Red Wings PA announcer Budd Lynch dies at 95

Budd Lynch, the public-address announcer for the Detroit Red Wings, died on Tuesday morning, according to the Detroit Free Press. Lynch, 95, had been with the Red Wings organization since 1949; he had been their PA announcer since 1985.

Lynch was beloved by both the Red Wings and NHL community at large. Red Wings broadcasters referred to him as an encyclopedia, a history book, and a fatherly figure. Lynch served in World War II, where he took part in the invasion of Normandy, and later lost his right arm in Caen, France after getting hit by a German shell.

Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch said in a statement, "The Red Wings, our fans and the entire hockey world will miss Budd's renowned voice, but most of all, we will miss a dear friend."

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman also released a statement on Lynch, saying, "The National Hockey League mourns the passing of a war hero, a Hall of Famer and an outstanding ambassador for the game."

Budd Lynch is survived by his six daughters: Janis, Valerie, Mary, Francey, Patricia, and Lori.