By Brock Donaldson

Lamp staff

AUBURN — It started as a way to remember a loved one: Derek Dolenc, who died of cancer at 31 years old.

For 25 years, the Coleman family kept alive that simple tradition of gathering annually at Edgewood Golf Course in Auburn to play a round in Dolenc’s memory, break bread and celebrate Derek’s life.

But on Oct. 1, about 100 people came out for one last time. After 25 annual tournaments, the family decided it was time to end the formal tradition.

People all around the world lose loved ones to cancer every year. Almost everyone knows someone affected by cancer. But the Coleman family wanted a way to focus their grief after their beloved brother, uncle and father died of melanoma on Nov. 11, 1991.

“Although it is saddening being the last year,” said Annette Coleman, Dolenc’s sister. But “We plan on having as much fun as possible like always.”

She also commented, “What is really upsetting is the tournament brought so many family and friends together, and after this year, some of us will probably not see each other anymore.”

The tournament was an all-day golfing event, with multiple teams competing, as well as live band, prizes, drinks, lunch and dinner. The event aimed to remember Dolenc and bring awareness to cancer.

“I have been here since 6 in the morning to set up and prepare for the day’s events,” said family member Carly Coleman.

Many people commented that the tournament was a wonderful time for all participants, golfing or not, to come together to raise awareness for cancer and to cherish the memory of Dolenc.

“It is a good time golfing and drinking with friends, as well as making new ones, and it raises awareness for all types of cancer,” said multi-year participant Brandon Grosenheider.

Brock Donaldson can be reached at [email protected].