Heat’s Kevin Love announces the passing of his father, former NBA player Stan Love

MIAMI — Away from the team for the playoffs and several weeks prior, Miami Heat center Kevin Love on Sunday night posted on Instagram the passing of his father, former NBA player Stan Love.

The Heat for weeks have been listing Love as being away from the team due to personal reasons, declining further details.

Stan Love, 76, played in the NBA and ABA from 1971 to 1975 with the Baltimore Bullets, Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs.

The brother of Beach Boys singer Mike Love, Stan Love was an All-Pac-8 player at Oregon, selected No. 9 in the 1971 NBA draft by the Bullets.

In a heartfelt tribute to his father, Love offered a lengthy post Sunday night on Instagram that read:

“Dad, you fought for a long time. The hardest stretch being these past 6 months. The most painful to witness being these last few weeks. And even at the end as you continued to deteriorate – I still saw you as a Giant. My Protector. My first Hero.

“The words we continuously heard from you in your last chapter were how blessed you’ve been to have such a loving family. And in return how much you’ve loved your wife and kids. Your only wish was to be at home surrounded by your family when you took your dying breath.

“That breath came. And now it’s time to rest.

“You have undoubtedly been my greatest teacher. A role often served by a Father figure. You taught me admirable qualities like respect & kindness. Humor & wit. Ambition & work ethic. Grit & aggressive will. The insight that failure brings. And that time is our most precious commodity.

“Over the years my Dad and I had our differences. I mourn the times I felt angry and isolated – my heart weighs heavy knowing we lost that time and can’t get it back. But our division led to me finding myself. I was running from something but that time away provided the wisdoms of forgiveness and reconciliation. And an unwavering sense that he loved me through it all, in every moment. ‘The best last lesson one generation can teach the next: how to die with peace about how you’ve lived.’ This may be my Dad’s greatest gift. Teaching me that healing happens in your soul and that healing is there for the taking, even in the face of imminent death. Dad loved his family unconditionally and left his children with one of life’s great lessons.

“As the memories stream down my face I feel as if I can see it all so clearly now. It’s a f – – – – d up fact of life that towards the end, your own life or someone else’s, things that once seemed so complicated and confusing now seem transparent.

“Like all of us, my Dad was imperfect. But despite his flaws, and my own, we are a successful story of father and son. A never ending bond, rooted in love, that will forever remain eternal.

“Dad, I’m so proud to be your son. My only hope is that you’re proud of me. It was all I ever wanted. Thank you for everything.

“I love you.

“Your son,

“Kevin.”

Those within the Heat were aware of Love’s reasoning for being away from the team, protecting that confidentiality. Love briefly was with the Heat the day of their play-in victory over the Chicago Bulls two weeks ago, before again stepping away from the team.