Bill Grigsby wasn’t just a Kansas City icon, he was indeed Mr. Kansas City himself.
Bill Grigsby was a dear friend of mine. Countless amounts of others can claim the same.Grigsby’s circle of friends wasn’t limited to Chiefs players, coaches or fans. His reach went far beyond city limits. Grigs was more than the familiar voice who broadcast Kansas City’s Super Bowl IV victory. His life work is documented in several Hall of Fames, but those honors only begin to shed light on life that Grigsby lived.
Bill Grigsby wasn’t just a Kansas City icon, he was indeed Mr. Kansas City himself.
He and wife Fran formed one of the city’s finest duos. Grigsby’s life was shaped by Chiefs football, but he will forever be remembered by the infinite relationships he formed.
Kansas City lost a true treasure early Saturday morning. “The Prince of Parkville” had just celebrated his 89th birthday earlier this month.
“Like all Chiefs fans, our thoughts and prayers are with Fran and the entire Grigsby family at this difficult time,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. “Bill’s voice brought some of the most memorable action and exciting plays in Chiefs history to our fans. He will be truly missed.”
An eternal optimist, Grigsby had been fighting a form of prostate cancer that left him in and out of the hospital for much of the fall. In between cancer treatments he still found the strength to attend Marty Schottenheimer’s Chiefs Hall of Fame dinner and his own pre-game tribute prior to the Chiefs/49ers game September 26th.
Chiefs fans gave Grigsby a lengthy standing ovation that morning. In a touching moment, Grigsby rose from his wheelchair at midfield to show his gratitude.
Grigsby was a fighter. He always remained confident that he’d beat the illness and religiously called in to check on his Chiefs.
Grigsby entertained Chiefs fans on and off the field for 62 years. He officially retired from broadcasting in 2010, but was never far from the team he cherished.
We remember his calls and, of course, his one-of-a-kind personality. And who could forget Grigsby’s “Jaaaaaazzzzzzzzzzzzz” commercials?
Within the last two months we’ve lost two of Kansas City’s greatest treasures in Grigsby and former TD Pack Band leader Tony DiPardo. Chiefs watch parties in heaven just got a lot more entertaining.
There’s nobody like Grigs, and there never will be.
We’ll miss you Ol’ Pardner.
