Bill Rasmussen’s memorial service set for Aug. 27 with livestream access

A Celebration of Life for ESPN founder Bill Rasmussen will be livestreamed Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, at 10:50 a.m. Eastern Time. The service gives friends, family and the public a virtual way to honor Rasmussen’s legacy and support the American Parkinson Disease Association.

Why it matters: - Bill Rasmussen founded ESPN, making the memorial service relevant to sports media history and to the many people connected to the network’s origin story. - The livestream expands access for those who cannot attend in person and creates a public way to mark Rasmussen’s life and legacy.

What happened: - A Celebration of Life for Bill Rasmussen is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, beginning at 10:50 a.m. Eastern Time. - The service will be livestreamed from Idlewild at the funeral livestream. - Family, friends and community members are invited to participate virtually.

The details: - Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association at the APDA donation page. - Letters of appreciation may be sent to William F. Rasmussen Revocable Living Trust, PO Box 715, New Port Richey, FL 34656. - Questions can be sent to PenniLeighGraham@icloud.com. - The event details list the memorial donation link as APDAparkinson.org/donate.

Between the lines: - The announcement frames the service as both a memorial and a shared community event, with a livestream to widen participation beyond New Port Richey, Florida. - The APDA donation request suggests a charitable focus tied to Parkinson’s disease. - Social media links tied to ESPN founder branding point to an effort to keep Rasmussen’s public legacy visible after the service.

What's next: - The livestream begins Thursday morning at 10:50 a.m. Eastern Time. - Supporters can donate to APDA, send letters of appreciation, or contact the listed email for questions.