THE Telegraph & Argus has opened this online book of condolence to bring together tributes to the late rugby player Alex Barusevicus.
In a time that stops family and friends from grieving together, we hope this will be a place for people to pay their respects and share memories.
The 21-year-old rugby player sadly took his own life while away at university, Keighley RUFC said.
Community answers
Book of Condolence
"Pay tribute to 21-year-old rugby player and Keighley lad Alex Barusevicus"
We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.
Your tributeI had the pleasure riding with Alex many of times. Our first ride together was with Seb and Derek Shaw into the heart of the Yorkshire dales. I remember coming into Aysgarth, Alex had dropped Seb and his dad and I was clinging onto his wheel and thinking who is this kid and why is he so good. Riding back from Keighley GC, Alex wanting to give the Hewenden climb segment a go to see if he could knock Pete off the top step. I certainly didn’t have the legs so I left him too it. I didn’t expect him to wait at the top because he only lived a few hundred meters down the other side and I was at least 2 minutes behind him. I got to the top of the climb and saw him waiting and remember thinking it was such a nice thing to do! Alex you will be missed by everyone!
Your tributeHearing this news was heartbreaking. Alex was such an intelligent and smart friend who I can only remember laughing or making everyone laugh. There are so many great memories cherished and that will never be forgotten. Sending lots of love to family and friends. Keep on smiling up there Alex.
Your tributeHere’s to the laughter, the joy, the days out and the unforgettable nights. Although we only crossed paths at university, it felt like we had been together for an eternity, your infectious soul brought the best of days to me and those around you and despite us growing up miles apart, our bond was brotherly and one that could never be broken. So pop the kettle on bud, i’ll see you for another brew soon. Rest in Perfect Peace Alex, i’ll love you always.
Your tributeI don’t know u or ur family but as a mother my self to children of ur age ..I can only image how hard things must be for ur close ones , reading these tributes brought tears to my eyes , u are obviously such a loss and all that knew u are left with only good memories u made so many smiles and so many are at loss now , thinking of all your family and friends especially ur mum I hope she can stay strong during these hard times what a lovely person u was and a person who’s missed so much by many ,, such a loss to read another young life taken too soon ,, rip you sound such a nice and talented man I’m sorry u left .condolences to all
Your tributeRest in peace Alex, you will be deeply missed by us all. I will never forget the fun times we spent at the Fleece, you were such a lovely funny lad and we will always remember you for that. My thoughts are with your loved ones at this difficult time.
Your tributeWhenever I was with Alex he was always laughing and lighting up the room. That will be deeply missed and my heart goes out to all of his close family and friends. I pray he rests peacefully.
Your tributeAlex, what a legend you are. You never failed to put a smile on everyone's face around you, making us laugh day in day out at school. You will be truly missed by everyone that was privileged to be a part of your life. Rest in peace Alex, may you continue to bring a smile to people's faces wherever you are.
Your tributeRIP Alex. Keep smiling. We are in bits and don't want to believe you are gone. You were a wonderful friend to my son Mark, ever giving, always cheerful. We all loved you and cannot imagine a world without you popping in to ours with some bit of bike or kit. Thoughts and love are with you Theresa, and all your family, We know our grief is a fraction of what you are all enduring right now. We wish we could bring him back too. XXX Eliz Russell and Alice Roberts
Your tributeI knew Alex all through secondary school, and despite not being particularly close, he always brought such a happy energy to our friendship group. His laughter and ability to light up any room will be sorely missed. My thoughts are with Alex's family and friends.
Your tributeWords may not suffice to express the heartfelt sorrow that we feel for the passing of Alex. His life was far too short. My thoughts are with you, your friends and our family. Alex, you will be dearly missed xx
Your tributeI only spoke to Alex a few times whenever we worked together in pairs in English but he always so friendly, funny and polite. Nonetheless I was very upset when I heard the news. My heart goes out to his family and friends, I can't imagine how difficult this must be to process and deal with.
Your tributeAlex is an amazing person, he cares so much for people that were close to him and he was so positive to everyone. He was so passionate about so much in his life and he deserved the best for it. I’m sorry to Alex’s family and anyone affected by this.
Your tributeIt was an absolute honour to share the field with you big lad. Your bravery and tenacity was something to behold and you always gave 110% for the lads. My thoughts and condolences are with your Family at this extremely difficult time. Sleep well buddy, Liam ❤️💚🤍
Your tributeRIP Alex, you went to primary and secondary school with my daughter, always a smiler and such a a happy boy. Such a bright future, so truly sad that it ended this way. If you only knew how many people that knew you are deeply devastated by your passing maybe things would have been different. My thoughts are with your mum and family hope you are at rest now.xx
Your tributeWe’re going to miss such a talented, kind, intelligent and loveable lad. Growing up with Alex through secondary school and sixth form, he would always, no matter what, have a big smile on his face. This is how I will always remember him. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones at this time. Alex, it was a privilege to have known you mate; I hope you are now at peace.
Your tributeAlex, always smile wherever you are. We all miss you.
Your tributeI am so very saddened to hear the passing of Alex. A young life lost too soon. My deepest thoughts Pete. Rich
Your tributeAlex was one of those special people whose smile made you smile. His Yorkshire accent was the first thing I noticed about him but his kindness and happiness is what I’ll remember him for. Alex will be with us every step of the way through University and I know he will be watching over us. Rest in Peace Alex, I hope you are at peace now and you will always have a place in my heart. Sending my deepest condolences and love to his family, I am so sorry for your loss.
Your tributeMy Daughter was a friend of Alex’s. My heart goes out to his family. This is a tragic loss of a young life. We can only continue in his name, raising awareness of mental health. Keep talking to young people around you. Alex your light will continue to live in those who love you.
Your tributeSo sad another young life gone R.I.P. alex another bright light extinguished
Your tributeAlex, words won't ever do justice in order to describe the impact you had on the many lives you interacted with including mine. I was privileged to live with you during the first and second year of University and it was with you that I shared memorable moments. From you somehow managing to burn pasta to the numerous gym sessions we had together, you always had a wide grin on your face and I will dearly miss that. Your infectious personality is something that left a mark on me and it was because of you, that I was confident enough to join the American Football Club at University with you. You will be truly missed but Heaven has gained an angel. Rest in Perfect Peace Alex. Sending my condolences to his family.
Your tributeAlex, you were an amazing soul that lit up every room. From the first moment you stepped in to our primary school class and gave the whole class a lesson on how to spell your name to making everyone laugh so much during lunch and at parties. You had the most infectious smile and laugh that everyone will remember forever. I feel so lucky to have known you so long and I am honoured to say you were a friend. You will be missed by everyone so much! I am sending all my love to your family and friends.
Your tributeSo sad to hear of your passing. I remember you with fondness as a young boy at wilsden primary school. I remember your sense of humour and cheeky grin. Pass on my sincere condolences to your parents as this immensely sad time.
Your tributeAlex was one of those special people whose smile made you smile and laughter filled a room. His Yorkshire accent was the first thing I noticed about him but his kindness and happiness is what I’ll remember him for. You will be with us every step of the way through University and I know you’ll be watching over us. Rest in Peace Alex, I hope you are at peace now and you will always have a place in my heart. Sending my deepest condolences and love to Alex’s family.
Your tributeSuch sad news for Teresa and the family. Much love at this difficult time
Your tributeCondolences to Alex’s family and friends. May you now be at peace from your angst and whatever was torturing you xx
Your tributeI went to both primary and secondary school with Alex and although we weren’t close I always knew he was just a kind, funny guy. Couldn’t believe the news when I heard it. My condolences to all friends and family x
Your tributeMy deepest condolences to Alex's family and friends.
Your tributeRIP Alex. Such sad news. What a lovely lad you were. I looked after you when you were younger at after school club in Wilsden. You were always so happy and always had something to tell me which made me laugh. Thinking of your lovely mummy and family at this heartbreaking time ❤
Your tributeAlex was a great friend of mine for many years With our friends he was the one who never failed to make everyone smile I miss him dearly and my heart goes out to his family and all his friends who loved and miss him so much
Your tributeAlex was a great friend of mine and I feel so lucky to of known him With our friends he was the one who never failed to make everyone smile I miss him dearly and my heart goes out to his family and all his friends that loved him so much and that will never forget him
Your tributeI enjoyed getting to know Alex on training camp together and through shared experiences on the bike. He was a welcome familiar face when I joined Keighley RFC and came to my first training session. His attitude on the rugby pitch was a great example of how to play the game and mirrored his riding style - quietly getting on with the job, playing with a smile on his face and never taking a backward step. I was saddened and shocked to hear of his passing and send my best wishes to Pete and the rest of Alex’s family and friends - he’ll be missed a tremendous amount.
Your tributeAlex Barusevicus. A man who was always smiling, and always elated the mood of the room he was in. An amazing, intelligent man and an even better friend. Our entire friendship group shook; his memory forever in our hearts and his contagious laughter forever causing us to smile. Our hearts won't ever be the same.
Your tributeWish Alex could see how much he meant to so many. He was in my form in year 7 and we came up through school together. He was a lovely, kind lad with an infectious and unique laugh and it pains me I won’t get to hear it again. I know I speak for all of his close school friends when I say we are so deeply saddened and will miss him more than he will ever know. Hope you’re at peace now x
Your tributeALEX I LOVE YOU AND MISSING SO MUCH NOTHING I CAN SAY WILL DESCRIBE HOW I FEEL. MY HEART IS BROKEN AND I WANT MY ALEX BACK. The cat is missing you as well. ALEX I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO So many questions. And no answers. You have been amazing son I couldn't wish for anyone else and with grim on your face you could do anything you wanted. Love you so much Mama
Your tributeRidden with Alex many times, and been on training camps with him; you were a lovely lad Alex - gentle, cheeky, funny, kind, and adored by everyone despite annoying the hell out of us all with your ability to rock up each year with almost no winter training and routinely smash us. I’m utterly heartbroken for you Peter and the rest of your family for your devastating loss, my thoughts and prayers to you all. Rest peacefully Alex, and may all the fond memories you’ve left behind, and the great friendships you’ve helped gel live on forever x
Your tributeOnly met Alex once I think, or twice. But he was a good lad and he was friends with some of my friends. He will be missed by everyone. Thoughts are with his family and friends, RIP Alex, gone too soon but always will be remembered.
Your tributeAlex come back to me please. I do miss you so much only my heart know how bad I will see you soon my love Not sure what you would like to take with you on the journey you are going on. All my love Mama
Your tributeRip Alex ,lovely lad .so sorry for your loss
Your tributeRest peacefully Alex, sending my love to his family.
Your tributeHaving grown up with you in primary school and knowing you in secondary, hearing this news is deeply saddening, you really were a lovely person. My thoughts go out to family, friends and loved ones, rest in peace Alex
Your tributeAlex was a wonderful soul who I will treasure forever. He never failed to make me laugh with his witty jokes. Despite the fact it felt as though we were speaking different languages with our opposing Bradford & London accents, I felt really connected to Alex. He made sure to always check up on everyone to make sure they were okay. I feel so lucky to have known him, and to have lived with him at university as he lit up every room he entered. I’ll remember the hundreds of cups of tea that we shared whilst chatting absolute nonsense, and how he insisted that Yorkshire tea was the only one good enough for him. Alex, you will be dearly missed x
Your tributeI loved Alex the moment Georgia told me about him and that was strengthened when I met him, he was a beautiful person with so much to give and an infectious happiness. I felt my happiest because of their happiness and now I feel my saddest because of all our sadness. I wish more than anything he could see how loved he was but I know with my whole heart he knew what he meant to Georgia and so many others. I remember a conversation Alex and I had together, we felt the same about Georgia, just in complete awe of her as a person. I know he saw her the way I do. He was so genuinely kind and brought a feeling of safety to you when you were with him. I’m sending all my love to all of Alex’s family and his friends, he was and always will be so special x
Your tributeHaving grown up with you in primary school and knowing you in secondary, hearing this news is saddening, you really were such a lovely person and you were loved by so many! My thoughts are with family, friends and loved ones, rest in peace Alex.
Your tributeYou were an all round amazing guy and someone who we will continue to cherish. Such a kind soul and never a bad word to say about anyone, you will be truly missed. Sending my love to all his family, friends and his gorgeous girlfriend Georgia x
Your tributeAlex you were warm-hearted, charming and incredibly bright. I didn’t know you for long but you became part of our house and the memories we shared with you will never be forgotten. Rest easy xxx
Your tributeDear alex i love you so much and words can not describe how devistated and heart broken i am . You always lit up the house with your beautiful smile and made my day whenever i saw you . I wish you knew how heart-broken i am and how much i miss you You always made everyone smile around you and nobody will ever forget that .
Your tributeAlex’s passing has shocked and saddened the entire University of Nottingham American Football team, who will miss our teammate dearly. Alex joined the team late last year and quickly became a well-loved member of the family. He made his first plays for the first team in our penultimate game of the season and made an impressive impact as a player. More importantly, he was a friend. He embodied the attributes that our team cherishes and fosters amongst its players; commitment and friendship. He will be missed dearly by the team, especially the teammates he lived with and was closest to. Our sympathies and thoughts are with his family, friends and Rugby club at home.
Your tributeAlex brought so many happy times to my house at university. He was so kind, caring, and always had a smile on his face. He was so fun to be around, especially on nights out, where he became known as A-man. What I’ll miss the most is constantly hearing him laugh with Georgia whilst they raced each other around the house, or tried to creep downstairs for late night snacks. He is already so missed, but I hope he is resting peacefully now. You are so loved Alex.
Your tributeAlex was such a great person to be around. I will always remember him with a smile on his face. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Your tributeAlex, you were a wonderful, funny and caring young man. I’m sad to see you go but I’m happy you’re resting easy now. You’ll always be loved.
Your tributeAlex was kindest friend that I have ever met he was also the smartest. Me and him bonded over our music taste which was very similar. We had a connection that I call brotherly love and I will miss him massively. Love u A man X
Your tributeDeepest Condolences to Genyk, Theresa and Family x
Your tributeMy heartfelt thoughts go out to Alex's family and friends
Your tributeI am so sorry to lose such a great friend. He was one of the cleverest people I have been fortunate enough to know, who brought laughter into every room he entered. He will always be a big part of my University experience and there will now be a big hole where he once stood. I will miss you terribly, but I really hope you’re at peace now and looking down on us all with a big mug of tea. You made THE best panini and I told you this many times!
Your tributeRest in peace young man. It’s incredibly sad to hear this news.
Your tributeThoughts with the family and everyone at KRUFC. Best CR BSRFC
Your tributeRest in peace Alex, you will be sorely missed by so many
Your tributeAlex, you were a bright soul who had touched the hearts of many. The grief we all feel is indescribable. You were so talented and so loved, and you’ll be sorely missed by all of your loved ones, especially Peter, Kasia and your mum. We’ll keep you in our hearts till the end of time and keep the memory of you alive and strong for the rest of our days. Our thoughts and prayers are with you xxx
Your tributeTo my dear friend Teresa I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful boy.🙏🙏
Your tributeDear Alex, I wish you could see the impact your absence has had on everyone around you. I wish you were here to see all the kind things people have to say about you - how lovely you were, how much you made people laugh, how much you helped people. You were and are still so loved in this world. You had achieved so much, know every single one of us is so proud of you. I never thought I’d wake up in a world where you weren’t here anymore. I hope you find the peace you were so desperately looking for. All my love, Georgia x
Your tributeSo sad Our thoughts are with the family
Your tributeAlex was an amazing soul and he will be missed by everyone. He had the ability to make everyone smile with his smile, and everyone laugh with his laugh. He managed to make friends with everyone he met. We will all remember Alex, whether it’s his unusual slang, him constantly having his Yorkshire Tea mug by his side, or his love for risotto. But for me it will be how he was so intelligent, so kind, and so funny. University will not be the same without you mate and we will talk about you, and miss you every single day.
Your tributeThoughts are with Pete and the rest of the family. Alex was a talented rider, strong as owt and such a sweet lad. My condolences to you all x
Your tributeI am so desperately sad to read this and hear of another families loss of a young and bright individual. My heart felt condolences to Alex’s Family, Friends and KRUFC family, I am so sorry
Your tributeI was fortunate enough to be Bestfriends with Alex at university. What an amazing and kindhearted boy he was. Sending all my love to his family and friends. We will miss him so much.
Your tributeI didn't know Alex too well, but we always got on in school. He was kind and light-hearted, and treated everyone with respect. My condolences go out to all of his family and friends. You will be missed, and you will be remembered.
Your tributeI don’t know Alex personally, however we both went to Bingley Grammar and sometimes we’d sit on the same table in certain subjects. He was always funny, kind and polite, never had a bad word to say about anyone. Condolences go to his family and friends
Your tributeTdF 2014 Day 1 route - Buckden, Buttertubs and back with Del, Seb and Thomas - A Grand Day Out in happier times - ride on Big Al
Your tributeFrom the few interactions I had with Alex at BGS and a few social events, I knew he had the biggest heart and the purest soul. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Your tributeAbsolutely gutted by this news, I have always thought of union as a family, ok you want to beat every team you play, but never to hurt people. God bless young man, sending love to your family x, Dale Martin from the bees.
Book of Condolence
Pay tribute to 21-year-old rugby player and Keighley lad Alex Barusevicus
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