T-Birds Mourn Passing Of Bruce McDonald

Press Release

KENT, June 6, 2012 — The Seattle Thunderbirds organization is in mourning with the passing of radio color commentator and play-by-play voice Bruce McDonald early Wednesday morning.

Bruce was diagnosed with leukemia in April. He had been courageously fighting cancer through several rounds of chemotherapy.

Bruce, born January 8, 1971, has been a member of the T-Birds family since he was 12-years-old. Even though he suffered from cerebral palsy, Bruce regularly attended Seattle Breakers games in a wheelchair with his mother Char. It was at one these games in 1983 that Bruce was called into the locker room by then Seattle Breakers head coach Marc Boileau. Boileau gave Bruce a clipboard and asked him to help the team track and keep statistics. He was a member of the team from that point forward.

Bruce joined play-by-play voice Chris Collins as part of the Thunderbirds radio broadcast team for the 1998-99 season. When Collins moved on two years later Bruce joined Joe Dominey in the broadcast booth. When Dominey moved on a year later Bruce joined Thom Beuning in the broadcast booth. Bruce and Thom have called the action on T-Birds broadcasts for the last 11 seasons

Bruce is survived by his mother Char, sister Nolette Everett, half-brother Stevie McDonald, half-sister Stacy Talley and Grandmother Bertha.

Memorial services will be announced once they are finalized.

“This is a sad day for the Thunderbirds family and our fans. Bruce loved the T-Birds and his dedication to the team rubbed off on every person Bruce came in contact with. We will miss Bruce dearly and offer our sincerest condolences to his family." – Russ Farwell, T-Birds President/General Manager.

“I only knew Bruce for 12 years, but his passing Wednesday has made this one of the most difficult days of my nearly 50 years of existence. Only the passing of my dad nearly three years ago could rival the sorrow I feel today knowing my good friend is gone. But I can't feel sad and sorrowful for too long because Bruce would not accept that. If there is a book of adages out there, you will find Bruce's picture on the page beside that old saying "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!’’’ – Thom Beuning, Seattle Thunderbirds play-by-play voice. Read Thom’s In The Corners Blog Post on the passing of his friend.

"Bruce McDonald was a tremendous broadcaster and colleague but an even better person and friend. While the teams we represented were bitter rivals on the ice, none of that extended to the press box and I always looked forward to spending time with Bruce prior to the games talking about our teams, hockey and life in general. His dedication to the Seattle Thunderbirds and the WHL was undeniable and he was an inspiration and someone that always had a smile and positive outlook, regardless of the situation. It is going to be very strange to not see Bruce on my many visits to the ShoWare Center or when the 'Birds visit Portland. I know that his spirit will live on and he will now be providing color commentary from on high moving forward. My condolences to all of Bruce's family, Thom Beuning and the Seattle Thunderbird family for their loss." – Andy Kemper, Portland Winterhawks Broadcast Team.

“Bruce was a ray and hope and a true shining light for me and all of us to keep positive and deal with whatever life hands our way. Trips to Kent will never be the same without Bruce. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go to Char and the entire Thunderbird family of staff and fans.” – Craig West, Tri-City Americans play-by-play voice.

“Bruce was always the epitome of dedication in our profession. Hardworking, kind, intelligent, and overcoming anything put in his path. A great broadcaster and colleague, I’m proud to have known him.” – Todd Vrooman, Portland Winterhawks Broadcast Communications Manager.

“When I got the job with the Thunderbirds, I had no experience calling hockey. My early attempts were a struggle to say the least, but Bruce would constantly encourage me and emphasize the positives despite those early pitfalls. Every game was exciting to Bruce. Thunderbirds hockey was an event that he was thrilled to be part of. His mom Char was always there with him and she was absolutely devoted to her son. She raised a terrific one. If everyone would have the same positive attitude that Bruce did, the world would be a much better place. He was a terrific human being who cared about people, was very forgiving and saw the good in everyone. He made things around him better just by his presence. He is now getting his well deserved chance to play hockey in heaven.” – Joe Dominey, former play-by-play voice for the Seattle Thunderbirds.

“On behalf of The Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club, I would like to send our sincere condolences to the McDonald Family and to the Seattle Thunderbirds Family. We would also like to celebrate Bruce’s 14 years in the WHL and a passionate job well done.” – Rich Preston, Lethbridge Hurricanes General Manager.

“What stands out most about Bruce is he was the ultimate professional. He interviewed me several times and was always prepared. Bruce always focused on the big picture – the terrific level of play he felt honored to call that featured future NHL players throughout the WHL. He treasured watching them hone their skills and get to the next level of their hockey careers. Bruce loved what he did so much that he overcame incredible obstacles due to his mobility issues to work in press boxes that were difficult, sometimes nearly impossible, for him to access. Watching and listening to him work was an inspiration to every single broadcaster in the WHL. He will be missed very much by his listeners, his colleagues and everyone who was fortunate enough to get to know him.” – Dean Vrooman, Portland Winterhawks Director of Corporate Partnerships.

“I met Bruce and his mom 20 years ago when I started as a hockey play by play announcer. Home games in the Seattle Center Arena always meant a hug from Char and some much appreciated tips from Bruce. When Bruce started working on the broadcasts himself, I could not have been happier since there was no bigger fan of the Thunderbirds, WHL or the sport of hockey than Bruce. He was a fixture at the rinks, and watching him and his mom enjoy the games together epitomized what the WHL and Seattle Thunderbirds are all about- a family atmosphere. The ShowWare and Thunderbirds will not be the same without him. My thoughts go out to Char and his entire family.” – Ian Furness, ROOT Sports WHL Play-by-Play/Former T-Birds Broadcaster.

“As a predecessor of Bruce in the color commentary chair on T-Birds radio and television, I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing. The condolences of my family and our prayers go to Bruce and his family, especially his devoted mother Char who assisted him throughout his whole life and particularly in his early days. I first met Bruce when the late Marc Boileau brought him in to the T-Bird family and have been amazed by his demeanor, positive attitude and perseverance in overcoming all obstacles to be able to engage in his passion – T-Bird hockey. His growth and ultimate excellence as a hockey broadcaster has been followed by many of us over the years. I was honored to help Bruce out a couple of years ago when Thom was ill and Bruce took over the play-by-play and I did color for a game. Play-by-play hockey is very difficult, especially on radio as I discovered the few times that I had to do it. Bruce handled it like a pro without missing a beat and did a superb job. Bruce will be sorely missed by his legion of radio and TV fans, by those of us who are around the rink and by his family. Godspeed.” – Carlos Sosa, Turning Point Sports Management LLC. Former Color Commentator for Seattle Breakers and Thunderbirds.

“I have fantastic memories of Bruce during my visits to Seattle over the years. His passion for the Thunderbirds, the WHL, and hockey in general was always evident when we had a chance to catch up at the Key Arena or ShoWare Center. He was a tremendous supporter of T-Birds hockey and there's no doubt those he worked alongside in the broadcast booth over the years had a ton of fun doing so. My deepest condolences to the McDonald family, the Thunderbirds organization, and their fans.” – Joey Kenward, Canucks TV Host/Broadcaster, Former Play-by-Play Broadcaster for Vancouver Giants & Swift Current Broncos.

Written memories and condolences from WHL teams, players, personnel and media can be sent to Ian Henry at ianh@seattlethunderbirds.com . They will be posted to this page as they are received.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)