Your View

My shock showed on my face, in disbelief that Don had passed. I've been a huge fan of Don's play-by-play in every sport that he has broadcast.I'm 45 yrs.old and in the early years can remember his voice telling it like it was.I send my condolences to all Don's family and would like to thank God for giving all of us Canadians such vivid memories of sport events that have happened around the world where we couldn't be there, but Don was , and I felt like I was there. Thank you Mr.Don. A.I.M.H

I will forever hear your voice Mr. Whittman. Olympic glory, Grey Cups, anywhere you spoke sir, you rang the word "Canada" to me and none other ever will, they way you did. And for that I am truly grateful. So much class, it is hard to believe you have moved on. And for that I am truly sorry. You lent our nation your voice and moved us with dignity to be a better people. Your voice has been in my head for days now, and now I know what it meant to me.

Back in 1979 I was a 16 year old Canada Games weightlifter for the Nova Scotia team in Brandon, Manitoba.

After watching one of the lifting competitions I realized I had lost my wallet. I started searching around the auditorium when someone walked up to me and asked me what I was looking for.

I looked up and realized it was Don Whitman. I told him how I had lost my wallet and he then patiently helped me search for it until I found it.

I never forgot my meeting with Don and always smiled when I saw him over the years on the television.

Rest in peace Don! 8-)

It was sad to hear the passing of Don this weekend.He will be missed by family,friends and CBC Sports team.I recall Don calling the 100 meter final in track durning the Atlanta Summer games.That's how I will remember Don far.

Many nights I sat glued to late night sports television as Don guided me through another track & field competition. With Geoff Gowan, Don guided me through everything I needed to know about a sport I was just beginning to learn. To this day, I can still remember the sound of his voice as he described Ben Johnson in Seoul, the 4 x 100m in Atlanta and Perdita's run in Athens.

The way he could attach you to the athlete performing was like no other. Through the years he easily hooked me to hockey, and even football and curling despite my dislike of the two.

Don was a true statesmen of announcers, and today as a PR practitioner, I must give him his share of the credit for getting me here. Thank you Don, you will be missed!

"Here comes Witt, powering around the corner into the straightaway, on the way to his final call..."

One of Don Whitman's family members should be the honorary flagbearer at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic games.

The late Don Whittman, brought Canadians up close, and personal, to sporting events, more than ever before! He made you feel, as if you were right there, in on the action, even if you weren't! He will be sadly, and fondly missed! My saincerest condolences, to his family, and friend's!

Don was a great person. I personally never had the chance to meet him but the stories i have heard made Don a mentor of mine. I would personally like to wish the family condolenses and the very best through this tough time.

My Favorite Memory of Don Whittman was back in 1994 when he call the triple overtime winner in game 7 of the Calgary-Vancouver Series when Pavel Bure Scored on Mike Vernon. I can remember hearing Don say "Bure going in he scores" that made me proud to be a Canadian. to all canadian remember Don Whittman for being the best broadcaster cbc has ever hired.

Whitman was always knowledgeable and a pleasure to hear no matter what event he was covering. Personally for me it was Don's CFL broadcasts.

It's so sad to see a sportscaster go so suddenly after being told he has cancer.

My best memory is watching the 1986 Oilers-Flames Game 7 which I taped legally, and hearing his reactions to Steve Smith's gaffe.

Number 2 is a tie between the 1991 Grey Cup with Rocket Ismail's TD (and the bottle thrown on the field that failed to slow him down) and 1994 when Pavel Bure scored that 2OT winner over Calgary (although they took out Toronto in the conference finals) and he knew how to say it.

I wish I could go to his funeral but I'm a college student in Ontario and he'll nver be replaced that well for track (I watched Golden League for 4 years).

I was grow up in Detroit and been watching CBC Sports when Don Wittman call the games. From HNIC to Olympic Games. He did great job working for CBC Sports for many year. I think he is the Al Michaels of Canadian Sports. I'm going miss Don Wittman and he was great guy.

.....It was during a sports event at a resort in Ontario. I was a young waitress working my way through university. ....It was a time when many men thought it was cool to harass a person in my position. Then - others around the dinner table would chuckle at the waitress's expense. Mr. Wittman, a "celeb", didn't. He was respectful. With dignity - he took a stand.
What a classy guy.....

There was something in Don's voice that held your attention. Even a sport that you didn't normally watch, I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat, totally seperated from other voices in the room. It was like listening to Foster in a rushing hockey game.

Wilbur

A true testament to someone's life is how many lives they have touched. Judging by the reaction here, (I've never seen this kind of response-except maybe for Trudeau and Gzowski)Don Wittman touched a lot of people.
Growing up in a two channel universe, I remember hunkering down in front of a 12" black and white on frozen January afternoons, waiting for curling to finish so I could catch the Bugs Bunny show-and then getting hooked on watching curling because of the guys calling it-Don & Don.
Being a Sask. boy, his call on the '89 Grey Cup will live with me to my grave. His work with Geoff Gowan in Track and Field was without equal. I'd watch American coverage for comparison sake, confirming that we did it the best.
I know he spent most of his adult life in Winnipeg, but proud to say he was raised here.
Thank you, and Rest in Peace.

Rest easy Don Wittman. Your name and work will live on and we will remember you.

God, I hate cancer.

I am also from Michigan and listening to
Mr. Wittman do various sports over the
years on the CBC. His voice will be
remembered by all! God Bless You Don!

Not to hear his familiar voice and excellent coverage in this year curling will be missed by my wife and I. A SAD day for CBC.

Since I was a kid, growing up in small towns, the voice of CBC Sports was Mr. Whittman. His knowledge of football, hockey and of course the olympics was second to none. Sir you were always a gentleman, and a true ambassador of Canada. My deepest respect for you and your family. From my family to yours.....Cheers.

i have grown up having watched& listerned to Don cover everthing in sports, i really enjoyed you coverage of the CFL , curling & the Olympics your shoes will be very hard to replace , Canada has lost a pioneer , god bless you Don .

The time I remember best about Don is the Mens 4x 100 Olymipcs. Watching future races his voice became synonymous with track and sports. Soccer isn't the same without a British commentar; big league track events won't be the same again without Don.

Thanks for the voice.

May his passion for his life invigorate those who feel powerless and have lost their passion. Get the skates on throw a ball do something to feel alive

All the best

Growing up in rural Manitoba, the first tv station we had was CBC and thus began my love affair with sports. Don Wittman was the reason that I watch all sports on tv - I loved his voice and his passion for the event, for the sport, and for the athletes. There are so many memories of his calling the races but it was the 2000 Olympics that I recall with affection. I was valiantly trying to stay awake after a night shift to watch the end of the triathlon when I suddenly awakened to Don's excitement as Simon Whitfield closed in on the finish line. The sporting world has lost a gem. He will be missed by his family, his fans, his CBC family. My sincerest condolences to the Wittman family.

sad news, hall of famer.. growing up in wpg, jets and bombers, curling, olympics.. fabulous memories listening to Mr. Wittman, RIP .

It is with great sadness that I read about Don Wittman's death on the cbc website on sunday. A great commentator, always professional, he will be greatly missed. Watching the curling won't be the same with Don not there. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. Rest in peace Don.

Mr consistency, the voice everyone felt comfortable listening to. I hope you are going to dedicate a show to Don's contribution to Sports in this country over many years. I would like to see the tape of the Jan 8th sprcial award night, Are you planning on doing something soon

A Proud Winnipeger

I always admired Don as a sports personality who never got himself to embroiled in the event. He performed his role well as the impartial eyes and ears of the event. If you look at the best that the Americans have the Al Michaels, Bob Costas, or Dick Embergs you could see how Don stood up well with the best of them. Even though it annoyed me that Don would call a hockey game and say that in a playoff game it was 1.27 left in the game even though the score was tied, you had the feeling that he knew as well and that he was playing with the viewer. One of the best of all time. Thank You and my condolences to the family.

Sincere condolences to Dons family.

I worked with Don at the CBC from 1975 through the 1990s. You always knew you were working with someone very special. Don loved what he did and enjoyed sharing every moment with you as a listener, viewer or friend. He is truly a pioneer in Canadian broadcasting.

Canadians mourn the loss of a man who had perhaps the most recognizable broadcasting voice ever in Canadian sports history. I can remember watching countless double header hockey games through the mid 80's and the 90's. More often than not Don Wittman made the call on those games and did so flawlessly. Obviously he enjoyed calling the game as much as we enjoyed watching it. To be missed by an entire nation is the mark of a great individual. He will be missed.

Our thoughts are with the Wittman family.

I grew up with Don at the helm of many a sports broadcast.
As a broadcaster, people in training to do the same should look at this mans legacy at setting the bar for this type of career.

He was very good and very impartial to cover the sporting events. i liked that objectivity withou prejudice,

Ian

My father was first cousin to Don Whitman, born a year or so later than he, in Herbert, SK, where they spent time together as boys. Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Don, my whole life I've had a sense of pride in claiming a connection to such a gifted Canadian voice, full of integrity, knowledge, and enthusiasm. We shall not see the like again...

I, too, remember Don Wittman way back in the fifties at CFQC in Saskatoon. His distinctive voice defined his style and made his one of the most recognized sports broadcast voices in Canada. For my money, also, he was the best hockey play-by-play announcer the CBC ever had, and there have been lots of good ones. I often wondered why he wasn't used more for that purpose. My condonlences to his family.

A great loss to professional sports broadcasting and the CBC.

He was a consummate professional.

I have fond memories of his CFL broadcasts from Taylor Field when the wind chill was 30 below zero.

Was a classy individual and will be greatly missed!

The summer olympics this year just wont seem quite the same without Don Wittman making the calls. It's so sad to see him go, but so great to see how he is remembered.

It was sad to hear of the passing of Don Wittman, some people were just natural at covering events. His voice and style will be missed. He has lived a life to be remembered not forgotten.

that time there was no play by play or color commentary for cfl games...the fans apparently really liked it..i did too...the first voice i would have eventually missed was Witt's, into the great silence of legendary voices..gallivan, hewitt, chevrier..goes his..sport and my love of it will always miss that Saskatechwan kid's..

Don Wittman was one of the few in any profession that embodied what others who followed him aspired to be - the best. His versatility and ability to enhance the experience for the viewer with his vast body of knowledge will likely be unmatched for years to come. And his enthusiasm seemed to be genuine, not played up for the camera as some announcers seem to do these days. One just has to view the coverage of the "Saturday nights in Atlanta" to get that feeling. And he knew that it was the athletes that deserved the attention, not him - he just helped paint the picture, something he did wonderfully.
You are a legend Don, Canada will miss you.

If there was someway to bend the rules to induct Don into the Order of Canada or the Order of the Buffalo Hunt (Manitoba) posthumously, then it should be done - he deserves it.

I came in to work, and read the sad news, Though I don't listen to sports anymore, I will miss the voice I grew up hearing during my time watching the Winnipeg Jets, even now after all these years, I can still hear the voice of the Jets.

My condolences to his family.

Gods speed Mr.Wittman

I was sad to hear of Mr. Wittman's passing. He truly was the voice of CBC Sports for many, many years. I have treasured memories of his calls of many famous track & field events, be they at the Olympics, World Championships or Canadian Nationals. His professionalism was second to none. His work on the CFL telecasts in the 70's is another great memory for me. He even made me take an interest in Curling! We will miss him.

I recall watching the Los Angeles '84 Summer Olympics as a young teenager, and Canada had two gold-medal threats in boxing: Willie Dewitt and Shawn O'Sullivan. I remember O'Sullivan was toe-to-toe with the American in the gold-medal bout, and everybody watching (in my house, anyway) felt it could go either way. Following the fight we were all, including the CBC broadcast crew, anxiously awaiting the judges' decision. Incredulously, they scored it 3-0 for the American and to his credit O'Sullivan showed total class by accepting the decision without any complaint. But the rest of us were disgusted and felt Canada had been completely ripped off.
I'll never forget Mr. Wittman's immortal words after that decision was rendered that summed up all of our feelings:
"Please excuse my language," he said, "but that is bloody damn nonsense!"
It remains my favourite commentator quote of all time.

One of the finest & most informative play-by-play announcers on CBC. I especially admired his work on Hockey Night In Canada. I will definitely miss hearing him on the air.

Saturday morning I awoke to hear that Don had passed away, I was very upset. Last night I found a photo I had of Don and I in the booth at the 2001 World Track & Field Championships my first event I ever worked in the sports media. I remember I was very nervous about asking him for the picture but was very relieved to find out how friendly he was. I went on to work many more games with CBC Sports that Wittman called, most in Edmonton on Saturday nights.

His legacy to young broadcasters of being over prepared and to treat people in such a friendly manner will always stick with me throughout my career. He set a standard that I can only hope to achieve as a Canadian sports broadcaster. My thoughts are with the Wittman family.

Mark Payne

Don you will be missed. Your voice at many sporting events brought them to life for those of us sitting at home.
When you travelled to Houston in 1973 for WHA Play offs between The Winnipeg Jets & Houston Aeros little do people know that you took 10 members of the team and myself, the trainer to The Houston Astros vs The New York Mets Game at The Astrodome. Your Press Pass was like your nature larger than life it must have been all of us got in on the one press pass.
My friend you will be missed. To your Family and your colleagues in Winnipeg who are left behind I send my love.

Heartfelt sharing & prayers to His loved ones! and Now that he will bring the joy of Hockey to the heaven! Well done Don wherever you go!

Growing up in Detroit, I was lucky to be able to enjoy watching CBC Sports, and one of the things I most looked forward to every year was the Brier, mostly because Don Wittman's commentary helped me understand the game. Of course, I enjoyed his work on Hockey Night as well, not to mention all the Olympics.

I was able to meet Don here in Dallas during one of the Oilers/Stars series. What a kind and warm man he was, surprised that anyone down here in Texas even knew who he was. (How could you not, if you loved Canadian sport?) I continued to enjoy his work thanks to the miracle of NHL Center Ice, and will miss his passion for every game he called.

My sympathies to his family, to the CBC Sports family, and to the people of Canada, who have lost two great "Dons" in the space of a month.

My husband George and son Adam, remember vividly doing some work (construction) for Don and Judy and I will never forget the impression he left on them. When returning from Don's place, the comments of a 10 year old boy were...MOM, Mr. Whitman is such a nice man, "he really cares to hear what I have to say". Left quite an impression on a young boy. My husband always describes Don as a "class act". His telecasts of any event
be it hockey or Olympics were always so "exciting and enthusiastic". Memorable Man.

A ledgend dies.My earliest memories of Don Wittman are of watching the Olympics along with my dad,That was more tha 30 years ago He always made the event/game that much more better.Thanks Mr.Wittman.

My sympathy to the Wittman family. I am fortunate enough to get the CBC on my tv, and it was always easy to pick out that voice. Whether it was curling ,football or hockey from my childhood, Mr. Wittman's voice made you stop and take it all in. Thanks for the great memories. I was never more proud to wear my HNIC sweater all saturday evening !

I worked with Don on CBC radio in the 60's as did so many others. He was the most knowledgeable sports broadcaster in this buisness and a true Canadian treasure. Every time I hear the song, "After Hours" I will think of him. My thoughts go out to Judy and the children in this most difficult time. Gren Marsh

I grew up in Calgary in the early 80's watching every battle of Alberta especially in the playoffs. Back then Don called most of the Western Games and it always seemed like the game was nowhere near complete if Don wasn't making the calls. The same holds true for the Western CFL games and the Labatt's Brier and Scott Tournament of Hearts.
He was the best voice of Hockey, Football, Curling and Olympic Sports that the CBC ever had. In fact, many many years ago, my Dad played football in Winnipeg (high school) and was fortunate enough to have had Don interview him. It was a highlight of his career.
Don, you are the best there ever was.
Rest in peace.
My condolences to the Wittman Family.
Be proud of him as every Canadian is proud of him.

My condolences to Mr. Wittman's family, to Don's memory a job well done.

My condolences to the Wittman family. Don embodied all of the class and style we became accustomed to in Canadian sports broadcasting bringing life to our sporting heritage. He was superb example for all of the up and coming broadcasters on the CBC and elsewhere - be honest, passionate, unbiased and most of all, let the sports speak for themselves - there is no need to overhype an event or a league. He will be dearly missed.

As a Canadian, Don Wittman's coverage of sports in this country always brought a special connection between the athletes competing and the viewers at home. It is a true understatement to say that he was a Canadian icon. To his family, my deepest sympathies. Please know that he touched the lives of millions - especially those of us who grew up listening to his voice. How about the Order of Canada for him as a tribute?

Broadcasting has lost a titan. Today's young sportscasters could learn many a lesson from Mr. Wittman's professionalism and ability to not make himself the centrepiece of the proceedings. He understood the sports and athletes he described were the stars. He never fell prey to bombast or the need to show viewers how much he knew about the games he covered. A true class act.

As a Canucks fan, my favourite Don Wittman call would be Pavel Bure's Game 7 OT-winner over the Flames in 1994. Classic stuff. He will be greatly missed.

For me, Don Wittman was synomomous with the CFL on CBC. His passing is just the final nail in the coffin of that great institution.

Rest in peace Mr. Wittman.

My condolences to all the Wittman family.
Mr. Don Wittman was truly one of the best broadcasters to bring Canadian Sports to life through the television. His great knowledge of the many sports....his humour....his attentive voice....kept us all focused on the tube. The sport that I remember Mr. Wittman is curling. Mr. Wittman is a true gentleman and I will miss him.

Don Wittman's contributions to the sports world will always be remembered. He always managed to make you proud to be from Winnipeg and represented Canada with class and conviction. RIP Mr. Wittman!

I have been a huge sports fan for all of my life, and no one made it more exciting to watch than Don Wittman as the broadcaster, particularly the CFL and the Olympics. Everytime I used to watch a CFL game on CBC I was always hoping Don would be the commentator, he just made the game so exciting.

We will certainly miss you at this year's Olympics, Don.

From a big fan of yours,

Susie

To the Wittman family, my deepest condolences. The descriptive prose provided by Don Wittman during sporting events made us all more Canadian by just listening to him. As a young boy, I became a most loyal CFL fan as a result of Don Wittman. The banter between him and colour analysts, Ron Lancaster and Leo Cahill in the seventies provided some of the best insights one could ask for if you were trying to learn about the game. At the same time, you realized that humour, often subtle, was priceless.

The same can be said for his coverage of curling and will one ever associate the call of a 100 metre track race with anyone else but Don Wittman? In some part, you helped a nation deal with the shock and disapppointment of Ben Johnson and the joy and glory of Donovan Bailey.

As an ex-pat Winnipeger, there is a great sense of pride in the fact that Don was from Winnipeg and was part of a "Sports announcer tradition" that came out of "Pearl of the Prairies", be it Cactus Jack Wells, Jack Matheson (and John Matheson), Ken Nicholson, Don Picken, Scott Oake, Knuckles Irving, Rod Black and the list seems to go on.

You will be fondly remembered and missed this winter during the Brier, this summer in Beijing, and this spring during the NHL playoffs. Thank you for the wonderful memories and making the picture on the screen that much more understandable.

I grew up in the Ottawa Valley without cable TV so we just got black and white CBC on our rabbit ear antennae. Don Wittman's voice is indelibly woven into the memories of my life. His so, so familiar voice and excellent coverage will be missed by me.

Don Wittman created the life in sports broadcasting because of his love for his work. Every event he helped broadcast, especially the Grey Cup games, meant that sports fans would feel the emotion and the thrill of the games. I always felt happy when I would see him on TV or hear his voice because it meant fun for the day. I did not know he had cancer. Today, I am sad. I hope his friends and family recover quickly from their loss. Thanks, Don, you did a great job for Canada.

Heartfelt sympathies go to the Witmann family. In their sorrow and loss let them know that millions grieve with them as one of Canada's greatest sports broadcasters and "gentle"men has finished his last earthly race. Our organization (STRIDE Assistance for the Disabled, Inc.) well remembers the orange CBC jacket he kindly donated to one of our auctions in the 90's. It was an honour to meet him. Signing-off: "Well done, Don, and "Thanks for the memories"!

Living in curling crazy Saskatchewan, some of my first tv memories are of Don Whittman working the saturday afternoon curling broadcasts with Don Chevier and Don Duguid. His voice had the uniqueness of a Danny Galivan, Foster Hewitt and Bob Cole in that when you heard Don at an event it just made you feel good. I join the rest of Cnada and the sporting world in celebrating the career and life of one of the best. Well done Don.

May the memories of his calls,
Guide his family & friends through this all,
A man of so many words,thoughts and views,
With him gone, leaves big shoes,
Now he will call the greatest game,
On the most magnificent stage,
For now he is in Gods hands,
While we mourn on Gods land,
For a man who was so great,
Who now enters Heavens gate...

Jersey Jay

I was saddened to hear of Don Wittman's passing. I preferred his broadcasts of track and field above all others. He was obviously knowledgeable and unbaised and that was refreshing. It won't be the same without him.

So many of my greatest memories in sport have one link -- the voice of Don Wittman, the greatest voice in Canadian sports broadcasting. I feel privileged to have been able to enjoy his work for so many years, saddened that I will never again hear him call a live event. My deepest sympathies to Don's family and friends. An entire nation mourns with you.

Don

The only man who could make curling exciting.
Thanks for the hilights.

I grew up listening to Don nearly every weekend. His voice still rings in my ears at every major event in sports. Canada (at least the western bit) will miss him.

It is a sad day for our country and our sports history.
Don had that ability, with his clear and unique voice, to convey any event's moments of great excitement to our living room, as if we were right there amongst the spectators.
Be it football, hockey, curling, the olympics, or any regular track meet, he made the game more interesting, more exciting, and, yet, spoke like he was one of your buddies sitting on the sofa beside you, and not someone demanding the air time for themselves.
Yes, a sad day indeed. May no one try to fill his shoes. It would be impossible.
My condolences to the Whitman family. And thank you, Don, for the many, many memories.

during ALL sports events,

for real intellegent commentary?

cbc sports had the team to give you info that made you smart.

mr wittman et al

thx:)

Mr. Whittman was the best voice In Sports to listen too period. Especially the C.F.L. Grey Cups But Shame on C.B.C. for changing that format! Don Whittman was the best and there will never be another one like him. The man was dedicated to his craft and I loved his excited nature he possesed in his voice, It made the viewing of whatever sport Don called thrilling and entertaining. Thank you Don Whittman!

Mr.Whitman was one of those sports broadcasters that brought intergrity and passion for his job, encouraging words and an engaging voice to whichever sport he was assigned to. He was "easy" on the ears.
He will be missed.

Don Wittman was a great man, a great Canadian, and the most eminent citizen of Canada.
He was absolutely true to himself, and he was as candid as light.
Don was the frontier of sports broadcasting.
Judy I pass along our deepest sympathy and utmost respect to the family

I wept at the hearing of his death !
He was like a 'Coach to All Arm Chair Athletes'! He taught you the game no matter what he broadcasted and make you apart of the team ! Broadcasting will surley miss his expertise !

My condolences go out to the Wittman family.

When I think of Don Wittman, versatility and professionalism stand out as being his best attributes during his coverage of sporting events on CBC Sports.

From a personal standpoint, his play-by-play commentary during the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics for the Men's 100 metres and the 4 X 100 metre relay (covering Donovan Bailey and his relay teammates) were outstanding calls.

I will always remember the call as Bailey leads American Dennis Mitchell to end of the finish line, "Oh! If you're Canadian, you have to love Saturday nights in Georgia!"

Canada has lost a great broadcasting icon in the world of sports and he will be dearly missed.

Having access to CBC and CBLT 5 for so many years, I have enjoyed their Olympic coverage of past Winter Games. Don Whittman was always the commentator who was skilled in his words, and knowing when not to talk, but to let the crowd emotion come through the microphone. He will also be missed by us USA border fans for his great calls on the CBC.

American's world usually stops at the US border. When the US TV stations mention and comment on how good Don Wittman was just shows what a well known world class broadcaster Don was.

Don will be remembered alongside many of
Canada's greatest personalities of the last
fifty years.He will always be considered part
of the Canadian fabric that made us Canadians.
Wherever Canada was in sports,Don was there
helping to show the world "Canada" and Don
is and will always be a "Great Canadian"

Legend....that's all there is to say. One of the people who makes me want to be a sports broadcaster. He delivered an unmatched level of professionalism and class. And future broadcaster should learn by listening to him.

It strikes me that most of us remembering a man who we did not know personally, but who quietly, over the years, conveyed to us values, humility, humanity, and fun that radiated through everything we saw and heard. He was consummately professional, and profoundly decent. He set a fine example not only for sportscasters, but for all of us who had the privilege of watching and listening. My deepest condolences to his family.

Don Wittman exemplified the finest of professional broadcasting. Living so close to Canada it was always a pleasure to tune in and listen to his call. Allow me to offer my condolence to the Wittman family, Canadians, and sports fans everywhere who mourn his loss.

I grew up with Don Wittman. The phenomenal football broadcasts which quickly added hockey, the Olympics, and curling to name a few. Our Grey Cup party always had Don calling the game - and there were some great ones! One day in the late 1990's I ran into Don in the Saddledome and I let him know I was counting all these Grey Cups in a row (over 30 at that point!). What a great call on Paval Bure's game 7 winner against Calgary.
Indeed all of Canada has lost a great one on Saturday.

my sincere condolences to the whitman family. our country's sports community has lost a great man!

i was deeply saddened and in shock at his sudden passing. mr. whitman was the one who made him a huge fan of the sport of curling. i remember the days when he used to work with don duguid and then later with mike harris and joan mcclusker. he always made the game exciting and interesting and i learned the game through his way of delivering the sport on TV. i know it will be difficult not to hear his voice in the upcoming curling tournaments this year! we will miss you don!

I lost a piece of my teenage and adult years with the passing of Don Wittman. I wish to extend my sincerest condolences to the Witmann family. A Canadian broadcaster like no others. Great call Don, I will truly miss you.

If I remember right, when I was young, I would watch Witt host the Western Express draws.

But the job that he did in many of our sports was great. I always felt right at home with him. His passion showed in all sports - football, hockey, track, curling, and more. A great talent that will be sorrowfully missed. Given some of the great Cup finals that have happened, it would have been much greater with Don at the mic.

I remember when Dave Ellett scored that double overtime winner in Winnipeg. After he shouted score, he just let the people hear the roar of the crowd. He let the audience enjoy the moments.

Sports as a whole has lost an icon this day.

As a kid , everytime I turned on a CBC sports channel, Don was commentating ... this is truly a sad loss, Don was great at his job and I have often wondered what he was doing over the past few years as I have seldom seen him on TV. Prayers are extended to his family.

A long standing sense of pride, comfort and familiarity has left all Canadian sports fans. God bless Don.

As a kid growing up in the backwoods of Alberta, I truly believe that it was Don's passion that connected me to all of my childhood sport's heros. Thank you for so perfectly sharing the excitement of the moments and iniating the daydreams that followed for me.

A great sports caster. A great voice of Canada. A man who will be remembered very fondly by so many.
Rest easy Mr. Wittman.

Thank you for bringing Canadian sports to life. Although your presence will be missed, your contributions will forever be remembered by Canadians across this land. We do, indeed, love Saturday nights in Georgia!

There aren't many voices in sports broadcasting that have a resounding impact on how one remembers the event but Don Wittman's was one of best. His voice will be sorely missed but the memories he created for me and many others will be remembered forever. Godspeed Mr. Wittman.

My deepest condolences to the Wittman family. He was an icon in Canadian sports and he will be sadly missed by millions. Rest in peace, Don.

One of Canada's most Iconic Sportscasters will be remembered by many. Over the past 35yrs., I recall many of Wittman's great calls while sitting and watching great Canadian Olympians competing in the Olympics throughout the world.
I will never forget Mr. Wittman for his passionate and exciting calls over the years. Something you just never forget as a Canadian I guess.

May god bless you Sir, you have served your Country well!

Rest easy

My deepest sympathies go out to Don Wittmans family. He wasn't only great at his job, he was brilliant. A man of which an enitre nation fell in love with. A hockey game was only 100% to me when Don was using his spark and 'witt' to colour the game. We miss you Don. Hockey won't ever be the same to me without you painting the picture.

Our sympathy to your family and God Bless Don, cause you will truly be missed by all the sports enthusiasts and anybody lucky enough to have witnessed your passion over the years.
Rest in Peace

I loved listening to his play by play commentary.A lovely voice to this nations sports, surely will be missed!! xx

Being from Winnipeg, and a proud Canadian, Don Wittman was an icon in our Country. I remember the calls of the Jet games, the Grey Cup games, the curling, and the Olympics and you are right he did it all so, so well. To me he was pure comfort. For me this kind of hit home you realize as you get older mortality is part of life and some of your heroes die. He was one of my heroes in the sense he was truly Canadian. You could hear it in his voice. Don Wittman is a legend, a proud Winnipeger and Canadian. My sympathies You were truly one of the good guys.

Throughout my entire childhood I remember watching the Scott Tournament of Hearts and the Briar excited to sit down and listen to Don Wittman's incredible voice. I vividly remember his calls of Ben Johnson's race along with the many track and field World Championships.

He will always be remembered in mind as someone who was invited into our home and introduced me to the wonders of a wide variety of sports.

Don Whittman for me was CBC sports. The voice and the man behind the voice were both high class! Canadian sports will never be the same for me without Don's presence.I will miss him. We have lost not just a great sportscaster but a great Canadian. RIP Don. God bless the Whittman family in this difficult time. You have so much to be proud of. It was a pleasure to have Don as part of all our lives. There may never be another like him.

My sincerest condolences to the family of Don Wittman and his colleagues at CBC. We as Canadians were priviledged to have such as wonderful and skillful presenter in our lives.

I hope when the Wittman family and friends read these messages they can take whatever comfort comes with them to assist them through this difficult time. I am truly saddend and shocked by Mr. Whittmans passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you!

Taking him off CFL games on CBC remains one of the great mysteries of Canadian broadcasting. He handled that the same way he handled his play by play duties - with class and professionalism. Simply, one of the best.

Growing up as a child and watching sports in Canada there was only one person. Some 35 years later I close my eyes and think of a football, curling match or Olympics and I can still hear his golden voice. You knew you would get the best in play by play with Don on the job

From reading many of the comments here, Canada is in mourning with this loss of a great Canadian Sports person
To his family I mourn with you. He will be missed.

I have memories of Don Wittman that go as far back into my childhood as I can remember. It has only been with the recent outpouring of fond feelings that I have realised how much this man was the tapestry of every Canadian sport fan's history for the last half century. His enthusiasm, apt commentary, breadth of knowledge, and wonderful voice are already missed. I am proud to be from the same country as this fine gentleman.

How sad that great things must come to an end and how one takes them for granted.
For me it was also Don's incredible voice and enthusiastic calls (along with Geoff Gowan) for Olympic Track and Field events that would hold my interest and compensate for the repetitive onslaught of advertising during Olympic broadcasts. I was so looking forward to hearing his voice again this summer, however, knowing that the CRTC has allowed CBC to increase the amount of time for advertisers, likely appearing during the '08 Olympics, and then no Don Wittman, will seriously affect my viewing schedule.
Heartfelt sympathy to the Wittman family

I am very sad at the loss of a great gentleman of sports broadcasting. I knew Don for over 20 years and met with him at all the great athletic stadiums all over the world. Often he and I would be in the commentary positions all on our own along with the great Canadian decathlete Mike Smith, during lunch time sessions of decathlon Pole Vault or High Jump - we would ponder who was/is the best and consider the outcome if 'x' failed and 'y' suceeded!!

Indeeed it was during some of these sessions and first thing in the morning that we often exchanged jokes from either side of the atlantic ocean. It seems that Don certainly won the Gold Medal for the worst jokes imagineable - but the expression on his face and his engaging smile was priceless when he delivered the punchline!

Don - I shall miss you! You have left a gap which will be very difficult to follow. To coin a british pub saying - Cheers! - to you wit, your skill, your friendship and your enthusiasm.

I shall make a toast with my BBC colleagues in Beijing to absent friends.

To your family I applaud a very, very good man.

When Triathlon made our debut in Sydney, Don was the CBC voice that brought the sport to the country at our first time at the big-dance. We had a team-supper for the athletes and family several days before the Olympic Triathlon Race. I invited Don to come to the supper and he was a joy, sharing some of his great memories of many Olympic Games with our very novice team.

When Simon Whitfield crossed the finishing line to win Canada's first gold-medal a the Sydney Olympics, it was Don's incredible energy and voice that made that historic call.

I had the great opportunity to work with Don and found he was always gracious at trying to make other younger commentators feel at ease.

What an incredible man and major loss to the Canadian Sports Scene. I like many will miss his great voice.

Barrie Shepley
2000 Sydney Olympic Triathlon Coach
CBC Triathlon Commentator 2004 & 2008 Olympics

I was 10, when I first seen Don Whittman on TV, I remember him well, because he was clear and precise in his delivering the game. I was impressed because as a 10yr old girl, he put the game into terms I could understand. I thought that was so cool. Some 30 years later, I remember all the classic Canadian sports events he covered with such excellence, and I am so grateful we had him to ourselves here in Canada. Don Whittman is a true sports broadcasting legend, a true gentlemen who will be sadly missed by his countrymen for his professionalism and dedication, and sweet mannered personality.

His rich voice was perfect for broadcasting any sport... I especially looked forward to hearing him when a hockey game was aired.. His legend will live on..

I cant imagine my childhood without Don Wittman and CBC Sports. A true Canadian legend, you will be sorely missed.

If I knew Don Wittman was reporting, I was listening. He was the reason I became hooked on the Olympics and any broadcast of track and field. And there was always the sense that the analyst working with Don had immeasurable respect for him. He was a consummate reporter who will be truly missed at the 2008 Olympics.

Sincere condolences to his family.

My sincere sympathies are extended to the Wittman family. What a sad loss. I used to look so forward to Don's strong voice when CBC was covering the curling last season. He was a true gentleman. He treated his favourite athlete and their opponent with the same courtesy. God bless him.

I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Don Wittman. For my entire life Don was the voice of sports in Canada and he will be missed.

I grew up in a small village on PEI where I loved to play sports and watched any sport that played on of our only 2 TV channels. Often the voice on those sports programs was that of Don Whitman's. Whether it was Olympics, the Brier, football, track or hockey, it captuted my imagination and trans-psorted me to a venue of action, athletes and the wonder of whatever sport that happened to be on TV. While his voice will be missed, his memories will last forever.

I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Don Wittman. For my entire life Don was the voice of sports in Canada and he will be missed.

Always looked forward to events Don was broadcasting. He made every event better and so much more enjoyable for the fans. His voice, his friendly appearance and his presence will be greatly missed. Thank you for the hard work, the hours of preparation you obviously did before coming on the air and the countless hours you helped me get lost in so many events. You were one of a kind.

A little piece of every true sportsfan in Canada died this week. Don's voice, when we here it in the years to come, will acknowledge the best years of sport in our nation were in Don's day. Athelete's were only a part of the show - the presentation was the mortar between the bricks. Thank you Don. Heaven needed your talent's. Saturday's have changed ...Bigtime!

I was saddened to hear of Don Wittman's passing. He covered so many different sports - he was so versatile! I will particularly miss his coverage of curling.

We lost a part of Canada on Saturday. My condolences to his family.

The purest announcing voice ever and a great person.
Rest In Peace Don we'll miss you.

I lived most of my adult life in Winnipeg, moving from rural Manitoba to further my education in the great City of Winnipeg. When first arriving there in 1964 to attend university, I recall seeing Don driving to the CBC building on Portage Avenue in the mid '60's whilst on my way to classes at the University of Winnipeg--- in his brand new pail yellow Pontiac Parisienne convertable.

Don't know why that has stuck out in my mind all these years and at this time; perhaps a link to his past and the fabulous long career Don had as a TV broadcaster with CBC Sports over these many decades. There are very few in Canada, or indeed in the sports world, that match his ethics and his outstanding career as a knowledgeable sport announcer.

We miss you Don.

Garry Neill
Calgary, AB

With the recent passing of Don Wittman and Don Chevrier, we have come to the end of an era in Canadian sports broadcasting. These guys were decathletes in their field, covering so many sports with so much expertise. They were always prepared. They also came from an era where they had to carry most of the load, maybe having one colour commentator with them. We don't see a lot of that any more (two colour commentators or one colour and one sideline commentator being the norm), which is why I say it's the end of an era. Kudos to CBC for their "54 years of CFL Coverage" celebration, giving us all a chance to celebrate the illustrious broadcasting careers of these two (and many other) great Canadian sports broadcasters. Who knew how poetic that would turn out to be? Don Wittman was excited about sport and it came through in his commentary. He must have loved his job, else why would he have continued to work into his 70s covering curling? That is all anyone can ask for - do what you love. There are a lot of great broadcasters out there in individual sports; there are even some "triathletes." The sudden passing of Don Wittman signals end of the broadcasting decathlete era. All hail the decathletes for what they brought us and all they left behind!

I Was saddened to hear of the passing of Don Wittman. I have grown up listening to and watching Don on CBC Sports. He will be sadly missed. He was the beast. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

my favorite memories of Don Wittman had to be when he was commentating at the Olympics! he brought such excitement to the events he was broadcasting for. His honestly and genuine excitement for his work and the events unfolding made it a joy to watch...Thanks Don, you gave me such great pleasure over the years!

Don had one of the best voices in the business. I always looked forward to listening to him during the Olympics as he would always put his heart and soul into the events. You will be missed Don, I grew up listening to you and you will never be forgotten. You earned a gold medal in the eyes of Canadians!!

THE CBC HAS LOST A VOICE OF SO MANY DISTINCT
MOMENTS IN 47 YEARS. I REMEMBER DON BEST FOR
HIS TRACK AND FIELD OLYMPIC COVERAGE. I WAS
LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING HIM THIS SUMMER.
HE IS IRREPLACEABLE. HIS EXPERTISE AND
ENTHUSIASM TOWARD EVERY SPORT AND ASSIGNMENT
HE WORKED ON MADE HIM DON WITTMAN,CBC SPORTS.

To start I would like to offer my condolences to the entire Wittman family. He was a great part of my growing up watching the CFL as well as when he did the first Oilers broadcasts in their great years of the 80s. His passing along with Mr. Don Chevrier on Monday has left a sadness in my sports memories but will remember the excitement that was brought to me and my family. May both distinguished gentlemen rest in peace

It is truely a sad day in my home today. My condolences to the wittman family. Don wittman was a big part in my passion for sports, infact the only reason I would even consider watching the C.F.L. was the excitement and passion that he used during his broadcasts. he will be missed

Don Wittman was one of the few broadcasters who remained classy in all of the events he covered. He did not seek to ask an athlete why they failed, but encouraged them in their future events. He is a great example for all persons covering sporting events.

I'll miss his voice and his enthuiasm for the many Olympic sports that he covered.

I'll miss his voice and his enthuiasm for the many Olympic sports that he covered.

Condolences to the Whitman family on the passing of such a great man, broadcaster and Canadian.

Don was a true gentleman and scholar, the sports world won't be the same in the absence of his soothing coo and natural delivery.

Between 1959 and 1968 I was Assistant Chief Accountant for the Prairie Provinces. I had the pleasure of meeting Don Witman as I was the one who prepared the payroll for performers on Winnipeg Radio and TV. Don Witman always showed an interest in others no matter who you were and it was always pleasant to chat with him outside the studios; he was 12 years younger than I. Of course the staff appreciated his competence in Sports. To those close to him, our deepest sympathy.

Last night's tributes To Don Wittman on CBC and by the Montreal Canadians were truly appropriate for a man so well respected by viewers, peers, and the teams he covered.
My thoughts go out to the Wittman family.

For those wishing to relive some of Don's greatest moments in broadcasting, you'll find Don's classic Saturday evening calls from the '96 Atlanta Olympics on YouTube. May his voice, legend, and spirit for sport live on!

I can't believe I'll never again hear Don Wittman's voice calling a hockey game or the Olympics. This is a terrible loss for everyone who watches sports on TV in Canada, but also a personal loss for all of us, because Don Wittman made that game or match or race he was calling personal to each of us. He brought us into the action, and he made us part of the excitement. From now on, whenever I watch a hockey game, or this year and in 2010 the Olympics, something will be missing: Don Wittman's voice, a voice that became an essential part of every sport he has called. He will be greatly missed, and there will never be another Don Wittman.

My condolences to the Wittman family and all his friends- I am sure there are too many to count! I also grew up listening to his commentary on numerous sports- especially football, hockey and my own sport trackand field. He also helped me understand the sports that I knew little about. I appreciated the way he was impartial, professional and knowledgable. He made sitting on the couch watching and listening exciting and worth staying up way past my bedtime for. Noone will ever replace him.

He had that unique the voice that brought the passion of sports alive.

I lived in Saskatoon in 1956. Don Whitman was a sportscaster for CFQC Radio/TV at that time. If memory serves, he worked sports with Ron LaPlant. Television came to this city in 1955 and I think that's where Don began his television career.
I always thought Don was the best sports comementator making every event he worked mosting interesting to watch and/or listen.

I was 10 when I first seen Don Whittman covering an event on Tv, and 30 years later I still remembering him covering all the great moments our country enjoyed in sports and those heartbreaking moments as well. Don was a true professional, and appeared to be a sweet man who really found his calling in life. I'm saddened by his passing, but so so thankful that Canada even had him and all those years to enjoy him, and to celebrate one amazing life. God speed Don to a happy place, you will always hold a special place in the heart of Canadians.

Very saddened to hear of the passing of Don Wittman. A great and versatile broadcaster, he represented what is great about CBC Sports. I particularly enjoyed his calls on track and field and curling. His call of Ben Johnson's victory brought me off my couch. But I shall never forget his subsequent broadcast when Johnson was stripped of his medal. He described the empty feeling that we all felt..."a feeling as empty as the stadium behind us." No way to top that.
My sympathies go to your family at this difficult time. Thanks for everything Don. Good luck and God speed to you.

What shock this morning upon hearing of Mr. Wittman's passing. He was without a doubt the most underestimated sportscaster I've ever known. Like a lot of people said this morning, he described the event, he didn't try to be it, like too much of today's announcers. I will miss him describing the track and field events at the Olympics, among other sporting events; his enthusiasm and knowledge were first class, as he was. Reposez en paix, Monsieur Wittman.

One of my fondest memories of Don was watching him with his bright orange CBC sport jackets on. He was always my favorite announcer on CBC for all sporting events. A true professional... he will be sorely missed by all.

A terribly sad day for Canadian broadcasting. He will be missed deeply.

I am a transplanted Canadian (Morden, MB) down in the US and so thankful for the NHL Network to carry on Mr. Wittman's legend in the broadcast booth.
Thank you Mr. Wittman and Godspeed to the Wittman's.

I am sad to learn of Don Wittman's passing. Normally I don't feel sad when hearing of a
stranger's passing, but I feel compelled to write a comment on this occasion.

I grew up listening to Don's broadcasts on CBC and enjoyed his cheerful enthusiasm. You
could sense he was genuinely interested in the sporting event he was observing and the sense of excitement in his outstanding voice was infectious. For me, he'll always be the voice of the Olympics and the CFL. I will miss listening to his commentary and never
forget his distinctive voice and on-air personality.

I have always felt lucky to be able to watch sports coverage on CBC. Mr. Wittman was one of those persons who I loved to see covering hockey, curling and especially the Olympics. Don thanks for making the Olympics even more special . We will all miss you.

I grew up with Mr. Wittman and the Sports of CBC. His passing has made me saddened. I was definately in shock for the news yesterday. Thank you for the voice in my sports memories, Mr. Wittman. My condolences to the family.

I particularly enjoyed Don Wittman's coverage of CFL games. However, from my perspective, one of his great assets as a broadcaster was his ability to make every event he worked on seem exciting. Right from the opening of any sports program, his well expressed enthusiasm would entice the viewer to continue to watch even if it was a sporting event that wasn't at the top of your list. Many unscheduled hours I lost watching TV sports can be credited to him.

truly a pioneer in his field. will be missed by all who knew him.

truly a pioneer in his field. will be missed by all who knew him.

I regret that the only "conversation" I ever had with Mr. Wittman, a man I truly admire, was an argument. In the semi-final of the Jr. Ladies curling nationals many years ago, in the semi-final between NS and Saskatchewan, the Sask skip broke down, sobbing "I can't beat these girls!" A camera rushed over to record this -- I asked Mr. Wittman to shut their system down. It was a humanity vs news story. Don chose humanity. The Sask girls went on to win the following year. My daughter's team (from NS) went on to win in Selkirk. Thankyou Don. People before the story. I will always remember that.

Don Wittman's parents were friends of my parents in this small prairie town in the 1960s. My father met with Don at every Grey Cup that he attended and I know that both Don and his parents were held in very high esteem by all who knew them in Qu'Appelle. Deepest sympathies from the Kraus family.

Truly a canadian sports icon, Don Wittman will be sorely missed. He was a true professional in whatever sports event that he broadcast. May he rest in peace & thank you for all the memories.

My sympathy goes to Don's family at this time.

Don will be missed by us all who loved watching sports.His voice,his enthusiam,will never be replaced.For me,Don will allways remind me of the prairies and the CFL.

I grew up watching sports on CBC and the whole time there was Don and his voice. The enthusiasm that came with the call was what I enjoyed the most. It made you feel like you were there. Be it hockey, football, curling, or Olypic sports that is one voice that I will remember for life and will miss now that it is silent. Thanks Don!

I was very saddened to hear of the loss of Don . For many years, I enjoyed his calling of the grey Cup games. Nobody did it better than Don, and when he stopped calling The Grey Cup games, (and Chris Cuthbert took over) I was upset. Don was a fantastic broadcaster.
I heard recently that he was sick, and this saddened me. Up until recently I heard some special radio features he was working on.
The CBC has lost one of the best.

A class act! I will always remember Don's work at the Olympics especially the two Saturday nights of gold at the Atlanta Olympics. I'll miss you Don.

Don Wittman was the best, His, ability to cover many different sports was so amazing. Whether it be the Olympics, curling, the CFL or the World Juniors, Don 'style' behind the mike and camera were legendary. I will remember his voice covering those special sports moments in my life for many many years. Don, Thank you.

I express my deepest sympathies to the family of Don Wittman. Witt's voice and commentary was legendary. He just had that certain knack that had me kept on the edge of my seat. He is a legend in broadcasting and will be missed.

BEING CANADIAN AND GROWING UP DURING ALL THOSE HEADY DAYS OF GREAT CANADIAN SPORTS, DON WHITMAN HAS ALWAYS JUST BEEN THERE, LIKE THE ROCKIES...A PART OF CANADA. HE HELPED IN MAKING US SO VERY PROUD OF OUR ATHLETES AND IN TURN, OUR COUNTRY. HE WAS A GREAT SPORTS AMBASSADOR FOR US AROUND THE WORLD. HE WILL BE SORELY MISSED. MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO HIS FAMILY.

Thanks fo the memories, you will be missed. Your Fan, Milton

First off my condolences to Mr. Wittmans Family. Mr. Wittman provided perhaps the greatest coverage of Canadian sports this Country has seen. I work in the Broadcasting industry and Mr.Wittman is a legend in Canada. We Will miss his calls, his versatility and his love of sport in this country. RIP Don, you deserve the reverence, you are a legend here.

Don Wittman was one of the finest broadcasters in sports. His voice made the events all the more exciting. I especially remember his call of the 100M races with Ben Johnson and Donovan Bailey.

The Order of Canada for Don. He will be missed.

My condolences to Don's family and friends. His many contributions to Canada will live on in the memories we will share.

Class "A" good old Canadian kid, you make this country very proud and I am sure Grapes is prous as well, bless you and your family. Your voice will never be forgotten. Sincerely.

Having moved to Canada when I was 7, I was first introduced to hockey at 8 years old, but was slow to pick up the game, both as a player and as a fan. When I finally became an avid participant and follower of this wonderful game, the Vancouver Canucks were trailing the Calgary Flames 3 games to 1 in the 1994 playoffs. After sending the game into OT in game 7, I will never forget 2 moments in that overtime game - Kirk McLean's magnificent save on Robert Reichel, and Pavel Bure's OT winner, called by Don Wittman.

However, I would imagine that most Canadians, myself included, will forever associate Don with the double gold in Atlanta '96 by the track team. "Here comes Bailey, he's got it! 9.84 a world record for Donovan Bailey and a gold medal!" and "It's going to be double gold Canada! Oh! If you're a Canadian you have to love Saturday nights in Georgia!" are two calls I will cherish for a lifetime.

Somewhere in the midst of it all, he also called Lui Passaglia's 1994 Grey Cup winning kick too.

With Don Wittman, wherever you are in this country, you probably not only share the same Canadian sporting memories from the Olympics that Don called, but also a memory of a local sporting moment that he called with his versatility in various sports.

When a broadcaster is able to do that because it is part of this person's nature, that is the indication of the tremendous gift that was bestowed on him. Don Wittman shared this gift with Canada, and we were privileged to enjoy his gift as Canadians.

Rest in peace Don, we will miss you!

I was shocked to hear Don Wittman had passed. I grew up so enthralled by his broadcasting. A large piece of true Canadiana has left us. My thoughts go out to his family. He was so loved by so many in Canada and around the world as a respected broadcaster.

I grew up with Don. His voice was legenry. I watched him at work at the sports I loved, hockey, CFL and my farorite, Curling. Thanks Don,you where the voice. God Bless You. Your fan. Glenn

I will definitely Don Wittman and what excellent broadcaster he was. Anytime I heard him broadcast, I was always look forward to it (whether it was curling, hockey or whatever)because of his amazing ability to commentate and his exciting voice.

Best wishes to his friends and family on his passing. Hopefully these letters will get to his family that we have all sent. As it shows that we all liked Don and the remarkable broadcaster he is. Not sure if I can find any other broadcaster that is as good as he is.

I would like to thank Don for all he has done for the sports and what a great ambassador he is to future people that may consider broadcasting.

Leland

Wow, where do you begin? Don Wittman has been an iconic broadcaster in Canadian sports my entire life. Hockey, football, curling (especially the latter two) - what an intelligent, educating voice this man has been. In this day and age, 71 is much too young to lose such a presence. My sincere condolences to Don's family and friends, but also to the many Canadians who will not reap the benefits of his knowledge and insight in the future.

I had the good fortune of crossing paths on several occasions with Don around the press box and catwalks of the Calgary Saddledome.

Often, during photo assignments, I'd be out on the catwalk in front of the press box during quiet moments before a game, connecting wires or installing flashes and I didn't need to look up to know whose voice I was hearing.

Inevitably, Don's voice, and the ones of those around him, would erupt in laughter and I can recall looking up to see him and his associates leaning back in their seats as they all cracked up at some joke.

He was always seemed to be smiling when he wasn't focused on his job and effortlessly put people around him at ease. I'd see him after games taking time to chat at length with arena staff or fans before heading down on the elevator.

A nice guy who looked like he enjoyed every minute of his day at the rink.

I just wanted to comment on Don this guy was a insitute when it came to sportsbroadcasting. From curling to hockey nobody could lace up his boots. I wil forsurely miss him everytime I hear that call of the 100 metre race with Bailey " he's got it! 9.84 seconds a new world record I get chills up and down my spine. Don you will be missed.

Just look at all the regards and tributes to this increadible person. Words speek for themselves. You will never be replaced Don. Our thoughts of your greatness will never be forgotten, just missed. Rest in peace.

Huge loss. Voice of my sport,Track and Field, will be hugely missed.

Rest in peace Don

the sporting world has lost another great one again god bless u don i really enjoyed listening to u u made me fill watching hockey night in canda that i was really there in the stands theres no one else like u . james

We've lost one of the persons's and announcer's that we've ever seen!!! I always loved the way Witt called which ever sport he was announcing!!! He was always so passionate about his job!!! Wheater it was a Jets, Oilers or Flames game, or track and field, curling or football, he always kept you right into the game!!! I'll never forget his call when Donovan Bailey won the 100 meter gold in the 1996 Olympics!!! God Bless Don, and rest in peace!!! You will be remembered fondly by everyone!!!

As Foster Hewitt was to hockey fans in Don's generation...Don was to all Canadians who loved any sport, for my generation. No matter the sport you heard Don Whitman's thrilling calls. Canadian play-by-play will never be the same without Don Whitman.

My condolences to his family, friends, and the extended CBC family. He will be sadly missed by all Canadian sports fans

my parents grew up in winnipeg and moved to san leandro in 1949. i've always been interested in broadcasting and kept track of announcers along the way. from the first time i heard don i thought of one word CLASS. even if the game was a blow out i'd watch to the end if don was the broadcaster. in november 2003 i was able to get his autograph on the game ticket after a sharks/leafs cbc telecast in san jose.. it has been on the wall since. he is on the same plateau as abc's jim mckay. those types cannot be replaced.

I recall all those NHL games during the Gretzky Oilers games in the 80's. Don really had a way with bringingthose games to life. He was much underrated and was a great embassador to hockey and to HNIC. He also was top-notch in Olympic coverages in the last 40+years. My condolences to his family. He will be missed.

Don Wittman was one of those people that always seemed like a fan living out his dream. His ability to make sports exciting and fun to watch is unparalelled in the world of Canadian Broadcasting. I remember watching hockey on TV, and saying to my dad "why don't they have Don Wittman doing this game?" As for the CFL, it will never be the same again.

When Don did a game he made you feel so at home. I will miss him. Rest in peace Don....

Nobody said "class" like Don Whitman. I never saw an ego. He did the best job possible. He was First Class all the way.

Growing up in Winnipeg I can vividly recall Don's calling of the Jet's games. Being the professional he was he would never show any hometown bias in his comments....but you could hear by the tone in his voice how happy he was when the Jets had success. He will be missed!

I was lucky enough to meet Don last February while on vacation in Barbados. I played golf with his son and a mutual friend. I have to admit that I was a little nervous at first at meeting a "celebrity" but that feeling was quickly put to rest after spending a few minutes with Don. By the time we finished the first hole any nervousness about meeting him had disappeared. Don was the kind of person who was genuinely being interested in who you were and what you did.

I recall one moment when I was preparing to hit a shot and I heard Don's voice talking to his son - not sure what they were talking about - and thinking how familiar the voice was and how it conjured up memories of watching past Grey Cup games and thinking "How cool is that?" - pretty sure I shanked the shot. :)

I think the best part of meeting Don was when we were heading home from Barbados and we ran into Don and his wife at the airport and he saw me first and made a point of calling me out and his wife to me and my family. He didn't have to do that but it was just the kind of person he was.

I'm very saddened by today's news. We're heading down to Barbados again at the end of the month to visit the same friends and I have admit that I was really hoping that we'd see Don again.

Unfortunately that's not going to happen.

Don Whittman was the voice of H.N.I.C. and so much more as his passion for hockey showed.He made the games shine to young viewers and will be greatly missed.I'm currently watching the Canucks vs. Kings late game and I was dissapointed to not see a moments silence for Mr.Wittman befor the game.Respect should be paid to one of the great broadcasters and ambassadors of the game.C.B.C. and Orca Bay really dropped the ball on this one.

Don Wittman was a friend of my Dad, Frank Moorhouse. In the early 1960s, Don watched my Dad's perfect golf swing and called it "sweet swingin'". Don then named my Dad "Swank" for "Sweet Swingin' Frank", a name that then stuck for years. During a live sports broadcast from the Red River Ex, Don shouted out "Hey, there's Swank"! Don Wittman was as great a guy off camera as he was on. Thanks for the memories, Don. The Moorhouse family extends its sympathy to Don's family.

I watched and listen to Don Witman all of my life. He trully amazed me how he could build up a event such as the 100 meters and call the action in a 10 sec span. One of the elite broadcasters of alltime. You will be missed and never forgotten.

It is with profound sadness that I hear of Don's death. I didn't even know he was battling cancer, I will sure miss his voice calling sports events on cbc, especially track and field. I myself was a promising track and field star in high school, and I always dreamed of him calling my victory in the 10,000 m race at the olympics and at world championships if I had gone that far.It will be hard to imagine who will fill his shoes at cbc sports. Rest in peace Don, you are truly a sports broadcasting legend. Loren.

Growing up in Manitoba Don was the sporting voice. I had the pleasure to run into him at Mount Agassiz (McCreary, Manitoba) and skiied with him for good portion of the day. He was genuine. I was only about 14 or 15 but he enjoyed my company as much as I enjoyed his. He will be sadly missed.

Don Wittman will be missed. He was truly an Icon in canadian sports, every great moment he seemed to be in the broadcast booth. Good bad and ugly he has been there at the olympics, curling, football, hockey I like many Canadians grew up listening, and watching him on TV. Rest in Peace Don, you are certainly the gold standard and broadcasters will be comparing themselves and each other to you for years to come.

For sure one of the most exciting voices in pro sports. Listening to Don always made you pay attention to the sport he was calling. One of the true greats and a real Gentleman.

RIP Don. Brian Williams said in this era of specialists, Wittman was incredibly versatile in the number of sports he could cover. We will never see another Don Wittman. He will be missed, not only on Saturday nights but when the olympics come calling again this summer.He was the Best.

I was fortunate to have met Don Whitman several times over the years, and not only was
he the best multi-sport announcer this country
has ever produced, but he was also a very fine
gentleman.

He will be missed

Greg Gorecky

Rest in peace Legendary Don Wittman, you were the best and no one even today could accomplish what you have done for sport in this country. You brought so much more to it and for that, I thank you. Rest in peace....

I'm deeply saddened to hear the news about Don.

It's amazing to read the comments here, and realize the impact that he's had on so many. The comforting voice was certainly there, but it was a mere invitation to something greater: his personality. That, coupled with the immediacy of his delivery, gave me the sense that I was in the very venue he was broadcasting from.

In short, he involved you, and me, as a viewer. I can honestly say that Don provided the soundtrack for my initial passion for hockey. It was in 1989, as the Los Angeles Kings took on the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the NHL playoffs. I'll never forget how called game seven, and perfectly captured the nervous tension as Gretzky & company tried to dethrone the previous year's champions. In that game, Don & the broadcast broke in late after the first match-up in the East: "...We're just underway, and the Los Angles Kings have scored!! Wayne Gretzky, on a two-on-one play with Marty McSorley has given the Kings a 1-0 lead!" His tone, timing, and sheer passion were in full flight as the camera fixed in on the glowing goal light behind Grant Fuhr.

It was my first realization that hockey was more than a game--it was a riveting drama, waiting to happen. Nobody told that story better than Don Wittman.

God Bless, and condolences to your friends and family.

A true Canadian voice. It is said, that you always remember where you were when extrordinary events take place. Don Wittman was the soundtrack to many of those Canadian sporting events. I voice I will miss.

I wonder if guy's like Don Witman even know how much they mean to Canadian sports fans...They don't ..that's what makes them special..

God Bless you Don.

What more can be said. He has been the voice of sport in Canada for my entire life. He will truely be missed. His passion for sport was second to none. He is a great Canadain will not be forgotten. I hope the CBC will put a special together in his honor. Rest in Peace.

Growing up in Winnipeg in the mid-70's there was nothing else better than Don Wittman. I recall the pride I felt when Don would work for CBC national in between his regular work on CKY in Winnipeg. He was one of us, one of the people and a true Manitoban. We will miss you Don, for more than the great moments in sports.

Listening to Don over the years in the wide variety sports that he covered was an absolute pleasure.

Thank you so much Don for your contribution you will be miss.

Don Wittman's voice has become immersed in my memory from my childhood days while watching CFL football games and curling championships with my family on TV. It is with great regret that I learn of Don's passing earlier today. Canada has lost a national voice. My sympathies go out to his immediate and extended family.

I remember twenty years ago when a friend and I attended a non-profesiential boxing match in Halifax. Don was covering the event and we were in our cups.He was the first celerbity I ever met, and he gave us at least ten minutes of his time during a break in the action. We had a great conversation about hockey development in Newfoundland during the 50's and 60's. A solid man with an awareness of his trade.

peace

Starting back in the day when there was only 2 or 3 channels on TV I watched alot of different sports on CBC...track and field, skiing, hockey, but the CFL was and always will be my favourite and Don Wittman for me is forever linked to football the CBC and my youth as his voice and graceful manner are deep in my memory and even though I never knew or met him I will miss him....Don Wittman was the Man.

so very sad to hear of don's passing... fond memories of his voice from olympics, hockey & curling.
best wishes to family and friends
he will be missed.

I remeber don Wittman, as do many, for the way he called track and field with Geoff Gowan, curling with Don Dugid, football with Ron Lancaster and hockey with so many analysts. Don was so enthusiastic with all of his sports he got to cover. I remember in my childhood Don doing the braodcasting of the Canadian Open, sometimes with Britsh commentator Peter Alliss. They were fabulous together. Don was so well prepared and loved his job. And it was genuine. You can't fake that. Don Wittman was the best sports broadcaster in the world. Period. I'll bet he and the greas Don Chevrier are up in heaven getting ready to call the great sports events to come for all of the other angels.

God be with his family, friends and all of his fans. We love you Don, and we'll so deeply miss you

As a young journalist with Broadcast News, Don was a mentor when we covered Briers over the years. He had a wonderful way of sharing his experience and seeing your strengths.
He was also a good companion on those events. He had a love of blackjack, which he was VERY good at. He was also generous.
During one Brier in Saskatoon he brought in lobsters. A couple cooked lobsters somehow managed to land in the hotel swimming pool (But Don had nothing to do with it.:)
I wrote a tribute to him for Canadian Press back in the late 80s. He was an impressive man.
I will miss him.
Glenn Johnson
Ottawa

As I grew up in the 1980s, falling in love with the Oilers and the CFL, Don Wittman's voice was always there. I loved his approach to a game -- competent and concise, knowing when to talk and when to let the game take over, when to inject just the right amount of emotion at just the right time. Listening to him call a game became like a familiar old sweater -- warm and comfortable, a natural fit. And even before I was old enough to be much aware of regional politics, I thought of Don Wittman as 'our guy' -- the voice that sunk its passion into broadcasting the Western teams we cared about, and not the Leafs or Canadiens. The energy he brought to his broadcasts made you feel like he cared about them too, and he drew you into the action with his enthusiasm.

His voice will always be linked with my memories of growing up and growing to love sports. Like many other sports fans in Canada, I'll certainly miss his work.

don whittman was a broadcaster, family man, a mentor who will b forever loved and missed by his family, friends, and not to mention his beloved fans who enjoyed listening to him do the thing he did best, which was broadcasting, there wasn't a thing that the man couldn't broadcast..

It is indeed a sad day, Winnipeg, Canada, and the world have lost a great sports broadcaster today.
Don has touched so many people with his enthusastic, knowledgeable voice in many sports. I can remmber training for my second marathon, out on my long run one weekend, I was running by myself, but was having the best run as Don's voice was commenting on how my run was turning out. I wonder how many other athletes have had such great workouts/events because of him calling their play or sport. Thank you for the many positive memories Don. My prayers and condolences to the Wittman family.
Don RIP knowing that you have helped so many others with our lives with your wonderful gift your sweet voice, and the way you used it to tell the rest of us what you were witnessing. Thank you so much.

Very saddened to hear of Mr. Wittman's passing. Canada has lost another of the great play be play men. Your voice will be remembered by many putting a smile on the face of all. Best wishes are extended to the Wittman family at this time.

Another great Canadian icon passes. The bar is set high for the next generation of broadcasters.

As we grow up, we identify with many things; music, performers, movies, special events and personalities that tell the stories of our times. As we grow older, we inevitably lose those people that were and are part of our era. Don Wittman was one of those people. I can remember as a kid listening to his colour commentary and being proud that he was a Winnipegger. I am sorry that Don’s time here had ended, but I have a feeling that he lived a full life and that he really loved what he did. We should all be so lucky. My sincere condolences to his entire family.

Sorry to hear of Don's passing today as he certainly was a big part of CBC Sports broadcasting for so many years.

No one could call so many different type of sports so well as he did, with so much enthusiasm as well.

I was so glad to be able to see him in person calling The Continental Cup of Curling here in Chilliwack a little over a year ago. He was a professional in every sense of the word.

Rest in peace Don

To The Wittman Family,
From all the hockey fans across the miles the East Coast to the West Coast and the U.S.A
or deepest sympathy to you.
Our hearts go out to you at this time.
Remember all the good times and hard times and you will get through this time.
God Bless.

I an very sadded to hear of the passing of Don today. We Have trully lost the best sportscaster. My prayers and wishes go out to his family.

I have never been a fan of a specific hockey player baseball player or football player. I have never been a fan of any single movie star. I have always been still am and always will be a huge fan of Don Wittman. The man made sportscasting what it is now. He will never be duplicated.
Thank you, sir, very much

Don Wittman was as much a part of Canada as the Maple Leaf and as comfortable to listen to as he broadcast a game as wearing a toque in the winter.

For those of us just south of the border in the US, he will be missed here greatly for all his outstanding work on HNIC and the Olympics.

It was always refreshing to listen to Don - an announcer that did not show any bias for or against the teams he covered - it was just always the best quality broadcast.

Godspeed to Don's family, friends and co-workers.

Don Wittman was a true professional. Broadcasting was not a job to him, it was a passion. Don you will be missed.

Another great voice is silenced. He along with Bob Cole and Danny Gallivan were CBC's best announcers. Deepest sympathies to his family.

Don Wittman is simply the best broadcaster of our time.

This man not only was good at broadcasting the game for sports, he created fans for the sports.

His voice, his talent, his passion simply defined the sports he broadcasted!

Thank you so much to Don Wittman for that.

I met Don in the press box at Winnipeg stadium. It was a very cold day, watching the St. Vital Rams football club play.There was no heating. Don looked very chilled and he graciously accepted a cup of piping HOT comsomme, liberally spiked with peppers, to thaw out. Over the many years I enjoyed listening to his clear baritone voice adding colour commentary to whatever sport he covered for CBC. RIP Don.

He was the best play-by-play man in sports and I will particularly miss his Olympics, hockey (especially the Battle of Alberta), and most of all his CFL work. He and Ron Lancaster were the best play-by-play/colour commentator team ever.

I had the pleasure of meeting Don while working in Mexico. Don was a passenger of mine and I will always remember that he made of point of telling me how much he appreciated the information I had given him. He was a class act and he will be missed.

If they have any sports in heaven, Don Wittman is undoubtedly calling the play-by-play.

True class, a great loss for Canada and all Canadians.

My thoughts are with his family at this time.

I have listened - watched all sports for 50 plus years. Don Whitman, was the very best overall sportscaster in North America. For one specific sport there are those who are better .. but no one could walk in Mr Whitman's shoes when it came to covering the entire sports spectrum. I'm sure he would have made a chess match sound interesting! Knowledge -- relaxed but enthused ability to communicate with his listening audience -- interaction with his color commentators, guests.
Don you stand alone on the podium of Sports Broadcasting. You will be missed.

Don Whittman will be missed.

While working in the broadcast industry I remember meeting Don at the Saskatoon Brier in 1989. We talked curling, played a few games of liar's dice and went our separate ways. Years later we met again and with out missing a beat Don looked and said "Hey, how are things in Melfort? We met covering many other events and always had great laughs. He was geniune and seemed to care about more than just the game but all those involved around it. Don Whittman had a keen sense of all the events he covered and the people he met. He will be missed.

Don was a veryfirst class man, I watch on curling,grey cups, track and field. Don wittman voice was one of a kind He will be dearly missed all canadians,I think cbc sports should think about making one of the new track & feild or the curling area should be name after one of the legend in sports broastcasting Don Wittman.My prayers go out to he family.Thank Don you will missesd

From the Olympics, Hockey Night in Canada, and the CFL on many occassions I can still hear the voice that described the pictures on TV that Canadians saw over the years. Mr. Wittman's care for his duty showed through in his work and was an example of genuineness that Canadians could be proud of. In gratitude for his work I offer my condolences and prayers for his family at this time.

"Stats"
I met Don Whittman back in the mid 80's while living in Calgary thru a friend. He was a true gentleman. To meet someone,you see on T.V. as a sportcaster was a honor. I was saddened to hear the news of his passing. I am very honored to say that I had a brief working relationship and friendship with Don, in both professional hockey and football while living in Calgary. My deepest condolences to his family. May God Bless you.

i have watched cbc for 18 years

13 on my big satelite dish and now

through nhl cente ice

don was a great annoucer

e will be missed my thoughts and prayers are with don family and cbc

As much as the athletes you remember from your formative years, there is the voices that brought their exploits to life. Don Wittman was one of those voices. Grey Cups or Stanley Cups. Olympics or World's. Even one time when the lights went out, it's His voice we remember. I can only imagine that He and the late Don Chevrier are sitting together swapping stories. He will be greatly missed by the Canadian broadcasting community and all sports fans across this great country.
God Bless and Thank You.

Being an avid sports fan in my mid-40's, I can honestly say I grew up with Don Wittman. As a kid in the '70's, I think of Don's voice and Grey Cup games. As a teenager in the '80's, it was the N.H.L. and the battle of Alberta. Don's passing is a true point of departure for Canadian sports and Canadian sport fans. RIP Don, you'll be truly missed.

I was shocked to learn of Mr. Wittman's passing. I remember him calling the last game of the Winnipeg Jets and thinking it was fitting that it was him on the mike as he was the voice I associated with their tv games. He never took over the broadcast, the event was the key, not him and he was the best.

Wonderful sports broadcaster. Some of my favourite sporting events are associated with his voice.

In 2 months, Canada has lost 2 of its greatest sports commentators, Don Chevrier, and today, Don Whitman. His calls of major sporting events including the Stanley Cup playoffs, the CFL and several Olympic Games will be remembered forever. His talents and abilities were perhaps unsurpassed in the world of broadcasting. A Canadian sports icon indeed, he will be missed greatly. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this most difficult time. I never got to meet nor know this man; however, his spirit will live on with all Canadians and Canadian sports fans for a very long time. Thank you, and God Bless. Respectfully Yours, Mr. Marc W. Mullo. :-)

This is very sad news. I always enjoyed listening to him watching the Hockey Playoffs when I grew up. I distinctly remember Game 6 of the Winnipeg / Detroit playoff series in 1996 and his play by play calling. Rest In Peace Don.

Don Wittman was not only a excellent sportscaster, he was also a gentleman. In 1976 my sister and I were flying to Montreal to spend the summer with our Aunt. We were at the time 14 and 11 and it was our first plane trip and our first time traveling anywhere without our parents. When we changed planes in Winnipeg Mr. Wittman was seated next to us, he was so helpful and kind, but moreover when we landed in Montreal he made sure we got to the baggage carousel and he waited with us until our Aunt made it in to pick us up. I have never forgotten his kindness, and I think of him often whenever I'm alone in an airport. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.

I've grown up listening to Don Wittman. What an incredible career.

Don was the premiere broadcaster and will always be remembered for the great calls in the canadian sports history. long live Don and there will be noone like you again.

I grew up listening to Don Wittman calling hockey and the CFL and numerous other sporting events. He was truly one of the greatest broadcasters I knew and he had a special way of calling a game with enthusiasm that no one else had. He will be greatly missed and always remembered.

My Thoughts and prayers are with his family.....

I am very sadden to hear of Don's passing. Growing up as a kid playing street or Ice Hockey, I'd always hear his voice in my head calling my one thousand stanley cup overtime winners. His play by play calling was simply the best.

When I struggled to stay up late to watch the late west coast games or playoff games, I'd use my tape recorder to record the game. I'd then play the tape the next morning and listen to the game. At times I find myself fast fowarding the tape, but not when Don was doing play by play. I'd listen and could almost see the action as he was calling it. Sometimes i'd use that tape throughout the week on school nights to have dreams of playing hockey. I even recall using the tape on occasion during hockey practice in my walkman.

Don, you were simply the best! God Bless you and your family. I'm sure the almighty lord appreciates having you call play by play for him as you both watch the games from above!

I was one of the lucky ones to grow up watching and eventually working with Don Wittman. He was a professional in every respect, and a true gentleman. He was and will forever be considered a pioneer in Canadian Broadcasting.
My sincerest condolences to Don's family at this very difficult time. An era has ended.

It is with true sadness that we remember Don Wittman as a true broadcaster of our time. As a young child, I was very fortunate to be able to watch any CBC events where Don was doing the play-by-play. As an Edmonton Oilers fan, I can remember a lot of the Oilers' games that he covered, especially during the regular season and particularly the playoffs. We cannot forget the Stanley Cup playoff games that he covered, as well. He was also instrumental in covering numerous CFL football matches, including Grey Cup finals. In terms of curling, hockey, and track and field, I think that it is fair to say that he was the only broadcaster to add that level of depth, excitement, and exhuberance in his coverage, making me feel that I was sitting within the arena enjoying whatever he was covering.

I am extremely proud of the CBC for providing a retirement party on his behalf, as well as comments on live CBC television and news broadcasts, esspecially during Hockey Night in Canada. Listening to Don Cherry, Kelly Hrudey, and other sports personalities give their commemoratives of him while he was alive was a blessing, especially because he was able to listen to how many people cared for him. God's blessings, Don ... with my father and numerous others within my family who have suffered from cancer, I truly understand the pain and suffering that he and his family have had to deal with.

Don, warm condolences to you! I pray that God will open up the gates to heaven! Broadcast some good ones up there on us! Hopefully someone will be able to tape them so that we can hear them when our time comes!

I remember Don's voice watching the Grey Cup's and whenever there was a Winnipeg Jets game on. Donovan Bailey's run up the track with Wittman going nuts when he won was also up there as great moments I think of. They should name a CBC award in honour of Don Whittman...

Don Whitman will be rememberd as the voice of the Winnipeg Jets on Hockey Night in Canada, the Grey Cup and numerous other sporting events throughout the years. One of the most memorable and recognizable voices on TV. RIP Don.

Thank you Mr. Wittman for defining a lifetime of sports memories for me and an entire nation. You will be missed.

I knew Don when he worked at CFQC SAskatoon. I have listened to his sport commentary, it seems forever. He will be missed.
Richard

I was in Paris for the World Athletic Championships in 2003 and had the great fortune to have been able to spend time with 'Witt' while working there. Ever after he remembered me as his Paris sightseeing companion. He is all those things that everyone has said about him and more. He was a great story teller, a kind man, and a consummate professional. As a broadcaster, he will be in my memory as a first rate voice, and as a person, he will be there as a friend.

I got to meet Don Wittman almost ten years ago when he bought a pair of hikers from me in the sports store I was working in.

He was a true gentleman to me and this was truly a case of getting to meet someone you have been watching on T.V. your whole life and not being one bit dissapointed to meet him in person.

Great broadcaster, great person.

He will be missed.

Don Wittman was the best sportscaster ever. There will never be another Don Wittman commentating on sports. His friendly face and voice will be missed on CBC sports. My heart goes out to Don's family and also to his CBC television family. Don will be missed by many Canadians and I am proud to say that he was my favorite CBC sportscaster. CBC Sports won't be the same. Thanks for the memories Don!

Don was in my opinion the voice of CBC sports. His dedication, his loyalty and heart to both the CBC and Canada is of profound note. He was a legend in is time and will be missed. My thoughts are with his family at home and his colleagues in the sports industry.

Don was in my opinion the voice of CBC sports. His dedication, his loyalty and heart to both the CBC and Canada is of profound note. He was a legend in is time and will be missed. My thoughts are with his family at home and his colleagues in the sports industry.

My heart fell when I heard the news. We have truthy lost a True Canadian, my thoughts and prayers are with his family and co workers

He was a reflection of my childhood. His voice and broadcasts have brought me tears, joy, happiness, and elation. Those feelings were in every sport that he worked in. He helped me developed the passion and love for sports and coaching.

I was very sorry to have heard of the passing of Don Wittman. Having enjoyed the CBC's coverage of hockey, football, and the Olympics, I came to admire Mr. Wittman's concise description of the events he was covering, as well as his professionalism and dignity. My condolences to his family and friends.
Jim Sofalvi

Don wittman was one the best sportcasters in North America, if not the world.I am very sorry I will not be able to hear him speak on a broadcast ever again. He was extremely knowledgable on every sport he covered.

Without a doubt Mr. Wittman was among the greats in sports broadcasting. I remember his coverage of the Jets, Flames and Oilers on HNIC but it was his work during the Olympics and curling that I loved the most. Mr. Wittman's voice was truly unique. It bore not the harsh urgency associated with so many of today's play-by-play guys. For me, it was warm, steady and backed up by that smile, shoot, you just really wanted to be sitting in the booth. What a way to watch a game! God bless you Don and may your family take comfort in the knowledge that you were much loved by your country.

Merci M.Whittman.
Merci pour votre voix et pour vos intonnations qui resteront gravées dans nos mémoires.

MA

Don Wittman has been the face of Canadian sport for as long as I can remember. His voice seems to be a part of so many Canadian heroics it seems unbelievable that we'll never hear it again.
Best wishes to his loved ones.

I agree that Don Wittman was one of the greatest announcers that I have ever heard.
It was great that he was honoured for that before his passing because it sure would have been a missed oppurtunity to celebrate a great persons career
Your the best Don!!!!!
RIP

I remember him calling all those Battle of Alberta playoff games between Calgary & Edmonton during the heyday of the rivalry between 1983 and 1991. I remember the 1986 Steve Smith goal clearly. Of course being from Newfoundland & Labrador, I remember the Brad Gushue Gold Medal call in 2006.

A part of the CBC past away when he past on. He was a legend! My thoughts are with the CBC and his family tonight!

A big fan of the Battles of Alberta in the 80's due to Don Wittman being the play by play guy. I am so proud to say he was from Winnipeg, as am I. He will ever be forgotten, and will likely never be matched in how he covered Canadian sports events.

Wittman will forever represent the greatest days of the CFL, and the Olympics. He was the best, most prepared we will ever see. He would make a CFL game the most interesting sporting event you had ever seen. Steady even tone, conveying complete understanding. He and Geoff Gowan were the best in the world at track and field coverage, for decades.
The only one close to that level of quality that comes to mind would be Danny Gallivan. The only one even possibly like that today is Jerry Howarth.
Thanks for all the great times Don!

This is truly a sad day across our great country of Canada. Don Wittman was an icon and I could sit and listen to him for hours at a time. His voice was true Canadiana and unique and comforting.
There will never be another Don Wittman, rest in peace Don, you had an amazing career.

He will truly be missed. He was one of the best ever!

My comment will be short and sweet. Was there anyone better in the business who covered so many sporting events, and excelled at them all.
God Bless the Wittman family, and I am sure your memories will last forever.

We will not see his like again. He was simply the best.

Don Wittman will truly be missed. He was one of the first multittalented sportscasters this country has ever produced. Track & Field, Curling, Hockey, CFL Football. He done it all.

I am 37 years old I grew up listening to Don Wittman's commentary since I was a child growing up in Manitobe.

My Favorite Memories of Don Witmman's Career includes:

(1) Donovan Bailey's 100m Gold Medal Victory at the 1996 Olympics and Men's 4 X 100m gold medal with the classic line, "If you are a Canadian, You Gotta love Saturday Night's in Georgia!"

(2) The Infamous Canada - USSR Piestany Brawl at the 1987 World Junior Championships in Piestany, Czeckoslovakia.

(3)All though he called numerous CFL Football games and many Grey's Cup, but perhaps my favorite memory was the 1989 Grey Cup in Toronto when the Saskatchewan Rough Riders defeated The Hamilton Tiger Cats 46-43

(4) Most recently the Brad Gushue Rink winning gold in Curling at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino.

Thank you for the memories Don! Will you will be missed. R.I.P

Don was by far our favorite hockey broadcaster. It was always a treat when we were able to listen to Don calling a game. The Olympics won't be same without him either. He was truly a Canadian Icon and should be in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

It was with great sadness that I learned of Don Wittman's death....he was the consummate pro, understated but the voice of authority for whatever he was calling.....I really enjoyed the way he engineered banter between Joan and Mike on CBC's curling coverage....he would set up the scenario and then let them discuss what was unfolding....funny thing, he probably knew the game as much as they did but he recognized that the public would relate better to a a couple of former players of national stature....Don's calling of Hockey Night in Canada reinforces the understated quality of his work.....he let the game be the show...he never gave the impression that he wanted to be the focal point of why people were tuning in.....he had that great quality....suffice to say, his versatility was to be admired.....you could tell he had a great love for sport and a keen appreciation of the "moment'' that defines great accomplishment.....I'm going to miss his talent immensely.....

Not much I can say that hasn't already been said. A true legend of the profession, one of our country's most enduring and versatile play-by-play men. His voice will be etched in my memories for the rest of my life, from Bailey in '96 to Saku Koivu's game winner in game 3 against the Bruins in 2002 and the countless other brilliant calls of the CFL, track-and-field and hockey. I can only wish I was old enough to have heard him before the '90s.

May you rest in peace and your family be granted comfort and happiness for the rest of their days.

Good-bye, Don.

This is a huge loss. Don Wittman was a true gentleman. I rank his curling broadcasts as his best. All the Briers and World Championships, great stuff. His call of the 100m in 1996 was delight that I have watched many times. My condolences to his family.

I have only generous thoughts when it comes to Don Wittman. I don't have to see him. I can hear his voice and remember the CFL games the NHL games, the Olympic games and of course curling. It was his voice and good broadcasting that brought me back to the events he announced.
Mr. Wittman's voice and play by play made any event comfortable and enjoyable to watch. Difficult voice to replace. I can hear him right now; listen, can you??

Thank you Don Wittman for all those memories of listening to your game calls growing up. You will be sadly missed.

One of the most memorable moments of my childhood was Donovan Bailey's 100m win in Atlanta in 1996, and the call that Don Wittman gave for that race was perfect. It's one of those moments that will be with me forever, and I am glad that Don was a part of it.

I grew up in Winnipeg and will never forget listening to Don call the Bombers and Jets. He was a soothing Canadian voice who called sports like an art-form; so contrary to the "pumped-up" trash for commentary we see on so many sports channels today. A sad day for Canadian sports. We'll miss you Don.

One of the best announcers at CBC,liked his Olympic work and his hockey broadcasts along with his curling knowledge, a very versatile broadcastor. My condolences to his family and CBC.

I am truly sadden by Mr.Wittman death. He was one of Canada's most talented broadcaster he will be miss. I want to send my thoughs and prayers to Mr.Wittman's family.

I am so very saddened by the passing of Don. I revolve my life around any kind of sport but especially the olympics. What makes them so exciting is hearing that familour voice on the screen year after year after year. It will never be the same again. Listening to any broadcast of track and field was Don Wittman. Thanks Don for bringing those olympic moments from around the world home for us. God Bless.

Not only was Don Wittman a great announcer, but he was a classy act too. Many times I would see him while we were both exercising at the Asper Y in Winnipeg and he was always very friendly. One day I was flying to Toronto with my wife and he saw us sitting on the aircraft and stopped and spoke to us for several minutes like we were long lost friends, although he really just knew me as a guy from the gym also named Don. He appealed to all of us with his genuine friendliness.

Canada is today again poorer with the passing of yet another of our great broadcasters in sports.. Those two *Don's* are and were the great voices that any Canadian growing up in the 60's to 90;s will have listening to with any sport.. Good bye Don, Thanks for your professionalism and expertise

A true broadcasting legend. He will be missed. I always remember when he called NHL games and his use of the phrase "had some problems" always made me smile!

RIP Don

Martin

Don was the voice of sports in Canada. He was there for it all, carefully relaying the story to us at home and giving us such a great appreciation of the event he was calling with such a friendly and warm attitude. Thanks Don!

Don's passing is a great loss to Canadian broadcasting. I fondly remembered when he hosted the Western Canada Lottery foundation draws when this was a big deal in the 1970's. His voice was the voice of CBC Sports and the CFL, which I will miss him doing.

We lost a peice of Canadian comfort, listening to Mr Wittman call any sport, was a treat... heck, he could make ice fishing sound cool. The Olymics were great, so very comforting to hear his voice. When he would call the play by play of For Hockey Night In Canada, was nothing less than great. R.I.P Don Wittman

Don Wittman brought a uniquely Canadian broadcast perspective to the sports Canadians cherish- NHL, CFL, curling, Olympics- his dynamic ability to cover 'the game' anytime, anywhere was one of a kind.
Don's many years of sports coverage was more than just a job or career-it was an adventure-one he would have no doubt carried on.
Today is indeed a sad day for Canadian sports fans, as we truly mourn the loss of one of our best. He will be missed.
Full condolences to his family in this difficult time.

Television came to Saskatoon in the mid 1950's, and Don started his career with it at CFQC-TV. With no network feeds of live games and video highlights, it was us to the local reporter to cover local sports to fill the bulk of his show each evening. Don was great at this, covering local high school sports, junior hockey and football, and having frequent studio guests for interviews on his show "Eyes on Sports".
I watched him every evening. He was smooth and accomplished even then.

As I heard the news of Mr. Wittman's death, I was in complete shock. As an avid curler and someone who has had the pleasure of meeting Don a few times while being at events around Canada he covered for CBC Curling. Don was always someone who you could go up to and ask any question, ask for an autograpgh, or just talk to. He was truly one of the best! He defended the CBC always and the last time I actually saw Don was in Hamilton at last years Brier, I asked him what the CBC Had planned for curling when TSN took over complete coverage of Curling, He snapped at me and Defended CBC and said they would still carry select events and be a supporter of curling going forward into the future. Don Wittman will be truly missed and as dedicated to his sports as he was, his fans were more dedicated to watch Don and listening to his broadcasts from sport to sport. CBC and Canada has lost a legend in Broadcasting. RIP Don, May God protect your family and your Legend will live on with CBC and the people you have touched.

He was born in Herbert? That's where I first heard him, broadcasting Bomber games, back when they seemed to tangle with the Tiger-
Cats every year for the Grey Cup. A classic, throwback kind of broadcaster, emphasis on the _class_.

It's very sad to hear of his passing as he's been there for so many sports memories. That distinct voice and level of controlled excitement that made you get excited about what was going on. He was definitely one of the best and will be missed. I can remember hearing his voice as a child and it made you turn and look to see what was going on. It still had that same effect as an adult when you walked into a room and he was covering an event.

I'm greatly saddened by the loss of Mr. Wittman. I remember foldly the skiing and hockey broadcasts, including the 1987 Junior Championship Final. He will be missed.

Thank you Don for the many memories - your voice will surely be missed during curling and the Olympics!

My condolences to the Wittman family!

Very sad news. A lot of my memories growing up watching hockey, his voice was a part of. I've always been a fan. Always will be. Thanks for the greats calls. RIP.

Don Wittman was the best. His enthusiastic voice, his integrity, his passionate play by play calling. He covered all sports, he was Canada's most polyvalent broadcaster. He was a legend and will be missed. I am sure Don will be broadcasting down on us from heaven as he used to while he was with us in the same way.

My sincerest condolensces and prayers to his family and friends.

Don Wittman was simply the best sports broadcaster in the World.

Knowledgeable, informative and very versatile. He made televised curling what it is today. Watching CFL football with Don at the mike was a treat.

He worked on a variety of sport broadcasts and worked with a large number of colour commentators. He set the benchmark for broadcasting excellence.

You will be missed Don!

I am shocked and saddened by the news of Don's death. He was definitely a symbol of Hockey Night in Canada for me and will be missed by many. RIP Don.

It's very rare to find sportscasters who actually know something about the sport they are commenting on,and with the ability to remain impartial.
Don was always able to add insight into the sports he covered by learning everything he could about the sport,and the athletes.And he was always able to remember it was about the athletes.I never got the feeling of favouritism towards the home town teams that is all to often evident in some of todays broadcasts.ANd,while I'm sure he liked to see Canadians do well in any sporting competition,he always gave non-partisan commentary,ad acknowledged the skills of ALL the participants.
Well done, Don. Rest in Peace.You will be missed by many.

Being 50 years old, it occurred to me that I've listened to Wittman broadcasting sports for my entire life. I met the man once at Vancouver's B.C. Place and he was the same in person as he was on the air; professional, affable and courteous. Wittman had the ability to make even the dullest game sound exciting and I can't ever remember coming across as biased or a homer. His description of some of our nation's most glorious sporting moments will be indelibly stamped in our memories. Thank you, Don!

Very Sad News! I can hear Whittman's enthusiastic voice as I write this. He was truly one of the best! My thoughts are with his family.

He was the best. I loved his enthusiam for track and field and curling. A great football and hockey commentator as well. A real Canadian icon in my mind.

Mister Wittman will be missed!
It was always interesting to hear him comment on the different sports he was covering.

I remember some of the Olympics and mostly many curling games!
He spoke in a manner that helped us understand what was going on, and I learned how to understand spoken English through him too!

Finally, I used to think that curling was boring to watch until I sat down and listened to him (and the other experts around) describing the action in such a way that curling became interesting to watch!

Adieu Monsieur Wittman et merci beaucoup!

Simon C
Saint-Hyacinthe, QC

I have many memories of Don doing everything that can be called a sport ...Football ..Hockey Track and Field ...Curling...Diving...Swimming...Olympics ...Wow can you think of a sport that Don was never involved in....How do you replace the ireplaceable ....My condolences to all the Wittman family ... he will be dearly missed by all

Not a bad thing can be said about the guy, a mainstay in Canadian Sports. He just called the game, he never brought an ego or attitude to his calls. just did it for the love of the game and in turn made it sports more entertaining. People in sports can learn lessons from this legend. RIP

Like so many other things in life, Don Wittman's voice was one of those things that you took for granted, like it would always be there. I always enjoyed his coverage of events, and it seems like he was a very nice man as well.

My prayers and best wishes for his family and friends.

It is sad to see another piece of Canadiana leave this great country.
Don Whitman to me will always be remembered as the voice of the Winnipeg Jets, HNIC, the CFL & various sporting events from Ben Johnson's infamous 1988 run to Donovan Bailey's 100 Meter dash to gold in Atlanta..
I will always remember Mr Whitman's enthusiasm no matter the event or the score..
Thank you Don for giving all of us here in Canada the memories, especially the Winnipeg Jets..May you hold that golden mike high

Don Wittman was a very classy man and an integral part of some of this country's most incredible sports moments. He will be missed.