Budd Lynch, Longtime Red Wings Announcer, Dies at 95
The Detroit Red Wings announced the death of Budd Lynch, the team's longtime public address announcer, on Tuesday.
The veteran broadcaster was 95-years-old. He died Tuesday morning at a Detroit-area rehabilitation center following a brief illness, according to the Associated Press.
"Budd Lynch was a dear member of the Detroit Red Wings family and a legendary icon to our community," Mike Illitch, Red Wings' owner, told AP. "Hearing Budd's voice on the radio and over the public address at Joe Louis Arena was something that every Red Wings fan looked forward to and loved. His calm, friendly and distinguished voice was symbolic of who Budd was as a person."
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Illitch added that the hockey world will deeply mourn Lynch.
"The Red Wings, our fans and the entire hockey world will miss Budd's renowned voice, but most of all we will miss a dear friend," said the team's owner, reported CBC Sports.
Lynch served as an announcer for 63 years, becoming the longest-tenured employee in Red Wings team history. The broadcaster got his start in 1936 at a radio station in Hamilton, Ontario after finishing high school. In 1939, Lynch joined the Canadian Army, where he served as a major in the Essex Scottish Regiment during World War II.
It was then that Lynch lost his right arm and shoulder during the D-Day invasion at Normandy.
He later joined the Red Wings as an announcer and experienced a decorated career. Among his many awards, Lynch received the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award in 1985 and entered the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1984. 11 years later, he received the Ty Tyson Award for excellence in sports broadcasting.
Red Wings general manager Ken Holland also made a statement about Lynch following Tuesday's news, describing the broadcaster as "one-of-a-kind," according to CBC Sports.
"Budd Lynch will forever be synonymous with the Detroit Red Wings," explained Holland. "He experienced it all in his 63 years with the organization … He had a vast knowledge of the game and the stories he could tell would have anyone who loves the sport mesmerized for hours."
"He will be sorely missed by everyone in the Red Wings family," he added.
On Twitter, Red Wings as well as sports fans from around the world posted hundreds of tributes to Lynch on Wednesday.
"RIP, thanks for your great service," wrote Chris.
"My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Red Wings legendary announcer Budd Lynch," posted Olympic hockey player Jack Johnson.
