Sports Stars Lost in 2015-- Part 2: Doug Buffone

JACK HALEY--  Died March 16 at 51.  The NBA journeyman played in 63 games over two stints with the Chicago Bulls and is remembered most for being Dennis Rodman's sidekick and off-court protector during the 1995-1996 championship season.

LAUREN HILL--  Died April 10, at age 19.  became inspiring sports hero for her determination to play on the Mount St. Joseph women's basketball team despite an inoperable brain tumor.

DOUG BUFFONE--  Died April 20 at age 70.  Was known for his passion in 14 seasons playing linebacker for the Bears and his ventures as a popular sports radio personality.  Mike Ditka said, "Doug was a Bear."

CALVIN PEETE--  Died April 29 at age 71.  12-time winner on PGA Tour and one of the game's all-time straightest drivers.  He became the second black to compete in the Masters in 1980.

--Cooter

Sports Stars Lost in 2015: Mr. Cub and Mr. Sox

From the Dec. 31, 2015, Chicago Tribune "2015 in Review: Unforgettable."

ERNIE BANKS--  Mr. Cubs.  Hall of Famer.  Died Jan. 23 at age 83.  Hit 512 home runs during 19-year career that included National league MVP in 1958 and '59.

STEVE MONTADOR--  Chicago Blackhawks defenseman on Feb. 15.

GORDIE GILLESPIE--  Illinois coaching, won 2,402 games at Lewis University and Joliet Catholic.  Died Feb. 28.

MINNIE MINOSO--  White Sox legend, known as "The Cuban Comet.  Died March 1 at age 90.  Chicago's first black major league player.  Played parts of 12 seasons for Sox, including a game in each of five decades.  Nine-time All-Star.  Mr. Sox.

--DaCoot

Final Goodbyes Said in 2015-- Part 2: "Not Logical"

Blues Legend B.B. King, 89.  Old Blues Boy.  "The Thrill is Gone" now.

Three-time NBA MVP Moses Malone, 60  The guy cold play.

Actress and comedian Anne Meera, 85  Steela and Meara.  George's parents.

Actor Al Molinaro, 96  Owned Arnold's and the cop on the "Odd Couple."

Mathematician John Nash, 86  The brilliant mind.

Mr. Spock of "Star Trek" Leonard Nimoy, 83  "Beam Me Up."

Actress Maureen O'Hara, 95  Loved her "spanking" by John Wayne.

Singer Percy Sledge, 74  "When a Man Loves a Woman"  How can you get sadder than that?

Songwriter-producer-musician Allen Toussaint, 77  That guy was all over the place and a huge part of the New Orleans sound.

Actor Dick Van Patten, 86  "Eight Is Enough"

Final Goodbyes Said in 2015-- Part 1: "It Was Like Deja Vu All Over Again"

From the December 31, 2015, Chicago Tribune.

There were many more listed than what I have here, but these are the ones that meant more to me.

Baseball great Ernie Banks, 83   Mr. Cub

Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra, 90    I loved the Aflac Duck and him in that commercial.

Civil Rights icon Julian Bond, 75

Filmmaker Wes Craven, 76

"The Beverly Hillbillies" star Donna Douglas, 82   Ellie Mae.  She sure was a fine sight.

Pro Football Hall of Famer and sportscaster Frank Gifford, 84

Singer Lesley Gore, 68  One of the great Girl Singers.  "Its My Party"