Wresley (Red') Rush

July 2, 1927 ~ Jan. 11, 2009

The Contra Costa Times, 1/16/2009

Resident of Orinda Adoring husband of Nancy Rush of 57 years, devoted father of Casey Rush and Kathleen (Rush) Babcock, and cherished grandfather to Michael Babcock and Megan (Babcock) Stepanek and Kaley Rush; loving brother of Dennis Rush (his surviving sibling of seven) and caring father-in-law to David Babcock and Karen Rush.

Born in Long Beach, California to Mabel and Wresley Rush Sr., Red' served in the navy during WWII, then returned to attend USC where he played football and studied law.

Red' went on to pursue his true passion as a sports announcer, becoming the voice of the Oakland A's for several years, the Chicago White Sox, the St. Louis Cardinals baseball, and the Golden State Warriors and Minneapolis Lakers pro basketball.

He announced the Big 10 Game of the Week for collegiate football as well as DePaul and Loyola University basketball during which time he announced the historic Loyola NCAA championship game in 1963, a team that pioneered integrated basketball in the early '60s.

An avid fan of all sports, he most enjoyed watching his children and then grandchildren participate in athletic competition. A private family memorial service was held on Jan. 15th at Oakmont Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory to the John Douglas French Foundation for Alzheimer's Research, 11620 Wilshire Blvd., #270, Los Angeles, CA 90025.