DEARBORN, Mich. – Budd Lynch, the former announcer of the Detroit Red Wings, has died. Lynch was 95-years-old.
Lynch was the public address announcer from 1985 until 2012. He began his career with the Red Wings in 1949 when he served as the team's play-by-play announcer.
"Bud Lynch will forever be synonymous with the Detroit Red Wings," said Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland. "He experienced it all in his 63 years with the organization - from the glory days of Howe, Lindsay, Abel and Delvecchio all the way to the championship runs of Yzerman and Lidstrom. He had a vast knowledge of the game and the stories he could tell would have anyone who loves the sport mesmerized for hours. Budd was one-of-a-kind, not only in his talents as a broadcaster, but in the way he lived his life and the upbeat attitude he always carried. He will be sorely missed by everyone in the Red Wings family."
Lynch was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1985 as a media honoree. In 1994 Lynch was inducted to the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame.
He served with the Essex Scottish Regiment during World War II and lost an arm in a rocket attack.
Lynch living in a Nursing Home in Dearborn at the time of his death.
"Budd Lynch was a dear member of the Detroit Red Wings family and legendary icon of our community," said Red Wings' owner Mike Ilitch. "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. He always had a smile on his face, an upbeat spark in his voice and a kind and encouraging word for everyone he met. The Red Wings, our fans and the entire hockey world will miss Budd's renowned voice, but most of all we will miss a dear friend. Marian and I, and our entire organization, extend our deepest sympathies to Budd's daughters, loved ones and the entire Lynch family."
Funeral arrangements are pending.