Bill Schonely, the legendary Portland Trail Blazers original broadcaster who coined the iconic phrase “Rip City”, passed away on January 21st, 2023. He was 93.
In 2014, I had the pleasure of meeting Bill Schonely and his lovely wife, Dottie, at a broadcasting event here in Central Oregon. Bill was wearing that 1977 NBA Championship ring and he even allowed me try it on. (..it’s heavy!)
It was after our initial meeting, that Mr. Schonely granted me a one-on-one interview of which I am forever grateful.
