'ONE OF A KIND': Tributes pour in for Canadian sportscasting legend Darren Dutchyshen
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With the heartbreaking news of the passing of TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen on Thursday, tributes, condolences and kind words poured in on social media for the Canadian broadcasting legend.
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'ONE OF A KIND': Tributes pour in for Canadian sportscasting legend Darren Dutchyshen Back to video
TSN announced on Thursday morning that Darren Dutchyshen died on Wednesday at the age of 57.
Colleagues, athletes and fans alike shared their thoughts and memories of the man known to many as Dutch or Dutchy.
“We’ve lost a dear friend. Dutch’s positive energy, bombastic personality, incredible talent, and sharp sense of humour made him great on and off the air. There will be a hole at TSN that can never been filled. My deepest sympathies to his loving family. Rest, big fella,” TSN colleague Darren Dreger wrote on X.
“I’m only a year older than Dutch, but even back to our days in Edmonton in the 80’s, he was always “The Big Kid.” He was loud, rowdy, loved his family, life, sports, a good time, and was beloved by both his colleagues and the viewing audience. He was one of a kind,” fellow longtime TSN broadcaster Gord Miller shared.
Gino Reda, who has been with TSN since 1988, shared a video and couldn’t help but crack a smile when talking about his friend’s impressive phyique.
“Larger than life. Everything about my buddy Darren Dutchyshen was larger than life,” Reda said a video posted to X. “His character, his voice, his smile — his biceps — his passion.
“I can’t believe you’re gone, Dutch. I don’t want to believe you’re gone. I’m going to miss you, pal.”
CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie offered his condolences to a man that championed his league.
“Darren Dutchyshen was one of a kind in the broadcasting world,” Ambrosie wrote. “He spoke about our league with such passion and pride. He was a terrific interviewer – so professional and knowledgeable, but always incredibly friendly with a joke or two at the ready. When he came back on the air, every CFL fan cheered. We’ll always remember his love for the CFL, his wonderful heart and that booming laugh. Thank you, Dutchy. Our deepest condolences to all his family and friends.”
“Giant of a man. In stature, personality, humour, heart. Especially heart. He was SportsCentre,” James Duthie wrote.
Rod Smith, a Canadian sportscasting legend in his own right, called Dutchyshen “the lifeblood of TSN for nearly 30 years.”
Even as a colleague, Clare Hanna says that she was “starstruck” by Dutchyshen.
“A national treasure. So many ways to describe his character: energizing, iconic, friendly, life of the party,” she wrote. “Even as a co-worker I was always a little starstruck in front of him. Sending so much love to his family.”
His fans also shared stories or watching him on SportsCentre and the other programs he hosted or having warm experiences meeting him.
“As a Canadian Sports fan in their 20s, I don’t know hockey or TSN without Darren. Heartbreaking. RIP,” one user on X commented.
“Me and some friends saw him at a bar one time. Chatted with him and he engaged with us for about half an hour. Didn’t matter he was with others (who were probably annoyed) he gave sincere opinions and did it with a smile. Speaks volume to his character. Condolences to his family,” another wrote.
TSN announced that it will be honouring Dutchyshen over the coming days, with some of his closest friends and co-workers sharing their stories about what made him truly one of a kind.
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