Maple Leafs Mourn the Loss of Legendary PA Announcer
In a tragic bit of news coming out of the Maple Leafs organization, former PA Announcer Paul Morris has sadly passed away at 86.
The former voice of Maple Leaf Gardens, Paul Morris; a staple for fans growing up in the heyday of the Leafs has sadly passed away according to Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun.
Morris died peacefully at Lakeridge Health Oshawa last Thursday, Feb. 6 according to his obituary.
He started his career working in the sound department with the Maple Leafs before transitioning into the team's PA announcer -- a role he held for nearly four decades.
Calling Toronto's most recent Stanley Cup run in 1967, and was the booming and passionate voice during Toronto's Conference Finals run in 1993 and 1994.
Per Hornby, Morris called more than 1,500 consecutive games in his 38-year career with the Maple Leafs and was one of only four men to work the PA booth for the team.
Replaced in 1999 by Andy Frost, Morris decided to retire to a quite like in Muskoka although many fans were still able to recognize his iconic voice. Speaking to Hornby previously, Morris said:
My friend, whom I'd known 60 years, said: 'I keep forgetting you're famous. To me, you're just Paul.'
Morris is survived by his wife Marion, and the family has yet to announce a celebration of life, though that will presumably come in the future days.
We here at Hockey Patrol would like to extend our condolences and deepest sympathies regarding the passing of Paul Morris. We hope his family and friends can get through this difficult time.
