and him making us stand at the same exact oak tree for every game and when the drum major stopped the band and started playing those world famous four notes I would look over at him and there would be a big ole tear running down his face... As he was drifting away he made me promise him one last thing. That I would do whatever it takes to make sure he never missed the band coming down the hill or a tiger home football game. After trying several different high ranking officials in the school and athletic dept. no one would let me in. So I tried a different route and made one phone call and had access to the stadium one spring Sunday morning... Me and my brothers loaded up drove to BR and layed my dads ashes on the 50 yard line as well as the tree where he always made us stand... He is the reason for countless tiger fans in the Biloxi area.. So hears to you Big Les V... GEAUX TIGERS!!!

For your dad, not you!

Man, there are so many.....

I always remember my Uncle Lowell, who was a HUGE Tiger fan...after he became ill in 2003, I remember him saying how much he'd love to witness just one more national championship for LSU before he left this earth....Well, you all know the rest. I made sure he got his Official BCS Championship hat, which he cherished until we lost him in March of '04. And yes- he took his hat with him.

Then there's my brother-in-law, who passed away shortly after the 2005 season. He loved nothing more than watching LSU beat Bama! Every game was a huge party at his house...He was the first person I thought of when the last seconds ticked off the clock vs Ohio State....

Chris & Uncle Benny

Two of them come to mind. Barry BaBB, a long time LSU fan whom I met way back in the early 1970's after my father was transferred to BR in my high school day. I stayed in touch with Barry and attended many Tiger games with him over the years when visiting the area. He fought a heroic battle with cancer, managing to survive to see both LSU BCS titles and see his son enroll at LSU. His last day was January 21st of this year.

Dandy Don Long called Barry a "True Tiger," and of course, Dandy Don is the other one---many Ranters are familiar with his story and devotion to LSU.

I lost a very good friend of mine just before the start of the season. He was a HUGE LSU fan and this week has been very tuff for me. No doubt he will be watching Saturday Night when we whip Bamma's arse!

My paw paw wouldn't have missed this game for the world.

My grandfather died a year ago in September. He was a long time high school football referee in Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Great Tiger fan, and wonderful man! He is truly missed.

Lost my mom in May of 2008, but called her from the dome during the BCS NC in January of 08 vs Ohio State

I am hoping she helps out the tigers tomorrow night. I was with her when Les had that great game against UF in 07. I went nuts and was in disbelief. That was probably one of the best games I saw from LSU, based on what was on the line, the opponent, etc.