Legendary broadcaster Don Chevrier dies at 69

Don Chevrier, a popular sports announcer best known as the original television voice of the Toronto Blue Jays, died on Monday.

He was 69.

Chevrier, who was born in Toronto but lived in Palm Harbor, Fla., suffered from a blood disorder and was recently admitted to hospital before being released a few days later.
 
Tom McKee, who worked with Chevrier on Blue Jays' telecasts during the club's inaugural season in 1977, spoke with his former broadcast partner this past Saturday before he went into the hospital.
 
"He was a great broadcaster and a great friend. I'll miss him very much," McKee told CBCSports.ca.
 
A legendary figure in Canadian broadcasting circles, Chevrier amazed colleagues and television viewers alike with his unique voice and encyclopaedic knowledge of sports.

Chevrier was known for his versatility during his lengthy broadcasting career, as he called football, baseball, curling, hockey, golf, boxing and Olympic sports for the CBC and other networks.

 
Current Hockey Night in Canada analyst and former NHL goalie Greg Millen worked alongside Chevrier for three seasons calling Ottawa Senators' games in the 1990s and also worked with him at the 1994 Winter Games in Lillehammer, Norway.

 
"He will go down as one of those Canadian icons in broadcasting. There's no doubt about it," said Millen, who credits Chevrier for helping him break into the broadcasting business.

 
Millen said he was often in awe of Chevrier over his photographic memory and ability to retain mountains of information.

 
"He was a very talented broadcaster who could do any sport and was as steady as could be," said Millen.