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Spellman's heart, humor will be remembered

I have had the pleasure of working with Neal Spellman, Mike's brother, for the past 10 years or so. Every time I see Neal in the hallway, he asks me when I am going to write my next letter to the editor. Usually, my response is the same: "I don't know. There's nothing to really write about right now." So, this one is for you, Neal.

I never had the pleasure of meeting your brother, Mike, but I, as do all of his fans, feel like I know him. He was, by far, my favorite sportswriter. Mike had a flair with words and a passion for sports that was second to none.

And he wrote for us, the sports fans of the world. He wasn't the type of sports writer who loved to cram his/her opinions, criticisms and expertise down our throats.

Mike was genuine. Old school. The real deal. He brought us insightful sports coverage with humor and humility.

No one had a knack for one-liners and self-deprecating humor like Mike did. He was truly one of a kind.

So now, instead of spiritedly rushing out to the end of my driveway each morning to grab my paper's sports page so that I can read Mike's coverage of the previous night's Hawks game or a recap of his weekend's visit to Arlington Park, I will most likely be walking to the end of my driveway with a heavy heart for Mike, you and your family.

Most of us cannot begin to understand the extent of your pain and sorrow, but I hope it brings you comfort to remember that Mike will be missed by tens of thousands of people that never personally met him or your family, but who were lucky enough to know Mike vicariously through his work.

Mike Fanella

Arlington Heights

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