![Man in a dark suit and orange tie speaks into a microphone at a formal event, with a floral backdrop behind him.”],](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/DaleBrownCelebrationOfLife1.jpg "DaleBrownCelebrationOfLife1")
LSU and the family, friends and former players of the illustrious LSU basketball coach Dale Brown hosted a Celebration of Life on Wednesday night at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.
Brown passed away at age 90 on Oct. 23 in Baton Rouge at his home with his wife of 67 years, Vonnie Brown, near.
Few knew the real Daddy Dale Brown like the one who called him Dad. https://t.co/st1165R9Aw
— Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) November 11, 2026
Brown’s former student manager Bo Bahnsen, who went on to become an associate athletic director at LSU, organized the memorable event. Former players Collis Temple Jr., Johnny Jones, Rudy Macklin, Ricky Blanton, José Vargas, Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf (formerly Chris Jackson), Shaquille O’Neal and Jordy Hultberg gave eulogies as did former LSU women’s basketball player Keia Howell Lane, whom Brown mentored.
Former LSU basketball coach John Brady, who followed Brown when Brown retired after 25 years following the 1996-97 season, also spoke as did local businessman Julio Melara, who is the publisher of 225 Magazine and the Baton Rouge Business Report. Former UCLA baskeetball player Ann Meyers Drysdale and Alek Petrossian with the John Wooden Legends of Coaching Award that went to Brown just three days before he died also spoke.
Alcide Simmons sang during the event and former Brown player Lionel Green said the closing prayer.
Watch the full, three-hour ceremony here:
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