Flagman

[bonaboy23]

“who’s the man?” Flag man that’s who…. Rex you are part of the very fiber of what makes the RC-Bona’s- Olean a special place… in a world of millions of fans you created something unique and special as a fan and best of all it was for the Bona Nation…. Most of all you connected with our team in a unique way so they new they were loved…. At most games as a student and alum I watched 2 events the game and you representing each players country…. It was always fantastic with multiple international players on the floor at the same time….. In closing know the Bona Nation is pulling for you, praying for you and your family and just as important WE THANK YOU for representing our unwavering loyalty to our program…
GO BONA’S and tip of the cap to the ultimate Unfurler FLAG MAN REX

[thesenator]

Jul 5, 2021 0:19:55 GMT -5 bonaballa1 said:

Sad to hear this. With the influx of international talent on the team, i thought of the flagman. It would be cool if someone carried on his tradition.

that would be a nice tribute to "flagman"...somebody carrying on the tradtion...if not a fan or one of the alums, maybe one of the students...

[ohs73]

Pls get well soon! It is a unique measure of respect and support to proudly wave the flags of Bona's international players. I'm sure it has meant a lot to those folks over the years.

[Chuck]

Yesterday I visited with Rex and his wife. Reading the Flagman thread to Rex was emotional for him. I started to wonder if this was good for him and asked his wife if I should continue. She told me to go on and these were happy tears. Rex said he remembers Copenhagen sitting with him and said Copenhagen was a tall guy. He also remember getting his picture with WGT and seeing him another time with me.

When I came to RES post, I started out saying I didn't know your nickname was Sexy Rexy. He said how do you know this and then replied I know who this is. Rex stopped me several times during RES post and added his memories to what RES posted. He finished saying these were great times. Rex also said he loved all the posts and didn't realize he made such a difference with his flags.

Other than RES post he found Bonaboy23 post very touching. He expressed gratitude to all the posts in this thread. I showed his wife how to get to the Bandwagon and how to find the Flagman thread. I want to thank everyone who replied in this thread.

[bonaballa1]

Any updates on Rex? Just thought of him as I scanned the Bonnies roster. We have guys from the Dominican Republic, Ireland, Netherlands, Quebec Canada, and Gabon.

[Chuck]

Thank you for asking Bonaballa. Today I visited with Rex and his wife. Had a very positive visit. I was pleasantly surprised to see Rex, as he looked in the same condition as last year. His wife said Rex has gained 20 pounds.

His wife waved the flags last basketball season and is planning on to doing it again this season. She is searching for a Gabon flag. She and Rex stated they would look forward to people visiting them at the game.

They are having difficulties with renewing their tickets. They sat at the tables behind the basket. She has called the ticket office 3 times. Each time they replied they are awaiting a response from ADA about their tickets. She is hoping they have the same tickets and are not moved to the Reds. It would be difficult to wave the large flags in the Reds and Rex wouldn’t be able to see the game from such a long distance.

Hopefully someone on this board can help Rex and his wife.

[Chuck]

Saturday I spoke with Rex daughter. She stated Rex is now a permanent resident of Pines Healthcare & Rehab Center (located next to Tops). She shared "Rex would love company talking about the Bonnies and Bills." Last basketball season, Rex wife kept his tradition going with displaying flag of Bonnies foreign players.

[wgt]

Many thanks for sharing his status. Had the honor to speak with him about 7 years ago. He is one of the great traditions in Bona basketball!

[Chuck]

Some very sad news to share. Rex Marvin (flagman) passed away yesterday.

www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/oleantimesherald/name/rex-marvin-obituary?id=55170062

[wgt]

Sorry to hear of Rex's passing but it is a blessing that he is in the Lord's care and free of all discomfort and limitations. A wonderful Bona fan who celebrated all foreign players who came to wear the brown and white.
Prayers for his soul and his loved ones for their loss.
Rex is a loss for all bona faithful.
Thanks Chuck for taking him to some games and providing updates on his condition.

[wgt]

Sorry to hear of Rex's passing but it is a blessing that he is in the Lord's care and free of all discomfort and limitations. A wonderful Bona fan who celebrated all foreign players who came to wear the Brown and White.
Prayers for his soul and his loved ones for their loss.
Rex is a loss for all bona faithful.
Thanks Chuck for taking him to some games and providing updates on his condition.

[zorro (res)]

A nicer man has never lived.

[Chuck]

RES statement “a nicer man has never lived” is a great way to portray Rex.
— Stated he started to wave international flags realizing it must be difficult to play basketball and especially live in a different country, so far from home. It was his small attempt to make the players feel home at Bona.
— It did not stop from just waving flags. Rex would often invite players to his home for dinner.
— Above is probably the reasons why Rex was on a first name basis with Bonnie players. A common greeting “there is my main man Rex."

Yes RES is correct “a nicer man has never lived.”

[Chuck]

Really nice tribute to Rex at Unfurl. Even Steve Curran posted "True Bonnie🐺🐺. Will be missed but never forgotten🙏🙏. Rest easy Rex."

/photo/1