Ronnie Nathanielsz , 81: So long, partner

MANILA, Philippines - He knew Philippine sports like the palm of his hands.

From the exploits of the late Gabriel “Flash” Elorde to the early days of the PBA, the birth of Manny Pacquiao as a boxing icon to the Azkals’ surge, Ronnie Nathanielsz had seen it all.

He played a key role in the historic “Thrilla in Manila” in 1975 when he served as the liaison officer for Muhammad Ali, who passed away last June.

He was around as broadcaster during the Marcos era.

Ronnie, who fondly called his friends “partner,” was everywhere.

Yesterday morning, news broke out that Ronnie passed away in Burlingame in California, thousands of miles away from the place he called home.

He was 81.

Ronnie suffered a heart attack last Nov. 3 on his way to Las Vegas for the Pacquiao fight against Jessie Vargas. He was supposed to be part of the Philippine broadcast team.

Dyan Castillejo, the anchorwoman of ABS-CBN sports, first broke the news about Ronnie’s condition, and at 4 a.m. yesterday, she shared the sad news on Twitter.

“Our dear colleague, friend, mentor Ronnie Nathanielsz passed away an hour ago Friday morning in San Francisco one week after suffering a heart attack,” said Castillejo.

“I will miss you so much,” she added.

A funeral is scheduled in San Francisco and Ronnie’s remains will later be flown to Manila.

Messages of condolences were expressed by his friends.

“Deeply saddened by the passing of a dear friend and mentor. He gave me my first break as a sportscaster and supported me as PBA commissioner,” said former sportscaster and ex-PBA commissioner Noli Eala.

“We had our differences but we always remained friends,” he said.

“So incredibly sorry to hear of Ronnie Nathanielsz passing. He was a good friend through the years and a great journalist. He will be missed,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone.

TJ Manotoc, a fellow sportscaster, referred to Ronnie as a “heavyweight” because in a sense the latter was.

“Today the broadcasting and journalism world lost a heavyweight – made an impact in our sports lives the past 40 years,” said Manotoc.

“His knowledge of sports particularly boxing had few equals,” said Sen. Sonny Angara.

Another colleague, Joaquin Henson of The STAR, said, “It pains me because he’s been a pillar in the world of sports, someone who has covered sports very passionately. He’ll certainly be missed.”

Henson shared countless hours with Ronnie covering major sports events, particularly Pacquiao’s early days on the boxing program “Blow by Blow.”

“I had my differences with Ronnie – some of them major ones – but he never took them personally. He would still call me his “good friend.”

Gone at a ripe age of 81 but still too soon,” said another jaded sportscaster, Ed Picson.

“One thing many didn’t know about him – he was a darn good singer. Rest well my friend,” Picson added.

Manny V. Pangilinan, the country’s No. 1 sports patron, shared his own thoughts on Ronnie’s passing.

“Our friend Ronnie Nathanielsz is gone. We join his family in their hour of sadness and grief, and offer prayers and sincerest condolence.

Sports has lost a good man. We will miss him terribly. Rest in peace,” said Pangilinan.

Philippine sports, and those elsewhere, will mourn Ronnie’s passing.

“What a sad day,” said coach Chot Reyes.

So long, “partner.”