Scoreboard Honors Westfield Father, Coach Who Died Of Cancer

Westfield, NJ -- A Westfield father and coach who lost his brave battle to cancer last year was honored on Friday with a new scoreboard at Gumbert Field 3.

“My husband was a very active in the community as a coach for my children’s teams in baseball, soccer, basketball,” Helene Coustan told Patch. “He had a very powerful affect on young children in the community with his coaching.”

Brad Coustan was diagnosed with myeloma, a blood cancer and fought the disease for three long years. He lost his battle on June 7, 2015.

During his fight, the community rallied around him. And the community once again rallied to raise funds to purchase the new scoreboard.

The Westfield Baseball League donated the sign and dedicated it on Friday, April 8.

Not only was their enough money raised to fund the sign but they also had enough left over to donate a “generous” check to Helene for the Coustan’s two children's (Victor and Ava) college fund.

“I never expected all of this,” Helene said of the support from the community. “The scoreboard is the most appropriate, powerful and wonderful way to honor his name and legacy.”

Brad had coached his son, Victor, in baseball since he was four. Victor is now in the eighth grade at Westfield’s Roosevelt Middle School.

Playing baseball in high school, Brad was an all-state third baseman. He shared his passion and love of baseball with his son and community children.

“This couldn’t be more meaningful for my son,” Helene said. “He played on those fields and had lots of memories with his father on those fields, as do many children in our community.”

More than 200 people came out to see the dedication and to rally behind the Coustan family.

“Everytime we drive by the scoreboard we will see his name and remember him,” Helene said. “My son can bring his kids there and my daughter can bring her kids there and tell them how wonderful their grandpa was.”

(Photos provided: Ava, Helene and Victor Coustan with the new scoreboard dedicated by the Westfield Baseball League in Brad's name.)