Vancouver Giants Mourn the Passing of John Ashbridge
The Vancouver Giants are deeply saddened by the passing of legendary public address announcer John Ashbridge, who at the age of 71 passed away on Tuesday, June 5, 2018.
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
Ashbridge’s voice was synonymous with hockey in Vancouver. He became the public address announcer for the Vancouver Canucks in 1987 and over the course of the next 30-plus years would be a part of the most memorable Vancouver hockey moments including: The Vancouver Giants 2007 Memorial Cup victory, Canada’s 2010 Winter Olympic Gold Medal victory in hockey and two Stanley Cup Finals (1994 and 2011). Fans attending hockey games at the Langley Events Centre, Pacific Coliseum or Rogers Arena were always in good hands with “Ash” on the mic.
Prior to joining the Vancouver Canucks, he spent many years working in newsrooms across the province. He started with CKNW in Vancouver in 1965.
John Ashbridge’s presence and voice greatly enhanced the Vancouver Giants hockey experience. He was highly regarded by everyone who knew him, and he would often be seen in the Vancouver Giants Media/Scouts room sharing a joke, a story, a warm smile or a piece of career advice to the many young people (in all sorts of professions) who approached him for a visit. He had time for absolutely everyone and will be greatly missed.
The Vancouver Giants send their heartfelt condolences to John’s wife Yvonne and the entire Ashbridge family.
John’s impact has been felt all over the province of B.C., the hockey community and of course, the Vancouver Giants:
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
Saddened to hear of the passing of John Ashbridge…his voice, talent and attention to detail was the consummate pro ..every game ended with a confirming thumbs up sign from him …I will always cherish the nite he was on the mic of my 2,000th WHL broadcast…thank you Ash!
— Bill Wilms (@BillFairway) June 6, 2018
RIP ❤️🙏🏻 Mr.Ashbridge you will always be known as a kind and genuine human. Rest easy https://t.co/XJ6xphkOBB
— Ty Ronning (@TyRonning7) June 6, 2018
There are no words. pic.twitter.com/GP9E7Kyw5h
— Brook Ward (@brookwardsports) June 6, 2018
Saddened to hear of the passing of John Ashbridge. For any @Canucks fan who came into Pacific Coliseum/@RogersArena or @WHLGiants fan who came through Coliseum/Langley, he was a terrific voice. More importantly, he was a terrific person. RIP Ash.
— Joey Kenward (@kenwardskorner) June 6, 2018
John Ashbridge had time for everyone. He went out of his way to connect with you, to make you feel comfortable. He was a class, class guy. And the voice wasn't half bad, either.
— Steve Ewen (@SteveEwen) June 6, 2018
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
Condolences to the family of John Ashbridge. A wonderful man, an extraordinary voice! The sound of Vancouver.
— Chris Cuthbert (@CCpxpSN) June 6, 2018
https://twitter.com/BCLions/status/1004236194136244224
Thank you John 👏🎙 #RipAsh pic.twitter.com/2inYvLEWVt
— Vancouver Canadians (@vancanadians) June 6, 2018
We are saddened to learn of the passing of legendary broadcaster, and long-time PA announcer of the @Canucks and @WHLGiants, John Ashbridge. For generations of BC hockey fans, John’s voice was synonymous with hockey in our province. He will be missed.
— BC Sports Hall of Fame (@BCSportsHall) June 6, 2018
