For old guys like me, Don Chevrier was one of THE CFL voices of that era.
Condolences to his family.
Also, another one of the early voices, Don Whitman is ill with cancer. I'm sure we all hope for the best for Don and he pulls through.
An Argo-Cat fan
Chevrier and Whitman are Canadian sports icons. I share your grief over the loss of Don Chevrier and send condolences to his family.
Don Whitman is in my prayers for a full recovery. Lets hope he makes it.
This is very sad news on both fronts.
A speedy recovery for Mr. Whitman.
My condolences to the Chevrier family.
Absolutely.
Can you provide a link, please?
Eli the Eagle :cowboy: :cowboy: :cowboy:
Sad to hear. One of the greatest voices in sports, period.
Best wishes to Don Whitman as well.
Oski Wee Wee,
From the Globe and Mail
An Argo-Cat fan
Chevrier passes away
WILLIAM HOUSTON
Globe and Mail Update
E-mail William Houston | Read Bio | Latest Columns
December 18, 2007 at 12:08 PM EST
Don Chevrier, the popular sports announcer best known as the first TV voice of the Toronto Blue Jays, has died suddenly.
Chevrier, who lived in Palm Harbour, Fla., near Tampa, suffered from a blood disorder caused by a low platelet count. Platelets are particles that help clot the blood. He did not consider the condition serious.
His body was found Monday in his home by his son in law.
Chevrier, 69, was in Toronto during Grey Cup week last month to attend a dinner celebrating the launch of the CBC Sports Hall of Fame and to be interviewed for a CBC feature on the network’s long history with the CFL.
Don Chevrier, a friend and colleague of Toronto Blue Jays broadcaster Tom Cheek, speaks at Cheek’s memorial service on Oct. 14, 2005, in Clearwater, Fla. (Steve Nesius/AP)
After returning home to Florida, he was admitted to hospital suffering from the platelet disorder. He was treated and discharged a few days later. He said he was feeling fine.
Chevrier’s death shocked friends and colleagues.
Retired sports TV producer Ralph Mellanby said Chevrier’s versatility made him one of the top play callers in the business.
“He was one of the greatest broadcasters this country has ever produced, because he could do everything,” said Mellanby, who produced the Jays telecasts when Chevrier was calling the games. “His record was unbelievable.”
Chevrier most recently worked for NBC’s Olympic coverage, specifically curling. With his former CBC partner, Don Duguid, Chevrier helped raise the profile of curling in the United States.
Duguid, who lives in Winnipeg, talked to Chevrier at least once a week.
“I knew he wasn’t up to speed,” Duguid said. “His platelets were down. It was something he was sick with on and off with for a year, but he seemed to fight it off and said he was fine. It was a real shock.”
Duguid said one of Chevrier’s strengths as a broadcaster was a strong voice.
“He had great pipes, that great, wonderful booming voice that you could hear no matter where. He never used a cue card, had photographic memory and was really sharp, an excellent broadcaster.”
Chevrier, divorced, lived alone with his dog Barcley, but a daughter lived nearby.
“He was kind of set in his ways,” Duguid said. “He had a small circle of friends, liked to go to Vegas and play the slot the machines. He loved his dog Barcley. He phoned me twice a week. He was just a great guy and he loved life.”
My condolences
Condolenses from a non-fan. I've heard he was a nice guy and this comes as quite a shock since he appeared to be leading a healthy normal life
Sad news. We are only here for a brief period of time. People like Don make their's a bright light to be remembered for years after. He's a part of our CFL history and will be remembered fondly. Best wishes to his family during this time and God speed.
Lets hope Don Wittman recovers soon.
Don Chevrier will sure be missed. I thought he was one of the greats in Canadian sports broadcasting...along with Don Wittman.
Three score and ten is suppose to be about it for us guys. Don was pretty close at 69, but it still seems he left us to early.
He was the description of a true professional in my books. Maybe its just me but his replacements don't seem to measure up. Maybe its just each generation has their own sound and lingo.
I intend to make 100!!! How else to see the Cats win the Cup?
An Argo-Cat fan