Legendary broadcaster and voice of the Canucks John Ashbridge dies at 71

A well-known voice in Vancouver, John Ashbridge, has died at age 71.

The longtime broadcaster became synonymous with hockey over the years, lending his voice to the Vancouver Giants as well as the Canucks.

He also made his mark in various newsrooms across B.C., including at CKNW where he started as a news anchor in 1965.

He began working with the Canucks as their public address announcer in 1987. During his time with the NHL, he worked through two Stanley Cup appearances.

It was later that he moved on to become the PA announcer for the Giants. Majority owner Ron Toigo says he was a legend..

“The one thing that stands out is that iconic voice of his that people from around here, and his years at the coliseum with the Canucks and at Rogers Arena, like Vin Scully is to baseball,” he said.

“That voice that John has for hockey is something that we’re all going to miss a lot.”

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“No question about it we won the lottery when John Ashbridge got involved with the Vancouver Giants.”

John McKitrick worked side by side with Ashbridge on the CKNW news desk.

“He was always a pleasure to work with because he was a happy go lucky type of workman. I mean he was very serious, he was very thorough as well in his work, but at the same time it was always a pleasure to be on the desk with him,” said McKitrick.

WATCH: John Ashbridge passes away at 71

2:41 Legendary broadcaster John Ashbridge dies at 71

And Dan Russell who hosted “SportsTalk” on CKNW remembers him fondly.

Tributes to John, from the many people he knew in the broadcast world through his life, have been pouring in on social media.

The Canucks have released a statement saying the organization is “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.”