News Article: Montreal loses a hockey legend as Red Fisher dies at age 91

[Inkling]

Nice of the Washington Capitals to acknowledge his passing.

 

[Adam Michaels]

 

[CupInSIX]

RIP to a legendary figure

 

[Tighthead]

Nice to see the Gazette had Michael Farber write the tribute.

 

[mariolemieux66]

I wish i grew up understanding English. Would have add to the magic.

 

[admiralcadillac]

What a supreme compliment.

Thanks for posting the link.

Absolutely, I do think it represents a different era from the extreme negativity the anonymity of websites and blogs breed

 

[Adam Michaels]

Nice story by Larry Robinson. He had won the Norris Trophy. Fisher congratulates him but let's him know he didn't vote for him. Larry quipped back that he didn't need his vote. That made Fisher laugh!

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

RIP.

 

[Lshap]

aw man, i remember reading him in the paper when i was just a wee lad.

That makes you anywhere from 15 to 75 years old. There are a number of generations mourning a writer they remember from when they were wee lads.

 

[Masao]

Oh... this makes me sad. End of an era, really. Time goes by so fast. It's just not the same without Red.

 

[Et le But]

He was perhaps the sharpest and smartest there was from a different age, back when it was possible for sports journalists to be insiders without being boot lickers. He remained a witty writer when called upon even after retirement. As much a part of Habs lore as plenty of players and executives.

Another piece of our glory days gone. This is in some ways tougher than losing some legendary players, as Red was one of the best doors to pre-90s hockey for those of us too young to experience it live.

 

[Lshap]

He was perhaps the sharpest and smartest there was from a different age, back when it was possible for sports journalists to be insiders without being boot lickers. He remained a witty writer when called upon even after retirement. As much a part of Habs lore as plenty of players and executives.

Another piece of our glory days gone. This is in some ways tougher than losing some legendary players, as Red was one of the best doors to pre-90s hockey for those of us too young to experience it live.

The bolded is very true. Red was there since 1955, longer, by far, than any owner, coach, or player. Almost 60 years of bylines makes his name as recognizable as the jersey.

 

[Runner77]

As I had posted in another thread before this one came up, this photo is particularly gripping:

Fisher was passionate about what he did but lucky for us, his passion transcended his writing. Thank-you Red for so many insightful articles, especially at a time when there was no internet and reporters were so few -- we consumed every word, not because we're naive, but because we knew you could be trusted.

RIP.

 

[Ned Bouhalassa]

I l0ved reading Red Fisher over the years, and respected him very much! He was a smart, kind hockey man.

 

[CHwest]

Many years ago, the Calgary Sun would publish a Red Fisher piece once a week. I don't remember what day of the week it was, but it was usually on the Canadiens and I relished his news.

 

[Habs10Habs]

A true legend in his field. RIP Mr. Fisher!

 

[Beendair Donedat]

There was nobody better - Fisher knew more and had more insight than ten Bob McKenzie’s. A brilliant, witty, curmudgeonly old bastard, Fisher was simply the best. For those (like myself) who were fortunate enough to grow up reading his articles, you were very lucky. Fisher made those great Habs teams even more entertaining, through his insights, descriptions and ability to communicate personally with every single reader. He was the best writer I’ve ever known in hockey, and he will be missed. Thanks for all the great articles and memories over the years Red, Godspeed.

 

[Tighthead]

Did Cherry mention Red in the opening of HNIC? I was surprised he had no mention in Coach’s Corner.

 

[Gee Wally]

Meant to post this earlier. From the Boston Globe:

Can’t let the weekend pass without paying tribute to good pal Red Fisher, the legendary Montreal scribe who died Friday at age 91. A unique voice and a unique character, Fisher chronicled Les Glorieux for nearly 60 years, his love of the game and the people who make it great woven into every paragraph. By the way, if you treasure fine writing, make sure to read Michael Farber’s superb tribute to Fisher in the Montreal Gazette.
Prior to Saturday’s faceoff, there was a moment of silence held for Fisher at the Bell Center. Earlier, media wags lifted shots of Chivas, Red’s favorite, in the seventh-floor press room, where he continued to hold court pregame even after retiring in his mid-80s. The Bruins, in the days when Nate Greenberg ran their public relations department, stored a bottle of Chivas in the press room that made its way out of the cabinet only when Fisher was in town with the Habs.
He loved what he did. The game, and all the people around it, loved him back.

 

[Habs]

A wonderful writer, always always enjoyed his stuff.