John Garrett's family pens heartwarming letter to Vancouver Canucks fans
The family of the late, great John Garrett has written a beautiful thank-you note to Vancouver Canucks fans.
Garrett, who was a beloved former Canucks player and broadcaster, passed away unexpectedly last week at the age of 74. This came as he was in the midst of being a part of the broadcast team for a playoff series between the Vegas Golden Knights and Utah Mammoth.
The news of his death quickly spread across the hockey world, with many of the sport’s most well-known figures sending their condolences. Though he spent most of his career in Vancouver, it’s clear that his impact on the sport was much more far-reaching.
Garrett’s family sent out a note through the Canucks official X account thanking everyone for their support.
“We would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and the messages of condolence we have received since the passing of our beloved husband, brother, dad, and grandpa,” the note read. “Cheech had an amazing relationship with the Canucks’ community, and we’ve been blown away by the volume of wishes that have been sent our way.
“As per John’s wishes, there will be no service at this time. Instead, use every day to be a little more like Cheech: be kind and be happy. Treat everybody with dignity.”
A message from the Garretts 💙 pic.twitter.com/FkUzUkqTbt
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) May 3, 2026
Instead of flowers, the family is urging fans wanting to support them during this time to send donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of their choice. There was no indication of when a service for Garrett would take place.
It’s clear that they are feeling the love of the Canucks faithful.
“Thank you Canucks Nation. We share in your grief at this most trying time,” the letter ended.
Garrett spent his NHL playing career as a goaltender with the Hartford Whalers, Quebec Nordiques, and Canucks throughout the late 1970’s to mid-1980’s. He hung up the skates before the 1985-86 season and quickly transitioned into the broadcasting world.
He joined Hockey Night in Canada as a colour analyst in 1986 and quickly rose through the ranks of the network. Garrett then had stints with the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames local telecasts.
It wasn’t until the 2002-03 season that Garrett would return to Vancouver in some capacity, this time as the colour analyst for local Canucks games. He would stay in that role for 21 years before announcing his retirement in 2023.