The death of staff writer Karl Pearson late Saturday or early Sunday morning is affecting the entire Ashtabula Star Beacon staff.

Pearson, 58, had worked for the company since 1974. He was formerly the paper's sports editor.

He finished his stories for the Star Beacon's football tab last Friday. He was quite proud of the section and commended sports editor Dom McCormack.

"He was so proud of that thing," McCormack said. "He came over and shook my hand."

As Pearson was leaving the office in Ashtabula, he said to McCormack, "I love you, buddy."

That was the last time McCormack saw his friend of more than 25 years.

"I have no idea what I'm going to do without him as a worker or a friend," McCormack said. "I'm in shock."

McCormack found Pearson at his house in Ashtabula.

"He hired me 26 years ago," he said.

Pearson, who graduated from Madison High School, loved to sing the national anthem at high school games.

"Karl treated everybody better than he did himself," McCormack said. "He loved singing the national anthem. That was his life."

Few, if any, would have a bad thing to say about Pearson. He was well-liked by the coaches and athletes.

"That was his professional beat," McCormack said.

There's been a Facebook page set up, "In Memory of Karl E. Pearson."

Services are incomplete. But they are expected to be held at Behm Funeral Home in Madison.

While driving in the Stow area the other day, I drove past Silver Lake Country Club. It reminded me of a Cavs' golf outing that was held there about 10 years ago.

I had covered Bob Sura since he was drafted out of Florida State by the Cavs. His first year, the Cavs traded for "Thunder" Dan Majerle, and the two players became inseparable.

I got to know Sura quite well. He was a fun guy to be around.

He was playing in the golf outing at Silver Lake. When I approached him to ask him a few questions, he pulled me aside. "You got $5?" he asked.

I pulled out the 5-spot and gave it to him. He turned and gave it to the parking attendant, who had brought his car.

I immediately said, "Don't you make like $1.2 million?"

He didn't have a cent on him.

"I'll pay you back," he said.

I never saw that 5 bucks, and never will.

I haven't seen Sura in years. His NBA career is long over. I did see him at a Cavs-Heat game in Miami a few years ago. I didn't ask for the money, but he did come over and shake my hand.