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William Wirtz Obituary
In an announcement on the team Web site, the Blackhawks said Wirtz died at Evanston Hospital after battling cancer.
The family, led by Arthur Wirtz, purchased the Chicago Blackhawks in 1954. In 1966, William Wirtz became team president.
Wirtz was chairman of the Board of Governors of the National Hockey League for 18 years and helped negotiate the merger of the NHL and the World Hockey Association in the late 1970's.
Together with Chicago Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf, Wirtz helped back the construction of the United Center, which replaced the Chicago Stadium, the long time home for Blackhawks.
But since moving there 12 years ago, the Blackhawks have made just four playoff appearances - only two since 1997. The Blackhawks haven't played in the Stanley Cup finals in 15 years. As a result, the Blackhawks - one of the six original NHL teams - averaged about 12,700 fans per game in an arena that seats 20,500.
Wirtz often said his goal was for the team to win another Stanley Cup, but he was not known to spend lavishly on the team. That changed when club signed goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin to a four-year, $27 million contract before in 2005.
Wirtz' interest in hockey extended beyond the NHL. He served on both the 1980 and 1984 Winter Olympic Committees. And for his efforts on both the professional and amateur levels, he Wirtz was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1976.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press
70 Entries
Vicky Melton
September 13, 2014
Dear Alyson, I was helping my granddaughter with research about Chicago sports teams when I learned of your fathers passing. I cant tell you how sorry I am! I only met your Dad once when you were nice enough to invite me home with you and he was gracious enough to take us both to lunch. I remember his charisma, charm and sense of humor. He was so nice to me that day- I will never forget him.
You and I were only friends for a short while and then we lost touch as such things happen. If this finds you, just wanted you to know that I was thinking of you tonight.
latrina carter
October 9, 2013
alison sorry for your lost.this is tee. trina i lost my daughter as well luv n miss you 'trina' *tee*
Denise
December 19, 2012
Rest in peace
Roberto NJuarez
November 17, 2012
Good Man
How you can show support
joey in philly @ game 6 hawks win the cup 2010!
joey giffee
June 12, 2010
Thanks to the incredible creations of Mr Wirtz we have our Stanley Cup in Chicago as he cheers down upon us!
Julia Collomb
June 12, 2008
Dear Alison and Peter
I have only just learned of your father's death. He was a great man and made a big impression on me during my teenage years when we all spent so much time together. I will always remember him as a man of great personal charisma, kindness, humour and generosity. I am so sorry that you have lost him and I send you all my love. Julia Lenton (Collomb) xx
Margaret Carroll
November 28, 2007
To the family of Bill Wirtz, I extend my deepest sympathy. I know you will miss him, as will Chicago, but surely his spirit will remain with all of you, loving and guiding you as he always has. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Margaret Carroll,
Chicago Tribune retiree
Jennifer Hitchcock
October 17, 2007
My grandfather, Willard Mahaffey, was on the board with Mr. Writz for over 35 years with a S. Florida bank. Moving to Chicago recently I discovered first hand all the stories about the positive impact Mr. Writz had to Chicago were true. Only sorry was not able to meet him in person.
David Condon
October 4, 2007
On behalf of my late father(David Condon)and the rest of my family our deepest sympathy to the Wirtz family. Bill, like his father was a great Chicagoan
David Condon
brian diederich
October 3, 2007
Mrs Wirtz, Rocky, Marilyn, Gail , Jim,Cary, Bob, Peter, Cynhthia,Allison and to all the rest of the family i send my deepest sympathy to you all. Mr Wirtz to me left a lasting impression as to what a grand person is. Ive enjoyed so many wonderful times and experiences and am so greatful and fortunate to have been within his circle for some time. His memories will be with me forever and for all of you i know what it feels like to lose a parent so i understand the pain. Time is a wonderful healer and fond memories help also. I hope you all get through this time of mourning with ease knowing the goodness he shared with so many people and the love he gave all of you.
Phil Kranz (Pro-Care Auto)
October 2, 2007
Deepest sympathies to the Wirtz family;
Having worked with Bill for ten years, he will truly be missed.
October 1, 2007
Mr. Wirtz was always very fair with his employees at the UC and Stadium. Godspeed to the entire Wirtz Family.
Val Popa
October 1, 2007
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Amy Cook
October 1, 2007
Dear Wirtz Family,
Please know that my sincere condolences are with you and your family during this time. I will always remember your father's huge smile. My sister Karen, always loved her time with all of you during her college days and beyond.
May he rest in Peace. With heartfelt sympathy, Amy Kralovec Cook
Bob Anderson
October 1, 2007
Dear Wirtz Family,
My sincere condolences to each of you regarding Bill's passing. He left his mark on the world of professional sports, the wine & spirits industry,and especially the people of Chicago. God Bless you all at this difficult time.
Barbara Mills
September 30, 2007
I wish you my sincere sympathies for a person who has "special mightiness" by the years that he was alive and the impression he left on many..May GOD be with you now and in the future.
MARK LEKAS (LEKAS AUTO)
September 30, 2007
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO THE ENTIRE FAMILY.I HAVE DONE BUSINESS WITH HIM FOR OVER TEN YEARS AND IT WAS ALWAYS A PLEASURE.HE WILL BE TRULY MISSED.
Taylor (14) and Brandon (8) Brychell
September 30, 2007
Peter and Cynthia-
We are sorry about Mr. Wirtz passing away. We thought he was such a nice man and we loved to pet his two puppies at the United Center. He always smiled at us.
We're glad we got to meet him.
Love,
Earl and Jean Osby
September 30, 2007
Cynthia-
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Peter and the entire family during this difficult time. We are sorry we could not make it to the funeral, but we hope you can come and visit us soon.
All our love,
David and Ann Santiago
September 30, 2007
Dear Mrs. Fix: Please accept our condolences on the loss of your father. We hope the many wonderful memories of him and the good he did will ease the pain of your loss. Sincerely, your neighbors on Wrightwood Avenue
Bob Crawford, Jr.
September 30, 2007
Dear Wirtz Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. It was an honor to know you through my Grandfather, Tommy Ivan, and his work with you.
May you find comfort from the Lord in this time of loss.
Kevin Fix
September 30, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of loss.
September 30, 2007
The world will be sadder without you.
Merle
Ron Krusinowski
September 30, 2007
I will always remember Bill as being a strong, generous & humble person. My condolences and sympathy to the Wirtz family.
Joseph Eisenberg
September 30, 2007
Bill was a great friend to my father, and a truly kind and generous man with much foresight. Our condolences to Alice, Rocky and family. The family of:
Jim Lamperis
September 29, 2007
I have always been a big hawks fan. May you rest in internal peace
Bob & Mary Sewell
September 29, 2007
Condolances to Rocky and the rest of the family. Our prayers will be with all of you. We feel very honored to have worked for you at one point in our lives. May Bill rest in peace. Bob & Mary Sewell, Lancaster, KY
Ron Campion
September 29, 2007
Rocky -
I was so sorry to hear the news. My condolences to you and the family. May the memories comfort you, and know the thoughts of many are with you. May your father rest in peace.
Jeannine Wallon
September 29, 2007
Sommes de tout notre coeur, et dans la tristesse, avec la famille de Bill. Il nous laisse la belle image de sa personnalité, de son accueil, de son hospitalité. Nous n'oiublions pas ses liens avec notre Jean-Brice qui avait pour lui une grande affection. Louise Wallon et ses enfants.
September 29, 2007
May you rest in peace. You were a beautiful person I will never forget your kindness and loving ways.
Scott Baker
September 29, 2007
I've been a life long Hawks fan, thanks for the memories.Rest in Peace Mr.Wirtz
Dan Halperin
September 28, 2007
Gail, Jim and the entire Wirtz and Blackhawk Families, We mourn your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Judy Mann-Hamdan / Charmain & Willie Colvin
September 28, 2007
Our condolences to the Wirtz family at this time of sorrow.
Peter we enjoyed working for you and your family. Ill never forget the way you and your father would walk the halls before the games at the old stadium. Let Aly know we think of her often.Your family will be in our prayers.
Daniel Maloney
September 28, 2007
Peter & Family: My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
phil adams
September 28, 2007
rest in peace
Sheila Smith
September 28, 2007
Rest in Peace William.
Brother Michael Segvich
September 28, 2007
My condolences to the Wirtz family on the passing of the family patriarch. The Blackhawks have been a major part of my life since watching them win the Stanley Cup in 1961--not many knew what contributions Mr. Wirtz made to charities.
May he rest in peace and may the Hawks win the Cup this year in his honor and memory!
Frank McCabe
September 28, 2007
My dad worked for Art Wirtz and then Bill. He always had a kind word for them. My dad passed away 35 years ago. Now he can visit with Bill personally. May he rest in peace.
Gail Turluck
September 28, 2007
My sympathies are extended to the entire Wirtz family at this time of sorrow. Memories of the Blackhawks, watching games on TV with my dad, and my lame imitations on backyard ice rinks, are fond memories of my youth.
Carl Levin
September 28, 2007
May God bless you, you enriched the lives of so many.
liz stiffel
September 28, 2007
Bill will be greatly missed, I was happy to have known such an outstanding man, You have my sincerest sympathy, Liz Stiffel
Mary Smith
September 28, 2007
My sincere sympathy to the family on the loss of your loved one. Mr. Wirtz will be missed by his many friends and the community will miss a generous and giving person. He battled cancer. God says that soon "no one will say I am sick". This thought brings us comfort and gives us hope.
SHIRLEY MESA
September 27, 2007
PETER AND FAMILY,IM VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS YOUR FATHER WAS A NICE MAN AND IM VERY PLEASE TO HAVE WAITED ON HIM IN THE LUNCH ROOM AND IN THE BREW PUB I KNOW THE BREW PUB WAS HIS BABY, MY CONDOLENCES,SHIRLEY MESA, BREW PUB CARVERY
Linda Matanis
September 27, 2007
Dear Mr. Wirtz,
Thank you for being such a wonderful, generous and compassionate employer! We will miss you in Miami. My deepest sympathies to your family. You will be truly missed!
Best personal regards,
Linda G. Matanis
Secretary to the Board of Directors
First National Bank of South Miami
South Miami, FL
bruce stevens
September 27, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Robert Caffarella
September 27, 2007
.
I express my deepest sympathy to the Wirtz Family in these times of sorrow.
When the chips were down, the Wirtz Organization stuck with me, and for that, I will always pledge my loyalty. He was a great man with great vision. An inspiration to us all.
Again, my condolences to the family, and the many friends made through the years.
.
Bill, Meg, Tom & Emily Salzman
September 27, 2007
Rocky, Danny, Hillary & Kendall,
We were so sad to hear the news. May your memories comfort you, and God bless you. You are in our prayers
Anna & Tony Vanek
September 27, 2007
Dear Mrs. Wirtz and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. You and Bill have been loyal friends and companions of Papa and Margaret Mary. We share their grief at the loss of Bill.
Warmest regards,
Anna & Tony Vanek, daughter and son-in-law of John Conley
Jane McGovern
September 27, 2007
Dear Aly, I was so sorry to learn of your father's death. I remember him as a compassionate and loving father to you. I know this is a terrible time for you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Jane
rose maher
September 27, 2007
0ur deepest condolences f0r Mr.Wirts and His Family, may he Rest in Peace.
Marlene and Rosemary Maher
Ellen Ahern
September 27, 2007
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Debbie Sullivan
September 27, 2007
Deepest sympathy to the Wirtz Family. I will never forget the excitement and thrill of going to see the Blackhawks for the very first time. Thank you for the
memories Mr. Wirtz. Rest in Peace.
Daniel Ryan
September 27, 2007
May William rest in the peace of Christ. I did not have the privilege of meeting him, but I remain a dear friend of his sister Betty. Bishop Dan Ryan
Mark Madigan
September 27, 2007
I was very sad to hear about the passing of Mr. Wirtz. I have been a Blackhawks fan my whole life. I was at a game a few years ago and because of things beyond my control I was forced to leave early. As I was leaving, I bumped into Mr. Wirtz. I then had an opportunity to speak with Mr. Wirtz and truly express my feelings towards him about the Blackhawks organization. He was a real class act and was very receptive. He was a great man and will truly be missed.
I hope that this young team that he has assembled realizes how much winning meant to him. I am looking forward to seeing this young and talented team bring the Stanley Cup back to Chicago in honor of Mr. Wirtz.
September 27, 2007
After growing up in a hockey fan family, I came to recognize the Wirtz name synonomous with the game. Just a few years back, I ran into Mr. Wirtz at the UC, he was making his way through the throngs of fans at a Black Hawks game. Immediately recognizing him, I approached and thanked him for the years and memories he helped create for my hockey fan family. He was gracious and spoke with kind words...for such a big man, he was just like one of us.
God's Blessings to his family during this difficult time. Please know that your husband, father, grandfather was an exceptional man, even to those whom he didn't even know.
Walt Czornyj
September 27, 2007
Bill Wirtz was Mr Hockey I wish we could have raise old lord Stanley Cup here in Chicago I truely Miss the old girl across the street.
Paul Fivelson
September 27, 2007
I met Mr. Wirtz once at a function for season ticket holders. I was a guest. He was a nice man to all of us. As a devoted hockey fan in past years, I know that he had the game in his heart and it's just too bad he never was able to win "The Cup" as President of the Blackhawks. My condolences to the Wirtz Family.
Dave Mann
September 27, 2007
I had the rare pleasure to work for Mr. Wirtz when he owned the "Ice Follies" and "Holiday on Ice". He treated me well and later we would meet again and he had a great deal of respect for me and vice-versa.
Much has been written and said about him, but only those who had the privilege to really get to know him, can truly appreciate what he meant. His philanthropy has been well-documented. His loyalty unquestioned.
Mr. Wirtz will always be a positive part of my life and I am so much better off for having had the opportunity to briefly work for him and to know him.
My condolences to each member of his family and to his many friends. Like the public service TV commercial of over 30 years ago, featuring the proud Indian with a tear streaming down his cheek, the Blackhawk logo is now shedding one as well.
Dave Mann, Executive Director
Gale Sayers Center
Chicago, IL
The Patrick Kane Family
September 27, 2007
We were deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of Mr. Wirtz. We only had the opportunity to talk with him once in July and will never forget this short time we had with him. The memories and stories he shared with us, which he told with much pride and delight, will be remembered for years to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Father Donald Meehling
September 26, 2007
Sympathy and prayers to all the Wirtz family, and especially to his sister, Elizabeth, who lives in our city. For the faithful Christian life is changed, not ended. Alleluia! Let us look quickly through our tears to the God of all consolation and goodness.
Hermin Esteves
September 26, 2007
Mr.Wirtz thank you for being a great customer when I work at Gucci. My sympathy to Peter, Rocky,Allison,Bob Fix and wife. My prays will be for you and your family.
Irene c morrison
September 26, 2007
sorry for your loss on this good man he is in gods hands may god help you in your sad time may god keep you in mart
Deb T
September 26, 2007
BILL WAS KNOWN TO BE TIGHT WITH A BUCK,
HE KNEW IT'D TAKE MILLIONS TO STOP THAT PUCK!
SO HE SIGNED A NEW GOALIE AND NEVER GAVE UP,
TO THE DREAMS THAT HE HAD ABOUT WINNING "THE CUP".
HIS GAME WAS HOCKEY, HIS NAME IS WIRTZ,
LIFE WON'T BE THE SAME FOR THOSE BLACKHAWK SHIRTS.
D.L. ZIMMERMAN
September 26, 2007
REST IN PEACE WILLIAM WIRTZ
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