By Scott Nason
“The Game” ESPN 1400
TheGameSportsShow.podbean.com
Sault Ste. Marie lost a legend on the radio over the weekend, in the passing of Johnny Michael Bell.
Sovereign Communications Operations Manager, Mark SanAngelo posted the following information on Sunday morning.
“It’s with a heavy heart that we announce that our co-worker and friend, John Bell has passed away. We do not know the circumstances surrounding his passing. John was a larger than life person, who, love him or hate him, had a zest for life, and a laugh that was infectious. He was a great broadcaster, and had an amazing career behind the mic. When, for health reasons, he had to leave the air, he always worked hard to try to get back to what he loved doing most. Thanks for all the great games you called, and for all the laughs and good memories we have from working with you, Mick.”
Bell worked for over 30 years at several radio stations in Sault Ste. Marie since moving here in 1986. Most recently on WSOO, as he was afternoon drive host and Soo Eagles play-by-play announcer on ESPN 1400. He has also been news director, morning show host, among various other duties in his storied career behind the mic.
Bell also did radio broadcasts of high school basketball and hockey in Sault Ste. Marie, along with junior hockey broadcasts of the Soo Indians, and Lake Superior State University basketball.
We will pay tribute to John Bell Monday night on “The Game” heard on ESPN 1400 from 6-8 p.m. Special guest will be Dave Watson, as we will discuss many broadcasting and personal memories of Johnny, including the last interview I did with him in his final broadcast for the Soo Eagles in March, 2018.
We also podcast the show at thegamesportsshow.podbean.com, where you can hear tonight’s show and past editions of “The Game” and all our family of shows on GEM (The Game Entertainment and Media).
You can hear Scott's podcasts at www.thegamesportsshow.podbean.com
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Thank you for honoring our brother. We loved him and will miss him.
It was heartwarming to hear how our brother played such a larger than life role in michigan radio. Thank you for the beautiful tribute.
John loved what he did and loved where he did it. Sometimes when you find your “one thing” the rest is history. Thank you so very much for this wonderful tribute to my brother. Blessings to everyone in The Soo, all of Northern Michigan, and our friends across the border.
Ding. Dong.
Did some teenaged girl’s father finally kill the douche bag?
At least something good has come out of 2021.