Rick Jeanneret passes away at 81

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Fare thee well, RJ. Thank you for adding a layer of enjoyment to our Sabres experience the likes of which most fanbases of other teams will never have the good fortune to know. You will be missed. 🥺

[blitzboy54]

We were generationally spoiled having RJ and Van for both our major sports. What unbelievable luck to have the gentlemen of their caliber calling games for us. Just the best. 

[wnyguy]

Truly a Buffalo icon and a staple to so many Sabres fans. From "WOWEE HOUSLEY" and "OOH LA LA PIERRE" there were so many calls that will live in the hearts of those who are fans forever. Godspeed Rick.

[Low Positive]

 

[Fleezoid]

Heard it on WGR this morning. One of a kind play-by-play guy. 

 

A buddy of mine sent me a highlight DVD of RJ many years ago. On it, there's a clip of RJ calling the plays with the camera showing him in the booth. It was back when Jim Lorentz was his color guy. The play was heating up and RJ is leaning over the edge of the booth, his face is turning red and you could see Lorentz looking at him giggling. Classic moment. 

 

His voice and intensity is unmatched! 

 

Wished he could have seen Sabres win a Cup

 

RIP RJ!

[gomper]

Though he obviously is revered for his signature calls, it was the way he called the game between them that was exceptional. He was a true radio guy in that sense. You could literally picture the play in your mind. He was that good.

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1 minute ago, wnyguy said:

Truly a Buffalo icon and a staple to so many Sabres fans. From "WOWEE HOUSLEY" and "OOH LA LA PIERRE" there were so many calls that will live in the hearts of those who are fans forever. Godspeed Rick.

As a testament to that, and I’m sure I’m not the only one, as I read through this thread I don’t “read” the text of the calls so much as “hear” them through RJ’s voice as an auditory memory while processing the words visually. Similar to  “hearing” Van Miller’s voice whenever I read words like “fandemonium”. Indelible marks left by broadcasting legends. 

[Thrivefourfive]

What a blow. The mid 2000s playoff game endings were absolutely all timers. Sabres found ways to win when games seemed over. 
 

RIP

[Shemp]

We are not worthy!

[May Day 10]

He got some criticism from other fans because of his over the top goal calls and excitement.  Also painting the other team as villainous thugs vs the righteous sabres when it came to fights...

 

But I would always point out.  If you listen to an opposing goal in a vacuum, RJ put 10x more into those goals than any other home/regional pbp announcer.

[Sargent Hulka]

I remember John Madden relating how he heard Jeanneret on the radio. For some reason or another, Madden's bus had to cross the Peace Bridge. Anyway, John Madden raved about RJ. He was a fan.

[ColoradoBills]

Thank you, RJ.  WE are not worthy!  You will always be the voice of the Sabres.

[Fleezoid]

I remember a long time ago, RJ mentioned in an interview that he's been asked many times to go National. He turned them down and when asked why, he said something to the affect, 'I told them I'm too much of a homer'.  Buffalo through and through!

[ExWNYer]

Marty Biron & Brian Duff were choking back tears on MSG when they came on the air at noon. 'Sabres Live' will be three hours today talking, mourning, and celebrating the great RJ.

[Orlando Buffalo]

This bothers me far more than I thought it would. He was a great announcer and the people I know that met him said he was a classy guy. I wish his family well.

[BillsPride12]

25 minutes ago, Sargent Hulka said:

I remember John Madden relating how he heard Jeanneret on the radio. For some reason or another, Madden's bus had to cross the Peace Bridge. Anyway, John Madden raved about RJ. He was a fan.

That's awesome!  Never heard that story before but I believe it

[Marv Levy]

Thanks for all your calls Rick. One of the best ever and a true hockey hall of fame legend.

[BuffaloBillsGospel2014]

RIP Legend!! I'll never forget the "Mayday" call and the "Do you believe", forever will they be etched in my brain.

[ColoradoBills]

RJ's final sign-off.  It's a celebration.

 

 

[Neo]

He was the best at what he did.  He did something near and dear to all of us.   Not many can be described like this, but some can.  They’re few and far between.

 

Rick, though, is in a category by himself.   In addition to sharing thousands of evenings (thousands!) of competence, art and joy, he taught us lessons.  The lessons are his greatest gift, and that’s saying something.

 

1)   Love your work.  You will feel it and so will those around you, making the experience better for everyone.

 

2)   Love who you work with.  Work becomes less “work”, and everyone’s grateful for that.

 

3)   Be yourself.   While the world changes from radio, to television, to inter-webs, to streaming, to 85” high definition, to game animation, remain the same comfortable and familiar voice.   You will connect the simple memories of youth with the complicated reality of adulthood.   One of the greatest lessons from Rick is that there are experiences that fathers, sons and daughters can share exactly the same way, but they’re rare.   Rick was one.

 

4)   Take your work seriously and yourself less so.   What a humble man.

 

5)   Love your family.

 

Godspeed, RJ …. I’ll see you again soon.