I’m sad to report that long-time Canucks anthem singer Richard Loney has died. Loney was a no-nonsense pro, who sang the national anthem at Canucks games for over 40 years.
Trevor Linden released this statement about him:
“The entire Vancouver Canucks organization is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of longtime anthem singer, Richard Loney. Richard sang the anthem at the first Canucks NHL game in 1970 and his rendition of our National Anthem remained a welcome tradition at Canucks home games for over 40 years. I was lucky enough to hear him sing O Canada so many times during my playing career. He’s been such a big part of our team’s history and was a true icon in BC, lending his one-of-a-kind voice to the Lions, Whitecaps, Giants, and even at Safeco Field when the Blue Jays would come for their annual visit. He supported sports at all levels and often volunteered for charities and for minor league hockey, baseball and soccer events around the Lower Mainland. He was such a nice man and I will miss him. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Marion, and his family and friends.”
I never had a chance to meet Richard Loney, but he was always a favourite of mine. I remember him most from the days of the Pacific Coliseum, where he was a fixture.
He was always the consummate professional until crunch time, as our own Wyatt Arndt recalls:
I will always remember the Canucks finally getting back into the playoffs in 2000. Richard Loney sang the American Anthem, all was well.
— Wyatt Arndt (@TheStanchion) September 9, 2015
Then he ripped off his jacket and had a Canucks jersey on underneath, and the roof just BLEW OFF the place. Great showman, awesome singer.
— Wyatt Arndt (@TheStanchion) September 9, 2015
Loney also sang both the Canadian and Russian national anthems in Vancouver during the 1972 Summit Series. He learned the Russian anthem by writing the words phonetically with the help of a friend who was a linguist at UBC. I told you he was a pro.
Apart from being an anthem singer, Loney was a high school teacher and a nice person, as some people recounted on Twitter:
Met Richard Loney a number of times. As a person, a true gentleman. As a singer, he treated the anthem with the respect it deserves. #RIP
— Scott Rintoul (@ScottRintoul) September 9, 2015
Very saddened to hear of the passing of Richard Loney. Listened to him as a kid. Privileged to meet him as an adult. Class act. Great man.
— Brook Ward (@brookwardtsn) September 9, 2015
@RobTheHockeyGuy he taught her in high school. It was an honour to talk to him regularly, and sort of get to know him. #TheBest
— Coop (@1Cooop) September 9, 2015
Rest in Peace Mr. Loney.
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