January 18, 2013 | 09:08 AM

This is indeed sad news. I attended Brother Rice like John and read all his novels about growing up on the south side with a smile. His imagery rang true and the emotions he brought forth were heartfelt. I met him once at a reunion dinner and he was as charming and pleasant as I always imagined he would be. Rest in peace my fellow Crusader.

Jim Donahue
Crystal Lake, IL