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Discussion Topic: Sad News
Jerry Des Forges added to this discussion on November 19, 2014
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Today I found out (via Jim Behrens and Facebook) we lost a great man in Loren Rabnick. Loren was a longtime coach and friend to many of us in the wrestling community. He was such a positive person and wonderful human being. The wrestling community (especially Cleveland and NEO) has lost one of it's warriors today.
Jerry
This is from Ryan Peters (Beachwood)
Earlier today Loren Rabnick passed away after a tough battle with MSA
(Multiple system atrophy) at the young age of 63. Loren fought like a
man possessed with winning a World Championship.
For those of you that didn't have the honor of knowing Loren --- he
was a true WARRIOR.
Loren was a graduate of Beachwood and Ohio State, where he wrestled.
He was a long time assistant wrestling coach at Beachwood and
Collinwood. He also helped out with the Cleveland State Wrestling
Club. He was an active member of the association.
Loren loved to wrestle and help kids and people. He could be seen at
all open mats with his ponytail, gruff beard, and cutoff sleeves. He
was ready and willing to wrestle with anyone, no matter of the age or
gender. He was always the first one there and the last one to leave.
His mission in life was to make a difference and help anyone that he
came in contact with.
Loren was a "Champion of the Underdog" as he always provided coaching
and friendship to the wrestlers that needed it the most and continued
to help them throughout their lives after wrestling.
In his early 50's and up until three years ago he got really crazy and
started to compete on the national and international circuit in
freestyle and Greco veteran tournaments. He cherished all of his
wrestling experiences and was most gratified by all of the friendships
he developed.
Loren was known and loved by everyone that met him. He loved the song
"Born to be Wild" which optimized his life, which he lived to the
fullest. Up until the last day of his life he was trying to help his
wrestlers, either get a job, figure out their next stage in their
life, or just show them support and guidance.
Loren made a difference in the lives of hundreds and will be missed.
There will be a memorial service this Saturday, November 22nd at A.J.
Rocco's - 816 Huron Rd E, Cleveland, OH 44115 from 5:00 - 8:00pm. Come
toast to the life of Loren Rabnick.
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Discussion Topic: Sad News
Brandon Sommers added to this discussion on November 19, 2014
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Thanks for posting this on here, Jerry. I was told that he died peacefully in his sleep (with his wrestling shoes on despite his sister's protest!). He always said he wanted to go out with them on rather than ever putting them in the center of the mat. I was told to spread the word that all who knew him are invited for a round of drinks on his tab at Rocco's next to his store on Saturday to tell stories and have a good time.
We will miss seeing him battle with the young guys at the CSU open mats. Rest in peace, Loren.
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Discussion Topic: Sad News
Hank Kornblut added to this discussion on November 20, 2014
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RIP. Loren was a true wrestling junkie with a big heart.
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Discussion Topic: Sad News
Ben Stehura added to this discussion on November 20, 2014
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I was saddened by the news that Loren was no longer with us. But, as always with Loren, the story left me with a smile and a good feeling. I know that his shoes never made it to the middle of the mat. I have no doubt that he is currently challenging Michael the Archangel to a match. I will miss sharing all of our results with him and talking about the guys on the team after every match and tournament, but most of all I will miss his friendship and unwavering support. I am grateful to have been mentored by him and most of all that he considered me his friend.
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