Sports world pays tribute to Canadian-born broadcaster John Saunders

Raptors radio voice Paul Jones remembers the life and career of long-time friend and colleague John Saunders, who sadly passed away at the age of 61.

Sportsnet Staff August 10, 2016, 12:45 PM

ESPN announced Wednesday that longtime broadcaster John Saunders has died at the age of 61.

A Toronto native and Ryerson University alumni, Saunders was the first play-by-play man for the Raptors, a role he held from 1995 until 2001. Saunders joined ESPN in 1986 and became a versatile star at the network, covering numerous Stanley Cup Finals and World Series, doing play-by-play for various sports and hosting The Sports Reporters, SportsCenter and several other studio shows.

But above all else, Saunders was a role model for many and will be remembered by his peers for his humanity, dignity and professionalism.

John Saunders, our beloved colleague at ESPN for nearly 30 years, has died. He was 61. https://t.co/MScZNaXoZY

— ESPN (@espn) August 10, 2016

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released the following statement regarding the passing of John Saunders pic.twitter.com/jnhY74iprc

— NBA (@NBA) August 10, 2016

One of saddest days of my life today as I grieve suddenly losing my best friend of 42 years, John Saunders. Life will never be the same.

— Neil Smith (@NYCNeil) August 10, 2016

The @ryersonrams are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Hall of Fame member John Saunders. Our thoughts are with his family. #Ramily

— TMU Bold (@tmubold) August 10, 2016

Condolences to friends and family of legendary Canadian sports broadcaster and @ryersonrams alum Josh Saunders. pic.twitter.com/XThSk2ah6h

— Ontario University Athletics (@OUAsport) August 10, 2016

Proud Canadian, Toronto born, Ryerson bred John Saunders. Incredibly generous to me on and off the air. I'll miss him so much

— Adnan Virk (@adnansvirk) August 10, 2016

For those youngsters unaware of the connection, in addition to all of the years at ESPN, John Saunders was the OG TV voice of the Raptors.

— Ryan Wolstat (@WolstatSun) August 10, 2016

Had pleasure of working with the great John Saunders on Raptors games in early 2000's. The guy literally always spoke through a smile. RIP.

— Brad Fay (@SNBradFay) August 10, 2016

John Saunders gave me hope…I could achieve my dreams to work in sports. Having never met the man…he still had an influence on my life.

— Tim Micallef (@tim_micallef) August 10, 2016

Sad to hear of passing of #JohnSaunders. As a Canadian, African-American journalist who effortlessly covered everything I looked up to him

— Donnovan Bennett (@donnovanbennett) August 10, 2016

Shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of John Saunders. A broadcasting legend and a friend. #RIP

— David Amber (@DavidAmber) August 10, 2016

Crushing news. Saunders is a man I've admired since childhood. Pro's pro.

Showed us all how it's done.
https://t.co/HH8zY0T1Gv

— Arash Madani (@ArashMadani) August 10, 2016

So incredibly sad to hear that John Saunders has passed. He was a role model, a gentleman & a first-class reporter/anchor. RIP to a legend.

— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) August 10, 2016

John Saunders was a better person than a host, which is saying something. Classy. Professional. I can't even describe his impact on me.

— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) August 10, 2016

John Saunders, one of the best ever at ESPN. Never ever heard a negative word about him from people in the business or viewers. RIP.

— Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) August 10, 2016

John Saunders worked at ESPN since 1986. He was a founding board member of V Foundation. He hosted Sports Reporters. He was 61 and beloved.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 10, 2016

The news of John Saunders' death could not be more crushing. We all loved him dearly. We grieve. We will miss him. Can't replace the man.

— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) August 10, 2016

https://twitter.com/jonahkeri/status/763391645937049600

RIP John Saunders. Thanks for being a mentor and class act. I will miss you dearly.

— Jalen Rose (@JalenRose) August 10, 2016

John Saunders as a defenseman on the Western Michigan University hockey team, mid-1970s. pic.twitter.com/wmBGV0xSjE

— SportsPaper (@SportsPaperInfo) August 10, 2016

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