Richard Loney - Forever A Vancouver Canuck(RIP)

[VancouverFan69]

The Canucks, for the majority of their NHL history, mainly their first 20 years, were not a very watchable team, unless one was/is a passionate Canucks fan like myself. However, there were two great stars the Canucks had for many, many years from Day One. One is Hockey Hall of Fame play-by-play broadcaster Jim Robson. The other was national anthem singer, Richard Loney, whom I liked referring to as "the Jim Robson of anthem singing" or the "Roger Doucet of Western Canada". Sadly, Mr. Loney's great voice has been silenced as Canucks' President of Hockey Operations, Trevor Linden announced his passing today.

Mr. Loney sang at the start of Canucks home games for 40 years plus he sang occasionally for other Vancouver sports teams and even at Mariner games when the Blue Jays provided the opposition. He was also a well-respected high-school French teacher and even sang on cruises. A great man, a true professional and a first-class act. The next order of business for the Canucks is to get him inducted into their Ring of Honour. Rest In Peace, Mr. Loney.

Here's a clip in his memory: