Legendary Blazers broadcaster Bill Schonely dies at 93
Schonely coined the term “Rip City”.
Published: Jan. 21, 2023 at 7:09 AM PST
PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) - Bill Schonely has died at 93 years old.
Schonely is probably the most famous and beloved broadcaster in Portland history and the long time voice of the Blazers who coined the phrase “Rip City.” People can visit the Blazers website here for a photo journey through his life.
FOX 12 interviewed Schonely at the last Blazer game he attended, on December 4, 2022.
Schonely was the team’s official play-by-play broadcaster for its first 28 years, before moving into an ambassador role for the team.
He officially retired in June after 52 years with the organization.
Copyright 2023 KPTV-KPDX. All rights reserved.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/QR4IIGI3CFACNJUJ7JBFDZJJUI.png)
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/NHFXR6A2HRGBTBQV2MGSCO2AMI.jpg)
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/EHNFLCKJPRAY3LNGJOUBDI25IA.png)
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/7W54IBWL5VAKJMAI5ZMJCHBWDE.jpg)
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/7JQNJQIN35EJRMYDEJ2VPXOERU.png)
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/IUJR7IDA3JERTGVQJQWFSUQE6A.jpg)
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/RAZENXCJ4BAMFB3UUX63KST7FM.jpg)
/do0bihdskp9dy.cloudfront.net/10-01-2023/t_a0f97b2cde154e57a086c22e7f17d8f1_name_UGM_WINTER_CLOTHES_DRIVE_AT_MALL_scaled.jpg)
/do0bihdskp9dy.cloudfront.net/10-01-2023/t_fa189a4228f74f5893110382f35fff34_name_ACCUSED_OF_KIDNAP__RAPE_OF_2ND_WOMAN_scaled.jpg)
/do0bihdskp9dy.cloudfront.net/10-01-2023/t_9fdd9a8a70824f3d88bf5a3a8b43e2b8_name_CLASSES_CANCELED_MONDAY_AFTER_THREAT_scaled.jpg)