The Grizzlies Remember
Don Poier
February 24, 1951 - January 21, 2005
Don Poier
The voice is silent...The spirit echoes on
DON POIER WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED as the voice of the Grizzlies. Poier joined the expansion Vancouver Grizzlies prior to their first tip-off and has been synonymous with the team since that time. Poier’s knowledge of the team and passion for the game was second to none. In the early years when the team lost more than it won, Poier was able to inject much needed optimism which encouraged both the players and the fans. When the team finally made the playoffs in the 2003/04 season, no one took more pleasure in the team’s success than Don. Don loved the Lord, his family and the Grizzlies and he thanked God every day for the privilege of doing his job.
Don’s memory will be cherished forever by his beloved wife Barb and the eight children and ten grandchildren they shared in their blended family. Don will also be missed by his Grizzlies family which includes his broadcast partners, colleagues throughout the NBA, players, coaches, staff and of course the countless thousands of fans whose lives Don touched and who will never hear a Grizzlies game without thinking of Don.
Expressions of Sympathy and Remembrance
Don Poier Tribute (open to public) - January 25, 2005
The Memphis Grizzlies will open the doors to FedExForum early for Tuesday’s game vs. Orlando so that fans and friends of Don Poier may pay their respects. Between 5 pm and 7 pm, fans may enter through the main doors of FedExForum to go to the Memphis Grizzlies practice court where there will be an opportunity to drop off cards or letters for the family, sign a guestbook, see photographs and hear game calls. Tickets are not required unless planning to stay for the game.
Memorial Donations
The family requests that any memorials be sent to the Grizzlies Charitable Foundation in memory of Don Poier.
Donations can be mailed to:
Memphis Grizzlies Charitable Foundation
191 Beale Street
Memphis, TN 38103
Remembering Don Poier