Hey yall, Jeff's son here. I don't like writing things online but this isnt a typical occurance. If theres anything to take away from Bishops's passing, it's that it doesn't take a lot to mean something to someone. Bishop rarely asked about details more personal than a upcoming promotion or a new girlfriend. But the way he approached every greeting would make you think you'd grown up together. The fact that we mourn Bishop this much is a testament to how warm and considerate he was. Runs will truly not be the same without him.
I couldn't agree more Emmett. I only met Curtis a few times, our sons became friends after a sharing a summer at sports camp. We kept in touch and saw each other at birthday parties, and he was always as you and your dad have described him. Friendly, soft spoken, and seemed to genuinely care about everyone around him. I used to watch him interact with the kids and I would take mental notes; he was so patient and kind with them, and they were drawn to him. I wish I would have made more of an effort to hang with him more often, I can't believe he's gone. Thank you for posting, your comment, this thread is helping.
Amazing piece for an Amazing human being. I loved the battles and banter on the court with Bish. Loving prayers and light are with him in heaven now❤️🙏🏻💪🏻
This is so lovely. A true tribute to Curtis. Thank you so much. He and I had some amazing times in Maine on the lake and with all the family. He’s legitimately one of the best men I have ever known in my life. A truly amazing soul and incredible person. I love this story and tribute.
Very, very well said. Even as the best player on the court, Bishop consistently demonstrated that it just takes a little effort to be humble, kind and considerate - even to guys like me, who shouldn't have been playing anywhere near the same court as him. He inspired me to try harder to live by the example he set.
I am sorry for your loss Jeff and Emmett. I am also sorry for the tremendous loss his family and community are feeling. Thank you Jeff for sharing your gift here and making me feel like a know Curits (Bishop) Dorsey personally!
Glad you took the time to do the substack on one man's approach to life. He had a singleness of purpose to be kind to everyone with sincerity and thoughtfulness. I'm glad Emmett got to be part of the story, too. Thanks for the piece. God bless Curtis.
Beautiful tribute to Bishop... I felt like a got to know him. The guys sound like hoopers I've played pick-up basketball with (not in a long while) but you described him like he was The Glue. A little possible Tupac connection .... there was a character named Bishop in Tupac's excellent movie Juice. Sure you know this.
It has been a few years since I played on the courts with all of you guys. As a subpar female playing with a court full of guys, Bishop always made me feel welcomed and appreciated. He never made me feel like I did not belong on the court.
After Covid, Mekiael (Big Mike as many of you knew him) and I never really made it back on a regular, but Jeff, the story you tell is spot on for the man that Bishop was. He will always have a place in my heart. I am not sure if many of you know that we lost Mekiael to a very brutal 15-month battle with cancer in August of 2023. So when he was gone, so was my reason for playing. I reached out to everyone I had contact info for to celebrate Mekiael's life and Bishop was the first to answer the call. Not only did he and a handful of the other El Lazo guys show up to remember "Big Mike" but they showed up for me.
Bishop would randomly text me just to check to see how the kids and I were doing and check to see if there was anything he could do to make the loss it easier. I am going to miss those texts. But even more, I am going to miss his infectious smile, his authentic hugs, and his keen ability to remember the small details about everyone in his world. My heart goes out to his partner and son. I do not know you, but I do know the pain of the loss you may be feeling. If you need anything please reach out to me.
Angela, first, thank you for the lovely comment. Second, my two favorite guys to play with/against were Bishop and Big Mike. We actually wound up guarding one another a LOT (Mekiael and I), and he was just such a warm, gentle, fun presence and spirit. I always looked forward to seeing you guys. Also, I didn't even know he had passed until a looong time afterward. So, truly, I am sorry for not attending the memorial. Please make a hoops comeback. El Lazo would welcome you with open arms.
Beautiful tribute, Jeff. Deeply sorry for the loss of your friend. You are blessed to have had Bishop in your life. Sounds like we could all learn a lot about love and positivity from someone like him. I wish I had met him.
What a fantastic tribute to someone who was obviously a real friend. To pour out those words while grieving proves it. My condolences to you and all who knew him. Somehow, after reading this about a man I’d never met, I feel like I lost a friend, too.
Been a long rime since I played any pickup but you’ve planted the seed of an idea…why I am I not doing this? A healthy 48 years with few guy friends/acquaintances, why am I not hitting the rec center?
I knew Curtis through the Y for a long time. Never knew he went by Bishop, but it fits. He is an excellent soul, one of the few in this world I have met so full of kindness and love. He will be missed on this plane of existence, but is spreading love in another.
Hey yall, Jeff's son here. I don't like writing things online but this isnt a typical occurance. If theres anything to take away from Bishops's passing, it's that it doesn't take a lot to mean something to someone. Bishop rarely asked about details more personal than a upcoming promotion or a new girlfriend. But the way he approached every greeting would make you think you'd grown up together. The fact that we mourn Bishop this much is a testament to how warm and considerate he was. Runs will truly not be the same without him.
I couldn't agree more Emmett. I only met Curtis a few times, our sons became friends after a sharing a summer at sports camp. We kept in touch and saw each other at birthday parties, and he was always as you and your dad have described him. Friendly, soft spoken, and seemed to genuinely care about everyone around him. I used to watch him interact with the kids and I would take mental notes; he was so patient and kind with them, and they were drawn to him. I wish I would have made more of an effort to hang with him more often, I can't believe he's gone. Thank you for posting, your comment, this thread is helping.
Amazing piece for an Amazing human being. I loved the battles and banter on the court with Bish. Loving prayers and light are with him in heaven now❤️🙏🏻💪🏻
Love you Bishop and Thank you Jeff
Jourdan
This is so lovely. A true tribute to Curtis. Thank you so much. He and I had some amazing times in Maine on the lake and with all the family. He’s legitimately one of the best men I have ever known in my life. A truly amazing soul and incredible person. I love this story and tribute.
Very, very well said. Even as the best player on the court, Bishop consistently demonstrated that it just takes a little effort to be humble, kind and considerate - even to guys like me, who shouldn't have been playing anywhere near the same court as him. He inspired me to try harder to live by the example he set.
I am sorry for your loss Jeff and Emmett. I am also sorry for the tremendous loss his family and community are feeling. Thank you Jeff for sharing your gift here and making me feel like a know Curits (Bishop) Dorsey personally!
Glad you took the time to do the substack on one man's approach to life. He had a singleness of purpose to be kind to everyone with sincerity and thoughtfulness. I'm glad Emmett got to be part of the story, too. Thanks for the piece. God bless Curtis.
Beautiful tribute to Bishop... I felt like a got to know him. The guys sound like hoopers I've played pick-up basketball with (not in a long while) but you described him like he was The Glue. A little possible Tupac connection .... there was a character named Bishop in Tupac's excellent movie Juice. Sure you know this.
That could be the greatest thing you ever wrote. So sorry to hear.
It has been a few years since I played on the courts with all of you guys. As a subpar female playing with a court full of guys, Bishop always made me feel welcomed and appreciated. He never made me feel like I did not belong on the court.
After Covid, Mekiael (Big Mike as many of you knew him) and I never really made it back on a regular, but Jeff, the story you tell is spot on for the man that Bishop was. He will always have a place in my heart. I am not sure if many of you know that we lost Mekiael to a very brutal 15-month battle with cancer in August of 2023. So when he was gone, so was my reason for playing. I reached out to everyone I had contact info for to celebrate Mekiael's life and Bishop was the first to answer the call. Not only did he and a handful of the other El Lazo guys show up to remember "Big Mike" but they showed up for me.
Bishop would randomly text me just to check to see how the kids and I were doing and check to see if there was anything he could do to make the loss it easier. I am going to miss those texts. But even more, I am going to miss his infectious smile, his authentic hugs, and his keen ability to remember the small details about everyone in his world. My heart goes out to his partner and son. I do not know you, but I do know the pain of the loss you may be feeling. If you need anything please reach out to me.
Angela, first, thank you for the lovely comment. Second, my two favorite guys to play with/against were Bishop and Big Mike. We actually wound up guarding one another a LOT (Mekiael and I), and he was just such a warm, gentle, fun presence and spirit. I always looked forward to seeing you guys. Also, I didn't even know he had passed until a looong time afterward. So, truly, I am sorry for not attending the memorial. Please make a hoops comeback. El Lazo would welcome you with open arms.
Beautiful tribute, Jeff. Deeply sorry for the loss of your friend. You are blessed to have had Bishop in your life. Sounds like we could all learn a lot about love and positivity from someone like him. I wish I had met him.
Hey Jeff, Michael from NYC/UNC here. Great tribute to Bishop and all the other El Lazo characters. Miss you guys.
Do you know if any memorial fund has been set up for Bishop's family?
So perfectly said, Jeff. From pickup players all over, this resonates with all. My condolences on the loss of your friend.
What a fantastic tribute to someone who was obviously a real friend. To pour out those words while grieving proves it. My condolences to you and all who knew him. Somehow, after reading this about a man I’d never met, I feel like I lost a friend, too.
My condolences, Jeff. What a treasure Bishop was.
Been a long rime since I played any pickup but you’ve planted the seed of an idea…why I am I not doing this? A healthy 48 years with few guy friends/acquaintances, why am I not hitting the rec center?
I knew Curtis through the Y for a long time. Never knew he went by Bishop, but it fits. He is an excellent soul, one of the few in this world I have met so full of kindness and love. He will be missed on this plane of existence, but is spreading love in another.