Bill Schonely passed away at the age of 93.
Longtime PDX sportswriter Kerry Eggers, who also co-wrote Schonely’s memoirs, is the source of the report.
Schonely, the longtime voice of the Blazers who popularised the term “Rip City,” is arguably the most well-known and adored announcer in Portland history.
On December 4, 2022, Schonely was interviewed by FOX 12 during the final Blazers game he ever attended.
Schonely served as the team’s official play-by-play announcer for the first 28 years of its existence before transitioning into an ambassadorial position.
After serving the company for 52 years, he made his formal retirement in June.