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David Courtney Obituary
The Clippers said he died in Los Angeles, but gave no other details. Courtney missed Wednesday night's game against Minnesota because he was in the hospital awaiting an angiogram, according to his Twitter feed.
Courtney announced Los Angeles Kings game for 24 years, including their run to the Stanley Cup championship last season, but was idled this season by the NHL lockout. He had spent the last 19 summers announcing Los Angeles Angels games.
He was the voice of All-Star games in three pro leagues, working the 2002 NHL event, baseball's 2010 event and last year's NBA All-Star game. He also worked the 1981 NBA Finals, the 1993 and 2012 Stanley Cup finals and the 2002 World Series, won by the Angels. He filled in announcing several Los Angeles Dodgers games during the season.
Courtney was in his fifth year announcing Clippers games, having served as the team's backup announcer for three previous seasons.
"Today our organization lost a good friend," the Clippers said in a statement. "In his years as public address announcer for Clippers' home games, David Courtney was a consummate professional who brought a unique passion and energy to every event."
During his career, he announced Los Angeles Rams games in their final four seasons before the team moved to St. Louis and he worked as the Houston Rockets announcer in the early 1980s and shared duties for the Houston Astros.
Courtney began working in professional sports when he was 14, starting as a public relations assistant for the Kings in 1971. Under the guidance of announcer John Ramsay, and by doing games for his Beverly Hills High School varsity football and basketball teams, he learned the job well enough to become Ramsay's backup for both the Kings and the Lakers.
In 1978, he moved to Houston as public relations director of the Houston Aeros in the World Hockey Association. When the team folded a year later, he began a career in radio and television and found himself in demand as an announcer.
When he wasn't at an arena or a ballpark, Courtney did traffic and sports updates for three Los Angeles area radio stations.
His announcing jobs led to voice roles in the movies "Tooth Fairy," ''Angels in the Outfield," ''61(asterisk)" and the TV show "Home Improvement."
Courtney is survived by wife Janet.
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
60 Entries
September 26, 2019
God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the Family's...My condolences to the Family's...
March 23, 2013
What an absolute character, a gentleman with a kind heart. We worked together at the Houston Aeros and it was fun watching his career grow from there. May God bless you and your family.
Elijah Levy
December 9, 2012
So sorry to hear of your loss and may G-d grant you the strength to live on with peace.
John and Judy Lopez
December 4, 2012
Precious Janet - We are so sorry for your loss. David was THE GUY! We were blessed to have known him.
How you can show support
Vince Guarino
December 4, 2012
For me Dave is forever the very young guy working with Mike Hope at the Houston Aeros educating hot and humid Houston on the joys of hockey. It's so good to know he had the life he wished and that he was appreciated.
Yvonne Novak
December 4, 2012
With our deepest sympathies.
Yvonne and Randy Novak (Pasadena, CA)
KINGS FANS with miss you!
D Evans
December 4, 2012
Condolences the family during this difficult time.
Psalm 147:3
Tina Gurney
December 3, 2012
Peace to Janet and those who were touched by Dave.
Wendy Callaway
December 3, 2012
My deepest condolences to Janet and the rest of David's family.
Bobbi Dunfee
December 3, 2012
Deeps thoughts of sympathy for Janet and family.
I patterned my own language when 'calling' youth hockey games after David's announcements. "Ladies and Gentlemen, your Rushmore Thunder!"
May David Rest in Peace.
~only one of thousands of grateful Kings fans
December 3, 2012
You will be missed, by family, by friends, by the players, by the fans. L.A. Sports will never sound the same. So glad you got to announce "Ladies and Gentleman, the Stanley Cup!"
NAdine Donat
December 3, 2012
Kings hockey will never be the same........you were a kind and funny man- prayers to your family.
December 3, 2012
TO DAVID'S FAMILY MY HOPE IS FOR YOU TO FEEL GOD'S LOVE AND COMFORT.BE ASSURED THAT HE FEEL YOUR PAIN.FOR HE HAS SAID"HAPPY ARE THOSE WHO MOURN,SINCE THEY WILL BE COMFORTED."..MATT.5:4.......
December 3, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
December 3, 2012
We offer our sincere condolences to the Courtney family.Draw close to God during this difficult time (James 4:8).
December 2, 2012
Sending my condolences
Karen Macrorie
December 2, 2012
To Janet his loving wife.
The two of you were a special couple-so in love- so little time together but what you had was priceless! My heart goes out to you.
Mari Murillo
December 2, 2012
A true gentleman who will be missed! Had the pleasure to have worked with David while at Metro Networks. His voice, dedication and work ethic will be missed but never forgoten.
Callee West
December 2, 2012
Very sad to hear of David's passing. David was a good man and a cherished friend and co-worker. David was a consummate professional while maintaining his delightful sense of humor. He never seemed affected by his many great accomplishments. He was always there, grounded in his thoughtful, consistent reassurance and support. There was never a sour note from David no matter what was going on. My prayers and condolences are extended for his wife and family.
Irene Lee
December 2, 2012
The heavens gained a golden voice! Rest in peace!
Jeffrey Leonard
December 1, 2012
I keep waking up thinking this has been a bad dream. I will never forget how good you were to me and so many others, David. This is such a sad time. You were loved by everyone.
Janice
December 1, 2012
What a stunning career. May God's peace be with his family throughout their time of grief. Phillipians 4:6,7
Terry C. Stokes
December 1, 2012
Dave was a close friend. We met when he first started at the Forum where I worked on the Event staff. Lost touch over the years and finally re-connected by phone just 3 years ago. Wished we could have gotten together for dinner like we talked about. You will be missed my friend , God Bless Terry
December 1, 2012
Thoughts go out to my friend Janet, who was a devoted wife to David. xoxoxo kiki
David & Kate Gartner
December 1, 2012
Our deepest condolences with David's untimely passing. Kings games will certainly not be the same. His passion and professionalism were evident in the quality of his work.
December 1, 2012
DEAR MR. DAVID....AS A FORMER KING WE WERE LUCKY ENOUGH TO KNOW DAVID ON A VERY PERSONAL LEVEL....SO UNFORTUNATE FOR FANS WHO DIDN'T. GREAT PERSON, HARD WORKER AND SAID LITTLE EXCEPT WHEN HE HELD HIS WORLD AND SHONE AS MUCH AS IT DID.
SINCERELY, GENE CARR...X-KING 12
Jill
December 1, 2012
May the God of all comfort be with you at this time of grief, may all fond memories stay close to your hearts. Psalms 46:1
December 1, 2012
Our sympathies are with the Courtney family. May you receive the peace of God as you deal with this terrible loss.
Danita Saulsberry
December 1, 2012
I never knew him but I knew the voice. He's broadcasting with Chick now.
December 1, 2012
My deepest sympathy goes out to your family. The loss of a dear loved one may be hard to bear. May the God of all comfort grant you the peace that excels all thought during this time.
Patricia
December 1, 2012
Janet,
My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. Please accept my deepest sympathy. May our Heavenly Father guide you through your time of distress. Ps. 34:17
Sherry Persson
December 1, 2012
I loved him calling the Kings games. He will be missed by all. To his wife and family, so sorry for you loss. He was a great guy...
December 1, 2012
The Kings family has a lost a special person.
Games at Staples Center will never be the same.
<3 Condolences to David's family!
December 1, 2012
To the the family of David Courtney - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.
Jeannine Scott
December 1, 2012
I was completely saddened yesterday when I read the news. My heart sank.. I have been following Kings hockey for over 25 years.. David Courtney was an icon at the Staples Center.. It will not be the same without his voice saying "Ladies and Gentlemen... your Los Angeles Kings... RIP David you will be missed...
December 1, 2012
I knew David a very short 2 years, but will forever be grateful for even that little bit. The voice of an Angel...The heart of a King...
Conner and Miki Sheets
November 30, 2012
No word to describe... To extend sincere sympathy and let you all know that others are thinking of you all now.....thank you Sooooo very much for being the VOICE!!!!!
Chuck Navarrete
November 30, 2012
Condolences to the family of David Courtney. David and his voice will always be the cornerstone of the Kings identity and will be greatly missed.
HR Braggs
November 30, 2012
To the Family of David Courtney, , Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one. May you look forward to a time when this verse comes true "And He will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away".
Richard King
November 30, 2012
To the Courtney Family , my deepest condolences.
Judy Barham
November 30, 2012
Angel home games will never be the same. We will very much miss you, David. Condolences to the family.
From Judy, Tim, and Andrea Barham
Mary Marenoff
November 30, 2012
To Janet, the Fisher & Courtney Families,
My thoughts & prayers are with you, I am so sorry for your loss.
Mary Marenoff
November 30, 2012
The Voice of 'YOUR LOS ANGELES KINGS" has been silenced. Rest in Peace David, you will be missed by many.
November 30, 2012
Worked with him at Metro and loved to hear him at Kings games. You were a good man David. -- Robert Fox, Jr.
(Announcer at Ruidoso Downs race track)
November 30, 2012
To the family of David Courtney:
I would like to extend my condolences to the family. Death is never something we get use to. But know during this time you are not alone. Our Creator promises better days ahead. He will give you the strength needed to get through this difficult time.
November 30, 2012
I am so very sorry to h ear about the loss of Daavid Courtney. I have listened to his traffic broadcast on KABC for years.
He will be sorely missed.
My condolences go his wife and family.
With my deepest
condolences,
Audrey Bragg
Victoria&Andrew VZj
November 30, 2012
Our condolences
to the Courtney Family
May He
rest well inside
a spiritual new Journey
NHL members are very popular
of any time sports venue..
You will be missed~
God bless you ~David Courtney~
Karen Thomas
November 30, 2012
His voice will be missed at the Big A!!! Another Angel gone to Heaven!!! RIP!!! You will missed by all!
Greg Lucas and David Courtney at Houston Rocket party 1982
Greg Lucas
November 30, 2012
David was well known for his work in L.A. but I remember him as being a pioneer in cable/satellite sports TV with HSE in Houston. He and I were office mates in 1982. He was a very good professional and good man. Condolences to his family and all his friends.
November 30, 2012
Sincere condolences to family and loved ones. May the God of all comfort be with you as you cope with your loss.
November 30, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. I know losing a loved one is hard to go through. I will keep you in my prayers.
November 30, 2012
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
November 30, 2012
Offering my deepest condolences during this difficult time, I'm so very sorry for your loss, death is something we are never prepared for, but please find comfort in knowing God has promised He will do away with sickness, pain and death for His word is truth.
L. T.
November 30, 2012
To Mrs. Courtney: Time will pass and the pain will lessen, but memories of your husband will be forever. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
The BS Bunch
November 30, 2012
We take things for granted, like David at the Kings games. He will be missed by all of the fans. Our thoughts and prayers to his family.
November 30, 2012
To the family of DAVID COURTNEY I send my heartfelt condolences in the death of your beloved family member. His voice and presence will be greatly missed. During these difficult times I hope you draw comfort from the GOD of comfort.ISAIAH.61,1,2.
sincerely,
Ms Carruth
Del Walters
November 30, 2012
Your voice will ring from heaven. God Bless you and your family.
What a wonderful year for you to share with the Kings!
Zen Martinsen
November 29, 2012
Ladies and Gentlemen ... Your Los Angeles Kings! Games will just not be the same without you. You will be sorely missed by so many teams and fans. Thank you for all the years of happy memories.
Bob and Jean Markl
November 29, 2012
We first met David in 1970 when Jackie Cooper's son and Dave assisted Bill Puckey and myself with junior hockey games that were played in the afternoon before Kings' games at the Forum. I remember when I first met him I wondered who was this kid who's father produced the Hollywood Palace television show. He kept showing up at the afternoon junior games at the Forum and became part of our team. Whatever help we needed David was always there to do it, and was extremely courteous and helpful. In the forty plus years we have known him he never failed to say hello, and was always kind and friendly. We ran into David at many Kings' charity functions and games, Long Beach Ice Dog games when he filled in for their regular announcer, and at Angel games. He truly was one in a million who made a great career our of desire, hard work, and talent.
He will be missed very much and we want to extend our thoughts and prayers to Janet and the rest of his family.
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