It has been announce that the former voice of the Toronto Maple Leafs Paul Morris passed away on Thursday February 6, 2025. due to…
Paul Morris, the iconic public address announcer for the Toronto Maple Leafs, passed away on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at the age of 86. Born on June 20, 1938, in Toronto, Ontario, Morris became a beloved figure in the hockey community, known for his distinctive, monotone voice that resonated with fans for decades.
Morris’s association with Maple Leaf Gardens began in the summer of 1958 when he started working there while attending the Ryerson Institute of Technology. His father, Doug Morris, had been an electrician at the Gardens since its opening in 1931, paving the way for Paul’s involvement. In 1961, at just 23 years old, Morris took over as the public address announcer after the dismissal of Red Barber, who had held the position since 1931. This marked the beginning of a remarkable 38-year tenure, during which Morris announced 1,585 consecutive Maple Leafs games from October 14, 1961, to May 31, 1999.
Beyond his announcing duties, Morris contributed significantly to the operations at Maple Leaf Gardens. Alongside Bob Wood, he designed and assembled the modern four-sided scoreboard that was in use from 1966 to 1982, enhancing the game-day experience for fans.
In February 1999, when the Maple Leafs transitioned from Maple Leaf Gardens to the Air Canada Centre, Morris was offered a per-game fee to continue his role, a departure from his previous full-time position. He completed the season and retired at the age of 61. His final announcement, “last minute of play in this period,” delivered during the Leafs’ 1999-2000 home opener on October 4, 1999, remains a cherished memory for many fans. Recordings of this signature call are still played occasionally at Leafs home games, a testament to his enduring legacy.
Morris’s impact on the Toronto Maple Leafs and their supporters is immeasurable. His voice became synonymous with the team’s home games, providing a sense of continuity and tradition. Generations of fans recall his announcements with fondness, and his contributions to the game-day atmosphere have left an indelible mark on the franchise’s history.
As of now, the specific cause of Paul Morris’s passing has not been publicly disclosed. The Maple Leafs organization and the broader hockey community mourn the loss of a true legend whose voice will forever echo in the annals of Toronto’s hockey heritage.