94
Bill Schonely, the longtime Portland Trail Blazers broadcaster with a distinctive baritone who coined the phrase “Rip City,” died on Saturday. He was 93.
Affectionately known as The Schonz, Schonely was the team’s broadcaster for its inaugural season in 1970 and held the job for some 28 years — including the team’s NBA championship run in 1977.
He died in Portland with his wife of 31 years, Dottie, by his side, the team said. The cause of death was not released.