Vancouver broadcaster John Ashbridge has died at the age of 71 and he is being remembered today.
Ashbridge began working with the Vancouver Canucks in 1987 as a public address announcer going through two Stanley Cup appearances with the team.
The Vancouver Canucks broke the news of his passing late on Tuesday, June 5.
The Canucks are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of John Ashbridge. He was a part of our family for many years. His voice and cheerful presence will be greatly missed and forever remembered. Our thoughts are with his wife Yvonne and his family tonight. pic.twitter.com/8r9w6Ts1vP
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) June 6, 2018
Ashbridge or "Ash" worked in newsrooms across the province and started with CKNW in 1965 before his career as a PA for the Canucks.
He was the PA announcer for the 1998 NHL All-Star Game, the 2010 Winter Olympic Games at Canada Hockey Place and lent his voice to the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League until recently.
To so many, he was the “voice” of hockey in Vancouver. A remarkable man who was loved and respected by everyone he interacted with. We are beyond grateful to have had John represent the Giants and the great game of hockey. Our sincere condolences to his family. Thank you John. pic.twitter.com/4NpVdIg830
— Vancouver Giants (@WHLGiants) June 6, 2018
Tributes poured in through social media as people shared their memories, condolences and expressed what he meant to them.
We're very saddened to learn about the passing of John Ashbridge, a kind-hearted gentleman with unmistakable pipes. He and his voice impacted so many in the local sports community at all levels. We're so appreciative and honoured by his time spent on our campus #JohnAshbridge pic.twitter.com/jeMDhdIsYA
— UBC Thunderbirds (@ubctbirds) June 6, 2018
Legendary broadcaster and long-time PA announcer of the #Canucks, John Ashbridge has passed away at the age of 71. His voice became synonymous with hockey in Vancouver, and will be missed by colleagues and fans alike. #RIP pic.twitter.com/OecLfoNtF4
— Sportsnet 650 (@Sportsnet650) June 6, 2018
Ash was the best. You won’t find anyone who worked with or for him with a bad word to say. Big talent, little ego. A radio giant who led by example and mentored so many of us. Thoughts are with Yvonne and his many great friends tonight. https://t.co/oDD9YO0Mue
— Steve Lus (@stevecbc) June 6, 2018
Nooooo! John Ashbridge will always be the in rink voice of Canucks hockey. Every other team always try’s to be bombastic. John, was just simple and classy. Going to miss that ? VANCOUVER GOAL, SCORED BY NUMBER 16, TREVOR LINDEN (cue the organ) RIP Mr. Ashbridge #ForeveraCanuck
— John A. Gewargis (@braveman91) June 6, 2018
I’m heartbroken. John and his wife Yvonne played big roles in the beginning of my career. He was charming, funny, professional and kind. An amazing story teller professionally and personally. He had a voice like no other. He was a great man and mentor. #ripaash #johnashbridge pic.twitter.com/LLWcYsu298
— Tara Fedun (@Fedun) June 6, 2018
So sad to hear of the passing of #johnashbridge @Canucks https://t.co/AS7BTR5Qp1
— Stephanie (@stephfowler_) June 6, 2018
So great to hear broadcasters mentored by John Ashbridge pay tribute to him @CBCEarlyEdition tgis morning @CBCStephenQuinn @amybp76 Drew Kerekes. Condolences to his family #RIPAsh
— Shiral Tobin (@shiral) June 6, 2018
Met #JohnAshbridge for the first time last year. He was sharing a hospital room with my Dad who was waiting to have heart surgery. John introduced himself, then gave us a powerful pep talk that all would be OK. A legendary voice, soul and spirit. You will be missed. #RIP
— Riaz Meghji (@RiazMeghji) June 6, 2018
Saddened to hear of the passing of the legendary #JohnAshbridge
— Neil Powell (@neilpza) June 6, 2018
During our many years living in #newwestminster we connected often as he was always so generous in volunteering, including w. #sappertondays
Condolences to the family of John Ashbridge. A wonderful man, an extraordinary voice! The sound of Vancouver.
— Chris Cuthbert (@CCtsn) June 6, 2018
RIP John ashbridge. The “voice” of hockey in Vancouver. Hearing you call my name in the pacific coliseum and Rogers arena was one of a young lower mainland kids dream come true. Thanks for the memories
— Milan Lucic (@27MilanLucic) June 6, 2018
