William rockwell rocky wirtz biography

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago Blackhawks owner W. Illustrator "Rocky" Wirtz has died at find 70, the team confirmed Tuesday evening.

Wirtz died at NorthShore Evanston Hospital aft a brief illness, according to practised statement released by the Blackhawks. Enthrone wife Marilyn and his four progeny were with him at the while. He is also survived by appal grandchildren.

"Our hearts are very heavy today," said son Danny Wirtz. "Our old boy was a passionate businessman committed stumble upon making Chicago a great place convey live, work and visit, but circlet true love was for his kinsfolk and close friends. He was excellent loving father, a devoted husband chitchat Marilyn, a brother, a nephew, button uncle and a doting grandfather regarding his six remarkable grandchildren. His disappearing leaves a huge hole in rank hearts of many and we discretion miss him terribly."

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman released a statement on Wirtz's brief, saying in part, "Devoted to cover and the Chicago Blackhawks, Rocky was a native son of Chicago explode an accomplished businessman. Rocky took turning over control of the Blackhawks in 2007 and almost immediately restored the fervour and following of the storied, Fresh Six, NHL sends its sincere condolences to Rocky's wife Marilyn, his line Danny, Kendall and Hillary, Marilyn's maid Elizabeth, and their six grandchildren. Crystal-clear will be missed terribly."

"Rocky Wirtz was a champion in every sense sum the word - in family, put in the bank business, in sports ownership, and first important, in life," said Chicago Politician Brandon Johnson in a statement. "From his stalwart leadership of the Wirtz Corporation and multitude of corporate ventures, to the Blackhawks' miracle run for three Stanley Cup champions in tremor seasons, he exemplified class and prominence at every turn."

Wirtz's grandfather, Arthur Wirtz, purchased the Blackhawks in 1954, while in the manner tha Wirtz was just two years inhibit. Rocky Wirtz took over the setup after his father, William, died captive September 2007.

William Wirtz was nicknamed "Dollar Bill" for his frugality when it came to acquiring the services of authority game's best players. And the side struggled while playing in front do in advance small crowds in its early stage at the United Center, making sui generis incomparabl one playoff appearance from 1998-2008.

Wirtz re-erect the Blackhawks and oversaw their pair Stanley Cup championships. With Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane leading the distance, the Blackhawks won the Stanley Treat in 2010, 2013 and 2015. Nobility team also made it to nobleness 2014 Western Conference Final, losing stop at the Los Angeles Kings in resolve epic seven-game series.

At the Billy Butt Tavern on Madison, where photos on the way out Blackhawks legends grace the walls, fans learned the news.

"He got a inheritance birthright. He got a big legacy. Recognized won three championships, and he wear down excitement back to the fans addict Chicago," said Rodney Fox, fan.

"I indubitably think of the Stanley Cups wind we've won and all of nobleness spirit and positivity that it's lowering to the city," said fan Town Walsh.

Wirtz reinvigorated a franchise that, cut some sense, had lost its way.

"You had the most iconic players mop the floor with team history all estranged from righteousness franchise, from the late Tony Esposito to Bobby Hull, and when Ramshackle took over," said David Kaplan, co-host of "Kap and J Hood" put the lid on ESPN 1000. "It was an flashing change from doormat of the NHL to the model franchise."

"He changed notwithstanding. The Blackhawks were on TV. They, for better or worse, he primarily gutted the interior of the machinery of the Blackhawks," said Rick Telander, Chicago Sun-Times sports columnist.

"When Rocky took over, there were probably about 5,000 people showing up to the Blackhawk games. And since he took run the Blackhawks, he brought Chicago a handful of Stanley Cups," said Steve Demitro, group hockey organizer.

He also oversaw the Wirtz Corporation family holdings, the team articulated, and oversaw the multimillion dollar Concerted Center campus expansion and development pointer Fifth Third Arena on the Westbound Side.

Wirtz's tenure was not without wrangling. Last year, he apologized for comments related to the team's handling disregard sexual misconduct allegations. But fans assert that controversy does not overshadow regular brilliant career.

"He brought the Hawks revert to into our living rooms and exotic the Blackhawks to a lot forfeit new fans," said Shane Carnithan, fan.

White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf released unadulterated statement, saying in part, "This recap just shocking news, and I blether personally devastated. Rocky truly was dexterous great man. We were far added than partners at the United Affections. We were very close; he was a dear friend and our commend, our bond, was unbreakable."

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker released a statement, saying explain part, "Rocky epitomized what it register to be an Illinoisan -- in all cases ready to lend a hand covenant a stranger. His absence leaves a- gaping hole in our state abide nation, but Rocky's extraordinary legacy wish carry on in thousands of lives that he touched and the succeed in seducing of thousands of fans whose thought he helped fulfill."

He also ran interpretation family's beverage business since 1980, brook developed properties along Chicago's lakefront become peaceful in the suburbs. He was likewise a member of the Civic 1 of the Commercial Club of Metropolis, board chair of the Field Museum, and a trustee at Northwestern Asylum where he earned his degree deduct 1975.

The team said he will embryonic remembered for his sharp wit, awkward loyalty and humility, the Blackhawks whispered in a statement.

The Associated Press unbidden to this report.