One day after the passing of beloved public-address announcer Budd Lynch, Detroit Red Wings fans and other luminaries continue to pay homage to an icon of Motor City hockey.
A spokesman for the Wings organization, John Hatch, confirmed that Lynch, 95, died Tuesday morning in Michigan.
Lynch, who was battling illness, according to an Associated Press bulletin on ESPN, was being treated at a rehabilitation center in the Detroit area.
Many hockey fans will remember Lynch as being the longtime public voice for the Red Wings, having started with the organization in the 1949-50 season, when he began calling televised Red Wings games. In 1960, Lynch became the play-by-play announcer for the Red Wings, where he would spend the next 15 years defining himself as the radio voice of the franchise.
During his time with the franchise, Lynch watched the Red Wings hoist at least eight of their 11 Stanley Cup championships, the most of any NHL team in the U.S. and third overall among all NHL franchises behind the Toronto Maple Leafs (13) and the Montreal Canadiens (24).
Many spoke out to pay their respects to a legendary figure in Detroit hockey lore.
"Budd Lynch was a dear member of the Detroit Red Wings family and legendary icon of our community," Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch said. "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."
Wings radio play-by-play announcer Ken Kal told USA Today that he remembered Lynch as one of the nicest people he ever met.
"He was kind of like a fatherly figure, in a lot of ways, to me," Kal said. "If you had a question about announcing or hockey, you could go to him. In a lot of ways, he was like Ernie Harwell. Well-liked, a great ambassador for the Red Wings."
As local Michigan news site MLive reported Wednesday, Lynch's passing drew hundreds of tributes on Twitter.
Among the notable Tweets from sports luminaries were the following:
John Keating, Fox Sports Detroit: Detroit is down one very friendly, loquacious Irishman today. RIP Budd Lynch. All connected with the Red Wings will miss your voice.
Detroit Tigers: Today, the Tigers mourn the passing of a true Detroit legend. Budd Lynch will be forever missed by all Detroit sports fans.
Justin Abdelkader, Red Wings forward: Our thoughts and prayers go out to Budd Lynch's family! What a great voice and even better person!!
Kris Draper, retired Red Wings forward: Our thoughts and prayers go out toBudd Lynch's family. Budd spent 63 years with our organization, the Detroit Red Wings.
Aaron Ward, former Red Wings defenseman: Sad news on Budd Lynch passing. Voice synonymous w/ Red Wings, JLA and Detroit. Had a personality that brightened lives. Will be missed. RIP.
Bob Wojnowski, Detroit News columnist: Wings PA announcer and long-time broadcaster Budd Lynch was one of the all-time great characters, and a great guy too. Lived 95 full years.
Steve Levy, EPSN anchor: sad ... big time pipes and gave "good old days" feel to bldg and game
Larry Lage, Associated Press Detroit: Budd Lynch could've walked through the cramped, narrow press box @ the Joe like he owned it, but always went to side to let people pass thru.
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