AceShowbiz - "Full House" alum Candace Cameron Bure recently took to Instagram to share the heartbreaking news of the death of her father-in-law, Vladimir Bure, who passed away on September 3 at the age of 73. "Our hearts are broken as we grieve the loss of Val’s dad Vladimir Bure. I loved this man so very much," she wrote, expressing profound sorrow while celebrating the impact Vladimir had on her life and that of her family.

Vladimir Bure, an outstanding athlete, left an indelible mark in the world of sports. "Vladimir was a 4x Olympic medalist in swimming and a 2x Stanley Cup winning coach for the New Jersey Devils," Candace highlighted, honoring his significant achievements. Born in Norilsk, Russia, he represented the Soviet Union in three consecutive Olympics (1968, 1972, and 1976), securing one silver and three bronze medals. His illustrious swimming career included being a two-time European champion and a 17-time Soviet champion.

After his successful swimming career, Vladimir transitioned to coaching, utilizing his expertise to foster athletic excellence. He relocated to Los Angeles in 1991 with his sons, Pavel and Valeri Bure, who both became renowned figures in the NHL. Pavel played for the Vancouver Canucks, Florida Panthers, and New York Rangers, while Valeri, Candace's husband, spent ten seasons with several teams including the Montreal Canadiens and the Calgary Flames.

Vladimir's legacy extends beyond his sporting achievements. He served as a fitness consultant for the New Jersey Devils from 1999 to 2010, during which his innovative training methods contributed to the team's Stanley Cup victories in 2000 and 2003.

Candace shared poignant memories of her father-in-law, including touching photos of them hugging and dancing. She described him as "a proud father, grandfather, husband and dedicated coach," and emphasized his unwavering love for his family. "Thank you for praying for all of the Bure family as we grieve. We love you Vladimir, and you’ll forever be in our hearts," she concluded.

The Bure family's loss was met with an outpouring of support from fans and organizations alike. Many took to social media to share their condolences, with Natasha Valerievna, Candace and Valeri’s daughter, also paying tribute to her beloved 'Dedushka', the Russian term for grandpa.

Vladimir Bure's dedication, resilience, and profound love for his family and sport have left a lasting legacy, ensuring that his spirit will continue to inspire future generations.