Readers Forum: Memories of Myron

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Myron Cope, colorful sports broadcaster and reporter whose Terrible Towel remains the banner of the Steelers nation, has died. He was 79.

We asked readers to send us their memories of Mr. Cope. The response was overwhelming. Here are some of the comments:

Courtesy of Tony Amen

MACHINE GUN MYRON: Tony Amen, left, of East Liberty sent this photo to the Post-Gazette to illustrate Myron Cope's lighter side. Also pictured is the late Tony Stagno, of East Liberty. The photo was taken in 1992 in front of Max & Erma's, on the North Side, on the set of "Back Street Justice," a TV movie that was filmed in Pittsburgh and starred Linda Kozlowski, who starred in the "Crocodile Dundee" films and who later married co-star Paul Hogan.

What a sad day indeed! I'm another Pittsburgh native who grew up listening to Myron. So many memories. I've been in Redskins country since 1990, but make regular trips to the 'Burgh and go to several Steelers games each year, and Cope's Cabana always got me about halfway back home after the game completely cracking up the whole way. As a member of the Steelers Digest fan club, I went to training camp one year and got to watch the Steelers practice on the sideline. And there was Myron scoping the team on his stool. I so wanted to talk to him and express my appreciation, but out of respect for his work I refrained. I cannot think of another individual who is more of the heart and soul of Pittsburgh than Myron Cope, spanning all generations, now gone but not forgotten.

Kelly McNulty, Springfield, VA

There's so many fond memories that I can't pull out just one. It's just that I feel privileged growing up in Pittsburgh listening to Myron on the radio with the TV sound off. He was ours and you felt like Myron belonged to you as much he made you feel like you belonged to him. He is one of my everlasting memories of my life in Pittsburgh, and not so much his face but that voice and his joy and disappointment of how the Steeler's played that so mimicked my own. Like all good things, he was never as appreciated until he was gone.

YOI AND DOUBLE YOI!!

Jamie Brown, Los Angeles, Calif.

Heaven has just experienced the Immacculate Reception!

Dwight Bard, Warfordsburg PA

To the man who turned the Steelers City into the Steelers Nation. The Invention of the Terrible Towel was pure Genius!! Because of Myron, Pittsburgh has quite possibly the most recognizable Professional Sports team in the entire world. We will miss you Myron and make sure to tell The Chief we said "Hi".

Tony Watson, Pittsburgh

I was fortunate enough to work for Myron Cope while in middle school and high school, cutting his lawn, shoveling his driveway, pet sitting, and doing other odd jobs around his house in the mid-1970s. Myron lived just down the street in Upper St. Clair. My father knew him from the journalism program at Pitt. Myron used to pay my dad to help him change typewriter ribbons. He wasn't mechanically inclined. That kept me busy throughout the year.

It was a pleasure to work for Myron, even when I messed up. One day, he came out to inspect some landscaping I was doing for him. He surveyed the situation, thought for a moment, and said, "Hey John, are you in love or something?" Not believing what I just heard, I asked him to repeat the question. He did, adding the comment that my work looked like it was done by someone who's mind was on someone else. I denied the allegation, but in fact, it was true. I was 15 and had just met the person who became my first girlfriend. I found over the years he was quite perceptive about people.

To finish the story, Myron made a few suggestions on what to do next, I got the work right, and we moved on. That's how it was every time I made a mistake. I learned a lot of about how to treat people who work for you and about giving second chances. I carry those lessons with me every day. Thanks Myron.

John Sutton, Annapolis, MD

Imagine if you will: The gridiron up in heaven. Johnny Unitas takes the snap from Mike Webster, drops back and scrambles right to avoid a blitzing Derrick Thomas. Unitas then launches a bomb to Don Hutson, who was streaking down the sideline. God signals TD. The greats that have passed on finally have someone worthy of providing proper color commentary for their eternal game.

RIP

Jeff Ehnen, Jacksonville, NC

I moved to Pittsburgh in the Spring of 1994 to do a sportstalk show on KDKA. I first met Myron when the Steelers had some sort of media opportunity at Three Rivers Stadium. I walked in the media room and there was Myron, at his desk. I approached him, introduced myself, told him what I was doing. I told him I enjoyed his work on the radio during the Steelers broadcasts, but, since his show on WTAE was on the same time I was on KDKA I didn't get a chance to hear his radio show. He looked at me and said, "I guess we're both missing brilliance then aren't we!" He was half right, I was the one missing HIS brilliance.

John Corby, Columbus

Myron Cope narrated my childhood. There was nothing like freezing through a cold, December game at Three Rivers, walking back to the 9th and Penn Garage, getting in the car, blasting the heater, and

listening to Cope's Cabana while we sat in exit traffic for an hour. Somehow Myron made inching down five floors of concrete the best hour of the week.

One time when my buddies and I were fifteen we went to a preseason game vs. the Jets. For some reason the Steelers decided to switch the side their bench was on and it infuriated this one lady who calledinto Cope's postgame show, ranting and raving about it. When we got home, my friend Darren called up using a halfway believable British accent to say he thought the lady just missed staring at the Steelers butts. Myron yells, "Ha ha, their buns eh! She's angry cause she can't look at her favorite buns!" Then he went off on a tangent about British people for five minutes having no idea the call actually came in from an Italian kid from Swissvale.

My two other favorite memories are when he accidentally threw his tooth in the trash during the 2002 Wild Card game where the Steelers game back to beat the Browns. He did Cope's Cabana with a gap in his teeth that hockey players would be proud of. I also laughed every time he called Patriots safety Lawyer Milloy, "The Dear Attorney."

As a writer forced to live in (Cough) Los Angeles, it's amazing to see so many people giving tribute to a man who was somehow an entire city's favorite uncle. Myron was giving, passionate, kind, tough, and a little crazy. A true representation of the great city of Pittsburgh.

I'll wave my towel to the sky in Pasadena today. Thanks for all the smiles, Myron! We'll miss you.

Kevin Cramer, Pasadena, Calif. (Transplant from Trafford)

Remember when Iron City printed the Myron Cope cans and they had YOI written on the side? Well, it did not take long for 'burghers to invent a drinking game around this. I remember Myron saying, " And apparently the powers that beer say that I cannot say a certain word because people all over the city are getting drunk when I do. HMM HA."

Well, the Steelers had an interception that sealed the game and Myron was going nuts and I quote, "..... and I don't care who gets drunk, YOI and double YOI!!!!!!!!"

I get chills every time I tell this story.....

Paul Bruce, Mt. Lebanon

Another enduring "Cope-ism"...one I've never forgotten: "The Cleveland Browns are so stupid they can't even think of anything to put on the sides of their helmets."

Mr. Cope was a great man and a true original...there will be none made in his image again...he is gone but not forgotten. May God bless his family and friends during this difficult time.

Jim Freeman, Raleigh, North Carolina

If Pittsburgh had it's own currency. Myron's face would be on it. We'll miss you!

D.L. Yarnall, Verona

Jamie Brown, Los Angeles

Myron Cope will always have a special part of my life since I became a Steelers fan in 1984 at the ripe old age of 10. Living in Cincinnati, I had some friends that were diehard Steelers Fan and their fathers would tell me stories about the Steelers and the Super Bowl 70s. Then, I heard a radio broadcast of Myron Cope. Hearing his crazy Pittsburgh accent got me going and thinking, Hey, this guy is on to something here. I am hearing impaired, but listening to Myron, I could clearly understand him out of the clear blue with my bi-lateral aids, Hmmm-Ha. Myron got me started with my love and passion for the Steelers. I am going to sorely miss him dearly. Thank You, Myron, for creating the best icon in the National Football League, THE TERRIBLE TOWEL. Doggone it, it is spectacular to see over 50,000 fans in the Burgh waving the tards out of it. Thank You, Myron, for helping me love the Steelers for over 24 years and still bleeding black n gold through my body. Heaven gained a icon. Give em crap up there, Myron. YOI and DOUBLE YOI. You are Pittsburgh through and through. God Bless. PITTSBURGH LOVES MYRON COPE.

David Saurer, Fairview Park, Ohio

The "Terrible Towel" is at half mast in Houston where a bunch of us "burgh" refugees are mourning the passing of the leader of the "Steeler Nation".

God Bless You Myron and thanks for so many wonderful memories.

Tom Kuder, Houston, Texas

Steelers games and broadcasts have never been the same since Myron Cope retired. I used to put the radio on top of the television. I'd turn the sound "OFF" to those crappy network television broadcasters and turn MYRON "UP" on the radio for the play by play! That's how you watch a Steelers game in Pittsburgh...crank up Myron Cope! Steelers Fans, get out the TERRIBLE TOWELS and wave Myron on to Steelers heaven! YOI and double YOI, we'll miss you! Thanks MYRON!

P.S. I think a TERRIBLE TOWEL flag pole should be put up at Heinz Field in Myron Cope's honor! Maybe start a TERRIBLE TOWEL flag raising tradition before each home game to get the fans going ... after all nothing got the fans going and added excitement to Steelers games like Myron Cope!!!

Frank Ruscin, Monessen

From "Deck the Broncos, they're just yonkos" to "What's on your cranium?" - Myron's colorful antics and football insight will never be replaced. He was truly a Pittsburgh legend.

Ray Foerster, Pittsburgh

Growing up in central PA, naturally, we are a family of Steeler fans. My dad had season tickets when he was young, and was in the "house" for the Immaculate Reception. He had five daughters, and he passed his love of the Steelers on to us.

When we lost our dad last New Year's Eve, he was in the hospital covered with his Steeler blanket. When we buried my dad, my niece put a Terrible Towel in his casket with him because we all know he's still SCREAMING at them at the top of his lungs from above! Waving his Terrible Towel ...

I was sad to hear of Myron Cope's passing. He will be forever linked to the Steelers and their symbol, The Terrible Towel!

Lisa Kovac, Altoona

My condolences to the Cope family. I cannot do my work -- I feel so bad. I feel like I lost a family member.

I grew up in Altoona. During the glory years my brother and I would always watch the Steelers with the TV on and Myron and Jack Fleming on the radio. I also used to watch his show on WTAE (for some reason I can still remember tuning in at the last minute and seeing Myron coming out of one of the Three Rivers soaking wet).

Mr. Hillgrove and Tunch do a great job currently, but for the 70s those great Steeler teams along with Cope and Fleming will be forever etched in my brain. Pardon me, but I must say a prayer for Myron and I absolutely must fly my Terrible Towel in my office window.

God Bless You Myron! I hope to see you "up there" someday.

Gary Napp, Berwyn, PA

I think what was so great about Myron is the way that the Pittsburgh community related to him. He was a "homer" and didn't care who knew it. He was one of us. I remember when I was a kid in the 70's, my Father would listen to Cope's talk show and explain to me what The Terrible Towel was and what it meant to the Steelers and their fans. It's one of the great traditions, not only in the NFL, but in all of sports. It is now something that I get to share with my son. Thanks Myron for creating the Steeler Nation, being a true Pittsburgher, and a class act all the way.

Colby N. Wood, McCandless

I loved listening to Myron Cope during the football games. I also met him at the Cranberry Twp. Wal-Mart when he came to visit and sign items for the public. I had a hoodie that he signed for me with a gold pen which I will cherish always. I also had him sign a pink T-Shirt for my boss, who is the Principal of the Middle School where I work. He certainly put up a courageous battle and Heaven will be enriched by his presence. All I can say is "Yoi and Double Yoi" to you Myron Cope, the world and especially Pittsburgh has lost a "GREAT ONE !"

Nancy Merriman-Koegler, Cranberry Township, PA

I was always amused by those outside of Steeler Nation that had casual knowledge "of that goofy sportscaster from Pittsburgh". These folks thought Myron's whole deal was just an act, a shtick to get attention. But those of us fortunate enough to listen to Myron's genius knew it was not an act. He gave us a perfect blend of chutzpa, modesty, comedy, compassion, passion and intellect.

Lon Santis, Ijamsville, MD

I remember Myron throughout my youth... first reading his published booklet on the Steelers "Myron Cope's Super Steeler Year"... Calling his show, hoping to be awarded a Cope-a-Nut.... His voice and Cope-isms. I shall miss you, Myron. Dearly.

Frank Culver, Finleyville

I was raised on Myron Cope and the Steelers. Since I can remember, even before I ever could understand or watch the games, every Sunday during football season my families radios would all be tuned to DVE to listen to Bill and Myron on the radio. Words that were unthinkable such as Bungals, Brownies, and of course the Yoi's became everyday Pittsburgh slang. Nightly comedy on Sundays was listening, even if though we had a TV and cable and could have watched the games, to Cope and his antics over the invisible airwaves. Cope will always remind me of the first time I saw my baby cousin smile since his vioce was what caused it. Finally, Cope's Terrible Towel. It was one of the earliest things which I can remember is my father rushing about the house before going to a game trying to find his Towel, it ended up being in the dryer after my younger brother had gottern ahold of it and had been waving it about till it needed to be washed. Even when I moved away to college in Washington, D.C. Cope's influence was present and we few Steelers fans evident by Terrible Towels hanging in window only taken down for game day; traveling to a bar an hour away on a Sunday morning to be around fellow Pittsburghers in Exile; and lastly the playing of many fight songs from the Name of Cope to Here We Go at all hours of night. Truely today is a day in which not only should the Flag of the City of Pittsburgh be flown at halfmast but also the Terrible Towel will hang limp unspun in victory because today is the day a LEGEND in the likeness of Superman has died.

Steve Gaertner, Pittsburgh (exiled to Washington, D.C.)

Just wanted to send a thought or 2 about Mr. Cope and what his legacy means to me. Myron was a staple in my house ... That voice, as raspy and screechy as it was, was some how so soothing to hear week in and week out. The occasional "HMM Haa", or YOI or "Double YOI" and the frequent stuttering from over-excitement were just some of the funniest things to hear. And as funny as he was, you also always felt a connection with Myron that people in other cities just can't grasp. You know being in the military and traveling to other cities a lot, I see that the passion that we have for our Steelers is not matched by any other. And Myron Cope, who is the creator of The Terrible Towel, may God rest his soul, was, is still, and always will be a huge part of that. Thank You Myron. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones. I would like to make a suggestion before I close. Since Myron is the creator of the Terrible Towel, we need to honor him properly. Towels Across Pittsburgh.

SSG Michael P. O'Brien, US Army, Baltimore

I had the pleasure of meeting Myron a while back. My friend Fred and I were at Laurel Valley Golf Club watching the Senior PGA tourney. Myron was sitting with a couple on the patio having lunch. After the couple left, Fred and I walked over to say hello. I told Myron that I, like many others used to listen to his show every day while driving home. I said that he was like the buddy that I drove home with every night and that to this day I still missed him. He instantly stood up and shook my hand, saying how nice it was that I would tell him that. He wanted to know who we were and where we were from. He asked if I was related to so and so from "that neck of the woods." His conversation from that point on was focused on getting to know these two strangers who walked up to say hi.

Myron's genuine friendliness was exactly what any listener would have expected. I was so touched, none the less. Now that he??s gone, I'm just glad that I had the opportunity to tell him how much I enjoyed him over the years.

Hearing the news this morning I actually did hoist a terrible towel at half- mast in the front of my house. It is with a tear in my eye and a fond smile that I say--Myron, BYE NOW!

Dennis Kelly, McMurray

Kelly McNulty, Springfield, VA

I remember listening to a hard fought close game. As time dwindled down the Steelers drove down the field and set up for a easy kick for the victory. Bill started to say something about 'after the game' when Myron let out a ALLLGGAAHHH and went into a frenzy about jinxing the kick and so on. Oh I howled - it was funny but true at the same time! I guess that's what made him great - his honesty.

Myron was the Everyman of the Steeler Nation. We loved him because he was one of us. A very sad parting. Peace be with you, Myron.

Aaron Hofelt, Port Matilda, PA

To a gentleman and a legend, Myron you will be truly missed by the entire Steeler nation. That you for the great memories of putting the TV on mute and turning up DVE to listen to you and Hillgrove call a game unmatched by any tandem in sports. With my terrible towel at half mast I salute you with a YOI! and a DOUBLE YOI!

RIP Myron

Jeff Mary, Chicago

I never did see or hear much of Mr. Myron Cope, but the one thing I remember will not be forgotten. It was when the Steelers recognized him of his retirement in one of their home games. In the last three years that I've spent watching the Steelers, I had never seen so many Terrible Towels waving at once. One would have thought that Heinz Field was about to fly away. It was an awesome sight for an awesome reason. R.I.P. M.C.

Ricky Ikeler, Elkhart, Kansas

Anytime I think of Myron Cope, the first thing I hear in my head is "This is Myron Cope, on sports". And yes, I can even hear the voice. Myron's voice is one that lives in every Steelers fan's memory who had the great priviledge of hearing Myron call the Steeler games. When my husband first told me today that Mr. Cope had passed away, I was in shock. I couldn't believe it so I immediately logged onto the Post-Gazette website and sure enough right on the main page there he was in all his glory being memorialized. I was born and raised in Pittsburgh so I was fortunate enough to watch him on WTAE and to listen to him on the radio for gameday broadcasts. I now live in Upstate NY, but will never forget Mr. Cope. I still remember bits and pieces of the song that he did when Jerome Bettis first arrived in Pittsburgh. One of our teachers in school would play it every day for us students. There are so many memories of Mr. Cope that I don't think anyone can recall them all. I just hope that Mr. Cope has met my father up in Heaven and they are enjoying a cold one together. Dad was a Steeler fan til the day he died. Unfortunately, it was before the Steelers won their last SuperBowl, but as I said then, my dad had the best seat in the house for that game. And I know he was crying when it was over, as was every other Steeler fan who had waited so many years for that "One for the Thumb".

Mr. Cope, you will be dearly missed by many. If God wasn't a Steelers fan before, I know that between you and my father, you can turn his loyalties to our beloved Steelers. Thanks for all the great memories. Rest In Peace.

Adesta Roberts, Brunswick, NY (formerly of PGH)

I have been a Steeler Fan since I was old enough to know what football was. I grew up in WV down the river from Pittsburgh and often our old antenna wouldn't get the game. I could always pick it up on the AM though I got to the point that even after cable I would mute the TV and turn on the radio. I live in Kansas City now so no radio here but I could still tune it in on the internet as I watch NFL Ticket on satellite. Myron felt like a friend, his voice alone would inspire emotions and memories from all those Sundays.

I had the pleasure to spend some time with him during some training practices in the 90's when I was the sales manager at a Ford Dealership and we were invited to a special day of training camp hosted by Myron and Bill Hilgrove. I was so impressed that Myron would walk with us on the field and spend time talking like he had known us all his life. He signed some pictures for me when I returned a following year. I cherish them and the memory of spending some time with him. I missed him when he retired and I will always miss him.

Brent Muskin, Kansas City

I always looked forward to his Christmas Carole, my boys and I still sing "Deck the Broncos their just yonkos". Cope will be missed but his legacy will live on through his taped broadcasts, books and sports writings.

Jim Succop, Warrenton, VA

I will never forget growing up and listening to Myron on TV and on the radio and I loved him! One of my fondest memories was his Christmas carols. I loved them and will never forget how he made me laugh and made me look forward to more. I'm from Central PA but now live in Tampa and I still can hear him getting so excited about Steeler football and his Terrible towel! I wave mine proudly because of him and I'm so thankful he was the voice of Pittsburgh and the Steelers! God rest your soul.

Kelly Espenshade, Tampa

Myron had the same intensity and passion for Pittsburgh sports that all of us do, and was able to convey it in such a genuine, albeit hilarious manner. He also had such an incredible warmth in the way he did so that to us the fans, he was a beloved uncle or grandfather figure. I feel like I've lost a family member today.

My father once had a golf tournament. He knew Myron through some business dealings, and asked him if he could stop by. Myron said that he would try. Not only did Myron "stop by," he golfed with my dad. At some point, by pure coincidence, a sprinkler went off right as Myron was addressing his ball. The next few moments are what my dad describes as the funniest moment of his life. He jumped about 3 feet in the air, yelling at my dad, "Chuck, you sonuva???.! You did this on purpose, you're done for! My lawyers will take ya for everything you're worth!" Grown men were crying from laughing so hard. And, of course, Myron joined everyone for the 19th hole and proceeded to tell story after story well into the night.

Matthew Keith, Pittsburgh

What a privilege it was for so many of us to grow up listening to the two last, great originals of their sports -- Bob Prince for the Pirates and Myron Cope for the Steelers. They truly were the best, and last, of a breed -- colorful, smart, playful, original. Their passing closes out an era where those traits were welcomed and admired. That it has given way to the monotonic sameness of today's cookie-cutter announcers makes us mourn their passing all the more. From listening to the Gunner on hot summer nights to turning down the TV sound on Sundays to take in Myron's infectious exuberance, decades of our lives were enriched by their presence on our radio dials and in our hearts. There's a bug on the rug in heaven -- yoi!

Tom Butch, Leawood, KS

In the early eighties I was enrolled in a Sports reporting class at Point Park College. The course was taught by former Pittsburgh Press columnist and then, Pitt Sports Information Director, Jim O'Brien. Myron was the guest speaker for one of our classes and we had the opportunity to interview him. After the class, Jim took me aside and personally introduced me to him because he was a peer of my father, who was the Editor of the Press Sunday Roto for many years.

Myron gave me a number of words of encouragement but the most profound

moment came when I asked him the difference in being a successful sports writer versus a successful broadcast personality. He paused and then retorted, "Chris, if I wrote the way I talked I never would have sold a story." He then chimed, "say hello to your Dad...he's a good man. You'll do just fine." I was awestruck.

RIP Myron and God Bless.

Chris Patterson, Wilkins Township

Count another Cleveland fan who mourns the loss of Myron Cope. I grew up in Butler County, and while accidents of history resulted in my being a Browns backer, my affections for the contours of Steeler Nation have always been strong. When you grow up in a football-obsessed town (as both Pittsburgh and Cleveland are) and things happen to you like you attend a wake and instead of silence or music there's an AM radio with this guy's voice coming out of it -- it makes an impression.

From the Browns perspective, Cope's role in raising the profile of the Steelers obviously contributed to the mystique of each team's greatest rivalry, arguably the greatest rivalry in pro football. And from the point of view of a greater Pittsburgh kid in the '80s who wanted to get into radio (and eventually did so) -- there was absolutely no one more authentic or joyful to emulate than Myron, if emulating him was a possible thing.

One of a kind in an industry that produces few of those nowadays. The thoughts and prayers of all football fans are with the family.

Beau Boughamer, Seven Valleys, PA

God bless the Cope family... now Myron can join Bob Prince, Jack Fleming and the Chief in heaven where I am sure the Terrible Towel is so proudly displayed.

RIP Myron!

Kathy Kellner, Shillington PA

My husband was from Pittsburgh and I moved here in 1974 after we were married, right at the start of the Steeler glory years. I was introduced to Myron's style and colorful on-air personality and was hooked. I've been a Steelers and Cope fan ever since. Myron could make a bad game sound great. He could make the lamest player sound like an all-pro candidate. He could be funny, inspirational, insightful and entertaining all in one sentence! We never missed his radio talk show if we could help it and, of course, we turned down the TV sound and turned up the radio for every Steeler game!

Rest in peace Myron. And thank you for many wonderful years and memories.

Jill Harmon, Waterloo, Belgium

When my first daughter was born in August 1979 I would be at a loss when she would cry and be fussy around 6:30-7:00 until I discovered her love of Myron Cope!!! She would sit in her baby chair on the dining room table listening to his radio talk show giving me time to clean up the kitchen, etc. I was so very fortunate to have the opportunity to tell Mr. Cope my story many years later when I was working at a local Mt. Lebanon pharmacy. His retort was that he had never been told he had the ability to soothe a crying baby. I'm so glad I was able to share my strange story with him. Football just is not the same without the great Myron Cope.

Karen Stauffer, Mt. Lebanon

Myron Cope was one of the most confident people I have ever met, which, as far as broadcasting is concerned, flies in the face of all the things that should have worked against him.

First of all, many people thought he had a voice that was akin to sprinkling salt in a wound. But you could hear and understand him in a crowd or a noisy room and what he had to say always transcended what he lacked in timbre.

Second, he was given to uttering phrases and making exclamations totally foreign to mainstream communications:

"Yoy!"

"Double yoy!"

"Hmm, hah!"

And enthusiastically stuttering while he put to words what he was thinking -- "Eh, eh, eh???"

Or following something humorous he said with a deep throated, almost wicked, "Heh, heh, heh???"

There also wasn't a humble bone in his body. Myron was absolutely convinced that the world really wanted and needed to hear what he thought about anything.

In my opinion, the secret to Myron Cope's extraordinary confidence was that he always did his homework and knew what he was talking about before he opened his mouth. That ended a lot of arguments before they began. Myron worked very hard at being professional, and at being Myron. And even though he did not suffer fools gladly, he was basically kind and very generous to those who treated him with respect. Those who did not were often given short shrift.

Given all that, why he was so ingratiating and likeable would seem to fly in the face of so much evidence to the contrary, but he was. Perhaps it was because of the underlying warmth to his personality that made him so loved and revered.

Some have said that Myron could not have made it in broadcasting outside Pittsburgh. I disagree. The world has always been entertained and influenced by those who were different and went against the grain of the norm. Myron Cope was impossible to ignore, even if he wasn't your cup of tea, because he loved being himself and sharing what he had to give. Myron would have been a huge success anywhere he chose to be. Thank goodness he chose to be here.

An original left us early Wednesday morning and he will be missed.

Jack Bogut, Pittsburgh

My two most vivid memories of Myron Cope have little to do with sports, but everything to do with Myron. I think both events occurred in the early 1970s, when Myron did sports commentaries on WTAE-TV, channel 4.

The first was when Manny Sanguillen (the Pirates catcher) first moved to Pittsburgh. I don't remember all the details but either because he was black or his wife was white Sanguillen could not find an apartment to rent. Myron had nothing to gain, but he took the city to task on his nightly commentary. He may have even said that he was disappointed with the city. The next evening Myron reported that Sanguillen had received numerous offers of a place to rent.

The second was over some all-star college bowl that had prohibited some nameless player from playing because he had long hair - you had to be there. However, the bowl organizers had honored "a contributer" who had been indicted or convicted of some crime. Myron, as only Myron the ex-marine could do, took exception and stood up for some poor kid that no one else would.

Pittsburgh and we are better because Myron crossed our paths. I never could figure out how it was heaven if the Steelers lost, but now that Myron is there - they just don't.

Gary R. Mills, Chambersburg, PA

I left Pittsburgh in 1985 and have lived in Florida, Eastern PA and now Maryland. I belong to a Steelers fan club. I bleed black and gold. But nothing has evoked "home" (I grew up in East Liberty) like hearing Myron. I learned my Steelers Football from Myron and Jack Fleming, and can only imagine the reunion they're having! I teach college English and have often pointed to Myron's writing as some of the best there is. I'll miss, but never forget him.

Jan Marcus, Brunswick, MD

Pittsburgh has lost another one of its colorful people that has made being transplanted to Western Pennsylvania an unanticipated pleasure.

Mr. Cope made listening to Streelers' radio broadcast games again a pleasure. He brought so much energy and surprise to both the games and his commentary. He also introduced me to gorgonzola cheese, a treat I otherwise might have missed.

D.C. Taylor, Slippery Rock

Cope was so vintage Pittsburgh, people who didn't follow football knew who he was. When my brother, a family practice doc in Atlanta, greets a new patient from western Pa., he runs through the typical medical history, then drops in (with a a drop-dead Cope imitation) "They'll be dancin' on Carson Street tonight." Never fails to break the ice and make new transplants to Georgia smile and relax. He was a bright guy, really a better writer who happened to do color commentary, a Taylor-Allderdice Hall of Fame inductee.

Dan Roth, Atlanta

I was in northern France working during football season. We were close enough to Mons, Belgium, and home to some American military at SHAPE, to pick up Armed Forces Network. One Sunday evening, 6 hours ahead of Pittsburgh time, we decided to turn on Armed Forces Network to hopefully see how The Steelers were doing vs. The 9ers. Double Yoi!! What did we hear? Myron doing the Steeler broadcast! They used to broadcast the Steelers home radio once or twice a season. I always imagined some French guy scanning channels and coming upon Myron yelling "Okle-Dokle"!

We will miss Myron greatly.

Denny Korber, Hampton, PA

Myron was the reason why my wife Maggie and I "turned down the sound on the TV" and turned on the Radio when the Stillers played.

He was such a joy to listen to and his Christmas Carols and other commentaries were priceless and always greatly

anticipated. Myron will always be remembered primarily because of his association with Sports in Pittsburgh but far

more a measure of this man will be his commitment and generosity to Allegheny Valley School and The Autism Society.

Rest in peace Myron.......Heaven will be a better place with all the "yoi's & Double yoi's" that will be punctuating the background

with your arrival!

Joe DiNapoli, Pittsburgh

Like so many Pittsburghers growing up, we turned down the sound and turned up the Cope! He and Jack Flemming's voices are burned into my conscious (and subconscious) mind as the Steelers tore through NFL during the 70's. Watching his nightly editorials on WTAE and closing with "This is Myron Cope, onnnnn Sports" was entertaining. Reading his feature articles in Sports Illustrated was truly an experience in top notch story telling and writing.

The first time my wife heard Myron on the radio back in the early 80's, she asked who the funny voiced escapee from the mental ward was on the radio! She actually fell silent when I told her Myron had passed, and all she could say was "I'm Sorry honey"....

My fondest memory of Myron was at Steelers training camp in Latrobe at St. Vincents. He would sit on a small portable stool on the side lines during the camp drills with a note pad and pencil. He would walk around the field and sit down intently watching as the different drills were run at St. Vincents making notes, occasionally having to bail out of his place to avoid getting smashed by the players who towered over the gnome-like Cope. I wish I had a picture of him sitting on his stool, elbows on his knees, cigarette in his mouth, jotting down notes on each player. Ocassionally, when Chas Noll was walking up the hill, Cope would walk off the field with him chatting...probably telling him whic of the draft picks were, in his words..."el-stink-o"..

His devotion to the Steelers and HIS city were unsurpassed in sports broadcasting circles. Cope's Cabana should be enshrined in the Great Hall for all to cherish and remember the golden era of a true broadcasting legend. God has acquired the best !!!!

I can even hear Cope now???."M'''ghah!!! God on line 1??, You got the Cope, What's on your reverent cranium?" "Myron, time to come home, I need you???" " Okle-Dokle!!, you got it!!!

Matthew Baum, Columbia, Maryland

There is a special place in heaven for Myron alongside Bob Prince.

Myron's "steel on concrete" voice was music to my ears as a student at

Pitt. You brought joy and laughter to this Pittsburgher. A big ummHa to you. Fare well Myron.

P.S. I hope there are recorded broadcasts of his play by play available at some point.

Alan I. Segal, Atlanta

My family and I moved to Pittsburgh fifteen years ago, and the first time we listened to the Steelers on the radio, we were all like "How did this guy get on the radio?" However, as quickly as our love for the Steelers grew, our love for Myron was right there, to the point where we were heartbroken when we heard he was retiring. He brought the fun into the often all-too-serious sports world, and for years we've been dedicated "turn down the TV, turn up the radio" fans. We will miss you, Myron!

Erik Agle, Cranberry

Being a Pittsburgh native and growing up in Mt. Lebanon and Upper St. Clair during the 70's and 80's our family became good friends with Myron, his wife and daughter. We got to meet the man behind the voice and see what a great person he was. My childhood was spent in front of the TV with the volume turned down listening to Myron on the Radio. That is just what you did in the "Burg" !!

To be honest - Myron is Pittsburgh. He made us proud to wave our towels and wear our colors and tell people we are Steeler fans. We currently live in Dallas (because they pay me to live here) but we are die-hard Steeler fans. I have passed on the traditions and memories to my children and they are also die-hard fans. When my mother passed away 4-years ago, we put a Terrible Towel in her coffin to take with her and wave in Heaven (I still think she helped us on that Vanderjadt kick!)

As part of the Steelers Nation, I hope the Steelers organization gives Myron the tribute her deserves as they would any of our Fallen Heroes. I am proud to say everday that I am from Pittsburgh and I love my "Stillers". The City lost another great person..but his Spirit will never leave us...WE ARE PITTSBURGHERS !

David Shaw, Dallas

To the Family of Myron Cope: Though I had never met him personally, my favorite memory of Myron came when I was stationed in Germany serving in the USAF. Through the AFN cable station, they were feeding the Steelers broadcast of game against Cleveland. I can't remember the year (around 92-93) or the score, it was the game that Dennis Northcutt tore up the Steelers on the special teams.

Anyway, a friend of mine, originally from Tennessee, had joined me to watch the game during the opening kickoff, and questioned "Who the hell is this guy?" My response was obvious as I said, "The legendary Myron Cope!" He had never of him, or knew any of his famous catch phrases, but he did watch the entire game to the end. By that time, with his southern drawl, he was mimicking Myron by saying, "Cleve Brownies", "Double (and/or Triple) Yoi!", Hum-Hah!", and of course, "Okle-Dokle!".

This is truly a great loss not only for you, but for all of Steeler

Nation that he helped unite across all genders, nationalities, race, or ethnicities.

Rest in Peace, Myron!

Dan Soza, Glenshaw

The Rooney's should commision a sculpture of Myron and have it permanently located outside of Heinz Field. He was as important to the Steelers Nation as the players taking the field as he provided another level of entertainment when viewing a game.

Keith Kokal, Loveland, Ohio

Even out here in Boise, Idaho, we are mourning the loss of one of the greatest sportscasters in history. Our small company has 6 die-hard Steeler fans and our Terrible Towels are at half staff. There will be others in town as well as we sport more Steeler fans here than any other NFL team! Good bye Myron you were the best!

Dan Reading, Boise, ID (grew up in Squirrel Hill)

I will always remember Myron's attempt at a Christmas carol for the 1978 playoffs - "Deck the Broncos, they're just Yoncos, fa-ga-ga-ga, ga-ga-ga!"

Rob Weller, Pottstown, PA

I was born in the "Burgh" and still consider it my home. I moved, like many others in search of career. Steeler Nation is truly in mourning due to the passing of Mr. Cope. I have lived in many places since leaving and have found no equal to the spirit that Mr. Cope had for Pittsburgh and the Steelers. Yoi and double Yoi. Rest in peace Myron, you will be missed.

Chuck Cima Jr. & Chuck Cima Sr., Virginia Beach, Va.

I loved Myron's gimmicks - remember the Cope-ra-scope? Myron in a lab coat peering into a microscope, getting a close look at the Steelers' next opponent. "Do I detect something green? Yoi - rookies in the secondary!!" He was a true original, and will be greatly missed.

Dan Simon
Pittsburgh, PA

I will always remember Myron's voice when he said .... "this is Myron Cope on Sports" . He was a true legend in Pittsburgh and throughout the Steeler Nation. I Loved to turn the sound down on the tv and tune the radio to WTAE to hear Myron broadcast the game. He was a natural and I loved hearing him call a touchdown .... or listen to him tell a story. His Double yois were music to my ears. I will always be thankful to him for inventing the Terrible towel. Today I know that Myron is waving his in Heaven with God standing beside him. Myron will be sadly missed by us all. May God bless and comfort his family, and his Steeler family worldwide.

Myron Cope will never be forgotten ..... His memories will live within us forever.

Michael Kovalchik
Coral Springs, FL

Myron Cope Limerick

There once was a sportscaster Myron
Whose voice could rival a siren
This morning he passed
Fly your towels at half mast
Double Yoi! And pass me an I-ron!

By: Bob "The Dog" Schneider
Laurel, MD

It didn't matter where the game was or who the Steelers were playing, Myron always kept us entertained. I was actually inspired to take my first job in radio after years of listening to Myron. When I first met him and told him that he jerked his head around and said quite emphatically, "now what is your name young man?!?" I told him and he replied, "well it's nice tah meet ya!" Years later while working as a TV journalist in Pittsburgh I still found myself anxiously waiting around after Steelers games to watch Myron do his post-game radio show. It just seemed that no matter what happened on the field, the game just wasn't over until Myron had the final word. My attempt to explain the beauty and charm of Myron Cope to a new audience here in Washington, DC is in my blog.

Steve Chenevey
Bethesda, MD

I grew up with Myron, I would listen every night to his show. All the memorial charters and his antics gave many people hours of pleasure. His Steeler broadcasts where unforfeitable. He is truly a Pittsburgh great, we will miss you have a toty for us.

Jeff Baker
Erie, PA.

My favorite memory of Myron Cope is when he did all those funny skits, and did his own version of Achy Breaky Heart, and all the funny voices that he did. I also enjoyed the dance that he did while wearinga pirates cap. Myron Cope was one in a million, there is no one else like him. His voice and laughter will be missed.

Kimberly A. Straw
Monroeville, PA

My great Grandfather, Gilbert Remley, was the man who gave Mr. Cope his first journalism job way back when. I met Myron at a charity golf outing in the mid-90's and introduced myself. He spent the better half of 30 minutes reminiscing about my great-grandfather and how much he meant to him. The whole time, other people would approach him for pictures and whatnot. He did not avert his attention away from his stories and anecdotes about my family. He was such a warm-hearted man who will be missed by so many people. We all hope that you are okel-dokel where you are.

Jim Kerr
Chicago, Illinois (Formerly West Mifflin)

Thank you, Myron for the hundreds upon hundreds of belly laughs, your "I don't care if I'm a homer." attitude, your obsession with giving players and callers nicknames, and your often totally out of control passion for what you did. Though big wigs such as Jimmy Breslin and Dick Shapp thought the talk show/color commentator career to be somewhat beneath you, you still gave us yinzers what we craved every week. You will -along with Prince and Lange- forever be a part of this city's Holy Trinity of sports. Thanks for the memories...

Rich Zamperini
Connellsville, PA

Although Myron was certainly outstanding in his role as a color analyst for the Steelers, I thought that he shined brightest as the host of a nightly sports talk show from the 70's through the mid-90's. Myron formed his opinions on sports (and other) matters by being close to the local teams, enabling him to hit the nail on the head. He also was very direct and did not kowtow to the politically correct.

Myron had an outstanding rapport with his audience. His show was both exceedingly intelligent AND funny. Listening to Myron's talk show was like being at the local tavern among friends, discussing sports. He respected his callers and his audience. However, if a caller got way off base, he would let them have it without making it personal (like another current sports talk host who really doesn't deserve mention).

Some of the Myron snippets from his talk show days that came to my mind:

a)"Shut that kid (or dog) up!!!!" ---- in cases where a child or baby might be crying or yelling in the background of a caller's house (pre cell phone days)

b)"You're next up on the wash day hotline" --- wash day was Monday

c)"How do? You're next up in the store."

d)"What's on your cranium, dear caller?"

e)"What was the girlie doing up in the Iron Mike Tyson's room at 2AM?"

These are the first ones that came to my mind ... if anyone has anymore, please add. We could all use a smile. God Bless Myron.

Marc Brdar
South Park, PA

To me, other than the Rooney family, Myron Cope was the symbol of Steeler football. I became a hard core Steeler fan in 1972 during that wonderful season when the Steelers finally gelled into a championship caliber team. Myron was a sports broadcaster on WTAE-TV during that time and I faithfully watched his TV broadcasts and listened to his talk show every chance I had. His enthusiasm over the Steelers rubbed off on me and thousands of other baby boomer fans. In a very real way, Myron Cope forged the "Steeler Nation" of which I am a proud citizen. I'll always have fond memories of Myron. Rest in peace.

Ron Mele
Pinson, Alabama

When I was younger, about 8 or 9 back in the mid-90s, my dad would

randomly say phrases like "mmmha!" and "yoi!" I thought he was crazy and one Sunday I asked him what he was doing. He turned on the Steelers broadcast and told me all about Myron Cope. After that, I understood and became a huge Cope fan. He was a great man and will be missed.

Steve Krempasky
Pittsburgh, PA

Turning down the TV and turning up the radio .... What else has to be said!? Hmm-ha!

Peter Reitmeyer
Gainesville, VA

I don't even know where to begin. How many wonderful memories are tied in with Myron, listening to him on the broadcasts during games with my dad and brothers, and continuing the same tradition of turning the tv sound down and Myron on the radio up when I moved out on my own. My dad would tape some of his talk shows in the early 80s, and send them to my brother at college. I can't forget all his wonderful antics, like his video rendition of "Can't Touch This" in the early '90s when the Pirates won the division, or the "Macarena" video in '97 for the Steelers. Thanks Myron, for all the pure pleasure of listening to and reading your take on things.

Chuck Turocy
New Kensington PA

Steeler fans the world over lost a treasure today when Myron Cope passed away. Anyone that followed the Steelers during Myron's tenure as color analyst on the radio broadcasts knew he bled black & gold. Although I left my boyhood home many years ago, I never lost my love of the Steelers and enjoyed listening to the radio broadcasts whenever I was able too. Myron was largely responsible for all of that. Rest in Peace, Myron. You will be missed.

Dennis R. Klimo
Akron, Ohio

Myron Cope a true Pittsburgh Icon God Bless, He will be deeply missed but not forgotten

He will always be the voice of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Until Myron Retired I would turn Down My television and listen to him over the Internet and it was always interesting. My thoughts

And prayers are with his family at this time. God bless ...

Russ Kennedy
Arlington VA

Myron,

Thank you for so many great years! You will be truly missed and always

remembered.

Brad Mason
Sacramento, CA

A Sad Day In Th' Burgh

Legendary broadcaster Myron Cope dies at 79

Wednesday, February 27, 2008 By Gene Collier, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Myron Cope, colorful sports broadcaster and reporter whose

Terrible Towel remains the banner of the Steelers nation, has died.

Like the Good Book say (2nd Samuel, 1.19, sort of...)

The beauty of The Burgh is slain upon thy high places:
how are the mighty fallen!

Tell it not in Akron, publish it not in the streets of Cleveland;

lest the daughters of the Browns Fans rejoice,
lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.

Ye mountains of Allegheny, let there be no toddies,
neither let there be rain, upon you, nor fields of offerings:
for there the shield of the mighty is vilely cast away.

... And Ten Thousand YOI's to you, old friend!

Mike Rodgers
Grove City, PA

How did you do it? Personaly replying to the letters I sent you over the years. I was and still am amazed !!!Out here in Arizona, our Steeler "hang out" (Harold's) will have a special tribute to honor the real SUPER BOWL WINNER

Mike Sabol

When I was a kid, I remember Mr. Cope ending one of many shows over his career with these words: "This is Myron Cope on sports!"

Truly, he will be missed.

Michael M. Bierce
Brighton Heights

Today is a sad day for the Steeler Nation. No one, other than Art Rooney Sr, embodied the essence of the Steeler Nation or unified

Steeler fans around the world. Aside from phrase like "yoi and double yoi," "Hmmm Haaa" "Let's look into the Cope-ro-scope!", and "deck the Broncos their just Yonkos" he gave us all the most precious gift of all ... a sense of belonging to something bigger than ourselves ... something that always kept a little bit of home in our hearts .... the Terrible Towel. Thank you Myron, for your gifts of verse and for the memories. I will miss you.

This Steeler fan tribute video shows how far the Steeler Nation stretches and how the Terrible Towel unifies us all under one "flag."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Af1esGyeKuQ

Gregg Gnipp
Washington, DC

I was known as Bill from Blawnox on Cope's Cabana after Steerler games, and somehow after each and every game when I'd call in, I'd work in a reference to ex-Steeler Tom Rickets. I can't tell you why this tradition got started, but it always ended up with Myron and I going round and round on several issues. This legacy carries on to this day as the name of our fantasy league is Tom Ricket's Warriors, and Myron even autographed a copy of Double Yoi to me, not in my real name, but in the name of Bill from Blawnox. You will surely be missed, but never forgotten. Thanks for all the memories.

Mike Shea
Brentwood

WHAT A GREAT MAN. ENTERTAINING WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA FOR YEARS. I FIRST HEARD MYRON ON HIS RADIO SHOW AND HE WAS KNOWLEDGEABLE, ENTERTAINING AND A GENTLEMAN. THE GREATEST FOOTBALL DYNASTY OF ALL TIME THE 70'S STEELERS WILL BE FOREVER LINKED TO MYRON. THE FOUNDER OF THE TERRIBLE TOWEL. THE MOST FAMOUS AND POWERFUL SPORTS WEAPON IN HISTORY, FLOWN THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. MANY IMITATORS BUT ONLY ONE ORIGINAL. JUST LIKE MYRON. MYRON WAS PITTSBURGH. AND I REALLY DON'T BELEIVE WE WOULD HAVE WON ALL THOSE SUPER BOWLS WITHOUT THE POWER OF THE TOWEL. THE WAY IT EXCITED THE FANS AND THE PLAYERS. THANK YOU MYRON FOR ALL THE GREAT MEMORIES. EVERY TIME I HOLD OR SEE THE TOWEL I WILL THINK OF YOU. I WANT EVERYONE FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS TO FLY YOUR STEELER FLAG IN TTRIBUTE O A GREAT STEELER. YOI MYRON, YOI.

DAVE BALLA
SHALER, PA

My Terrible Towel is at half staff. God's speed to you Myron. You will be missed by one and all. The Steeler Nation just lost it's #1 Fan.

F. J. "SKI" Korkowski
originally from the "Rocks"

Lorton, Virginia

The Steelers lost a great man and broadcaster in Myron Cope.

He belongs in the Penna Sports Hall of Fame. His passing reminded me of other terrific broadcasters in the past.

Joe Tucker was the first Steeler announcer I can remember. His radio broadcasts of Steeler away games was so detailed, I could visualize the game clearly. Joe also was great on Hornet hockey and basketball games.

Rosey Rosewell & Jack Craddock were terrific, especially using the ticker-tape to describe Pirate away games. "Open Up that Window Aunt Minnie, Here She Comes".

Bob Prince was the most prejudiced-positive announcer inj Pirate baseball history. His "Green Weenie" got many rallies going for the Bucs.

Pittsburgh has been blest by having the best and most colorful Sports announcers of any city in the U.S.

R. Rudy Filek Sr.
Former Pittsburgher & sports fan since 1941.

Every Sunday was a ritual,turn down the TV volume and turn on the radio to hear Myron. Even with the Steelers losing, his quick wit and ecstatic humor would always make me laugh. I still think of Myron every time I turn on the radio during the games. We have suffered a great loss, there will never be another Myron Cope.

Rich Miller
Pittsburgh

Wow, can't really believe it. I guess the one thing that stands out to me was the Three Rivers finale. Daniel Snyder sent a "lackey" over to ask that Myron stop calling them the "Wash Redfaces". "If that boy billionaire thinks he can shut me up, he should stick his head in a can of paint!" God speed Myron ... and say "yoi" to the Chief for us.

Bill Varsel
Greenville, SC

Myron was truly a great man not just for the city of Pittsburgh but for the entire sporting world. He was originally a writer for SI in the early days and most people will not know that Myron was an outstanding sportswriter. Myron will be missed by the Steeler Nation, the city of Pittsburgh, and the NFL. I guess we can now say Yoi, Double Yoi, and now Triple Yoi! Thanks for all the great memories Myron.

Mike Arrigo
Pittsbugh, PA

Your voice may be stilled, but your words and memory will forever be cherished in the hearts and minds of Pittsburgers and Steelers fans. Thank you for so many, many wonderful memories.

May you rest in peace.

Joel Zoldessy, MD
Bradenton, Florida

Myron Cope is Steelers Nation. Hearing the news of his passing made me cry. A member of the extended Pittsburgh family has died.

Living in Erie for five years some times proved difficult watching the Steelers game since the local CBS channel is a Bills designated team. I did whatever I could to get near a radio, though, and listen to Myron. And, like most of Steelers Nation, the sound on the television was turned down to hear him, even if it meant a few seconds delay from the radio to the TV.

He'll be missed, but he'll be with us every time we wave our Terrible Towels.

Bobby Cherry
Moon Township

To All Yinz Back in the 'Burgh,

I was returning from a vacation to Japan in the summer of 1975 when I decided to stop over in Hawaii for a few days before traveling on to the mainland. I was headed for a friend's home in Kailua, Oahu in a rented car when I turned on the radio hoping to listen to some beautiful, soothing island music. Instead I heard something like: "Yoi, and double yoi!! That was a heckuva catch! (Not the exact words, but I'm sure you get the picture). The "Stillers" were playing an exhibition game against the hated Raiders and it was being broadcast live in Honolulu. My first thought was, "Geez, I'm halfway around the world and I still can't get away from this guy." Then I started laughing. All day long I couldn't get the smile off of my face. Yinz could run but yinz couldn't hide. No matter where yinz went Myron was gonna find yinz. And he was bringing the "Burgh" with him when he did.

We're gonna miss you Myron. No disrespect intended to Bill Hillgrove and all the others but Steeler games and Pittsburgh broadcasting just isn't, and won't be, the same without you.

Be blessed and rest in peace. You've earned it.

The Rev. Lee Clark
(formerly of Pittsburgh, now with wife Candace in Buffalo, New York).

In 1974, I was a student at Duquesne U., commuting 4 evenings a week from Weirton, WV. As I arrived on campus on the evening of the Steelers-Falcons Monday night game, I found that our prof. had canceled class, so I made my way (slowly) from the Bluff toward home.

As I wove may way through the traffic that evening, I listened to Myron interview Humble Howard (Cosell) on one of the pre-game shows. It was absolutely indescribible. I laughed so hard that I was reduced to tears, and I had to pull off the parkway to regain my composure and finish the trip home. I'll neverhear a better interview.

Myron was the best.

Thomas J. Tarowsky
St. Clairsville, OH

Myron Cope was an immortal icon of Pittsburgh. He was like a cartoon character come to life, but so much better because he could share with us his stories, humor and heart! Some of my favorite memories with my father included listening to Myron Cope on the radio and T.V. When I moved to Columbus, OH 3-4 years ago my dad and I would talk during each game. He would always let me hear Myron in the background and I was so sad when he was no longer announcing. Myron Cope brought an immeasurable amount of pride and joy to Pittsburghers and that is what I remember most about him. You can't help but smile when you hear his nonsensical ramblings, and who didn't get more excited when they heard Myron barely able to contain his emotion during a game? He was not the cookie cutter fluff that you find everywhere else, he did not pretend to be someone else, he enjoyed life, he gave back to the community; he showed people what it meant to be a Pittsburgher. The voice of Myron Cope was music to my ears and my terrible tahl will be more blue then gold today. I will drink one for him when I am back in our fair city next month. Yoi! Double Yoi! And an MMMMMMMHaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!

Maria N. Hague
Columbus, OH

This is a day of mourning for all Steelers fans everywhere.

I grew up in Monroeville, watching football in the basement every Sunday with my dad, with Myron's legendary commentary in the background. I moved away 18 years ago, but still bleed black & gold! He will be greatly missed. Godspeed, Myron.

Jan J. Ferrara
Decatur, GA

A sad day. Myron was as much a part of the Steeler '70s dynasty as the actual players. His honesty, intensity, creativity, and modesty were all Pittsburgh--which is why we loved him so much. A true gem of the city. We were lucky to call him our own and enjoy his zanily brilliant brand of entertainment, and happy and proud to share him with the rest of the country. Thank you, Myron, and God bless. Cope is dead. Long live Cope, and the Steel Curtain!

Marjorie Radella
Myrtle Beach, SC, formerly of Cranberry Twp, Oakland, Shadyside, and Aspinwall

I have always been a lifelong fan of the Steelers, and Mr. Cope has been one of the reasons why, Yoik's and double yoik's. All I can say is God needed a broadcaster for his game and he will truly be missed by all the Steeler Nation .

V/R

Charles Hileman
Baltimore MD

As the creative & excitable P.A. announcer for the Pittsburgh Spirit indoor soccer team, I was the subject of one of Myron's TV commentaries after he attended his first Spirit game.

It was the highlight of my broadcasting career!

Apparently Myron actually enjoyed the game, and in his commentary he said, "That Blankowski guy made it kinda fun!"

I can still feel the goosebumps!

Today, I wiped my tears with my original Terrible Towel, and send condolences to the Steeler Fans in Pittsburgh, Atlanta, and around the world! It's a sad day, but his memory will last for generations!

DAN BLANKOWSKI
Marietta, GA

I have lived in Dallas for 17 years now and have 2 sons, 10 and 5. I remember growing up and my dad and I watching the Steelers together, sometimes turning the TV down so we could listen to Myron. My dad has passed on, but Myron will continue to live on through those of us who grew up listening to him. My two sons, Zack and Noah, both know Myron from Steeler DVD's. When we watch a Steelers game together now as a family and our beloved Steelers score, Noah screams "Yoi" and Zack screams "No, double yoi!". We will miss you Myron...thanks for continuing to bring smiles, laughter, and memories to this family!

John Shepherd
Dallas, Texas

Mr. Cope was a true original and embodied Pittsburgh pride! Growing up in Somerset County, his name and voice was more recognizable than most government officials. Please, Pittsburgh, you must declare a "Myron Cope Day" for our "President of Pittsburgh".

You can bet Heaven just became a more fun and colorful place to be with Mr. Cope's entrance.

Ella J. Marr
Fredericksburg, Virginia

Who can forget Myron's video "Can't Touch This?" Myron's "dance" moves, his outrageous MC Hammer costume and his horrible voice made for a memory that will not soon fade. Where have you gone, Bill Mazeroski?

Bob Haught
Port Orange, Fl, via "Little" Washington

It is a sad day in the Burgh, indeed. I am wearing one of my Steeler sweatshirts in Myron's memory and honor today.

Although I met Myron only once (I received his autograph probably 10 or more years ago at the auto show), I had been to a couple of Cope's Cabana's after the games and enjoyed listening to him during and after many Steeler games. For a man of small stature, he was larger than life.

Thanks for the Bungles, the Baltimore Birdies, the Brownies, the yois and double yois, hmm-ha, and adding your personality to all the Steelers games I listened to.

Faith Milazzo Graham
Pittsburgh

Being an out of town Steeler season ticket holder my entire life, Myron always made the drives back to the greater DC area something you might actually look forward to. One of my memories from the late 80's/early 90's, around the time of the "rebirth" of the terrible towel was my dad getting me my first one and telling me "now remember, you can only bring this when Myron calls for it". The "official call" came more and more during the Cowher years, and that same towel is now a staple with me for every game, be it at Heinz Field or on TV. Myron was Steeler football to me for many years, and continued to be so even after his retirement. There will never be another like you Mr. Cope. Here's to you!

Mike Page
Manassas, VA

As a life-long Browns fan, Cleveland resident and Dawg Pound season ticket holder, I can assure all Pittsburghers that true fans around the league that were familiar with Myron Cope had nothing but the utmost respect for the man.

As a child during the early to mid-80's, my father's job caused our family to move from Cleveland to Upper St. Clair for a few years. It was at that time I recall being introduced to Myron over the airwaves. I loved sports and especially enjoyed sports talk radio, growing up listening to Pete Franklin on the old WWWE 1100 in Cleveland. While living in Pittsburgh, I soon gravitated toward Myron's broadcasts, even attempting to imitate his special vernacular on some homemade tapes when I was about 10 or 11 years old (I still have the tapes to this day)! Myron's passion for the game and his hometown truly helped make the Browns -- Steelers rivalry the best in the NFL.

The Dawg Pound sends its most sincere condolences.

Rest in peace, Myron!

Greg Gleine
Cleveland, OH

It wasn't until I was 11 year old that I realized his name was Myron Cope. The way he said his name with that classic voice, I thought he'd say, "This is my raincoat. On sports." Rest in peace, Myron! Heaven is now "Cope's Cabana".

Daniel Wascovich
Harrisburg, PA

My wife and I had the opportunity to meet Myron at Cope's Cabana after a Steelers game in 1998. I had proposed to her the night before and when she told him the good news, he was as excited as we were and every bit as personable as we thought he would be. My only regret is that we didn't have a Steelers Radio Network affiliate here so that we could have enjoyed him more. What a great ambassador for the Steelers and the city of Pittsburgh!

James Detlefsen
Lincoln, NE

I remember the first time I heard Myron Cope was in August 1982. We had just moved into our home in Mount Lebanon and I was driving on Mount Lebanon Boulevard by the Mount Lebanon shops. Having arrived from Northern Virginia I was used to listening to Warner Wolf. I was turning the dial and heard this character on the radio with a unique voice making some outrageous comment about a player and razzing someone on the other end of the call- it was Myron Cope I was hearing- I thought he was the caller. From then on I rarely missed Myron Cope's radio call-in program, because when you cut through all of the noise he made some very sage observations- of course I tried to listen to his Steeler broadcasts even when at the game. What was also unique about Myron is that he was an excellent and vivid sports writer. I had a chance to meet him at a friend's party and found him to be much more subdued in person and a friendly raconteur. He will be missed as well as the good deeds he did through the fund raisings with the Terrible Towel. He will always be waving to us through that black and gold symbol.

Michael Bleier
Pittsburgh

I moved to Pittsburgh in the fall of 2002. One of the first things my girlfriend (now my wife) did to introduce me to the area was play a Steelers radio broadcast. I had never heard an announcer quite like Myron Cope. His distinctive voice and his catch phrases-"um-ha," "double yoi," "Cincinnati Bagels"-helped give me a sense of what this area is all about.

Until Myron's retirement, it was a tradition in our house to watch the Steelers game with the TV sound turned down and the radio playing in the background. I will never forget that moment before each game when the stadium music boomed in the background as the Steelers ran onto the field. Myron would sputter, raise his voice higher than usual, and generally break every rule of sportscasting, but, at that moment, he said everything you needed to know.

Thank you, Myron, for welcoming me to Pittsburgh.

Bob Fritz
Penn Hills, PA

If he wasn't before, there is no question that God will now be a Steelers fan. We can be certain that the Terrible Towels will be waving in heaven on Steeler Sundays. Rest in Peace, Myron.

Lori Bonham
Canonsburg, PA

Myron Cope was truly a Pittsburgh icon. This is a sad day for Steelers fans, the NFL and the City of Pittsburgh. His legend will live on forever. Thank you for giving us so many wonderful memories, The Terrible Towel and your Pittsburghese. Rest in peace, Myron!!

Bob Derry
Mechanicsburg, PA

I'll never forget Myron's Channel 4 sports reports & the regular feature when he would breakdown the Steelers big plays on Monday night 6pm broadcasts. Sitting there in that white lab coat, stethoscope around his neck & a microscope on the desk in front of him -- saying in a way that only Myron could say ... "time to look into the Cope-ra-scope"!

There have been many great radio broadcasters in many different cities, but none ever quite like Mr. Cope. Thanks for somehow always articulating, in a language only a Pittsburgher could understand, they joy & anguish of being a Steelers fan. And most importantly, thanks for all the memories.

I'll miss you Myron.

Michael Schriver
Mooresville, NC

I had the pleasure of meeting Myron on the eve of Christmas Eve in San Diego before the last game of the regular season in 2000. I am a life-long Steelers Fan who has never lived in Pittsburgh and Myron seemed taken with the idea that someone from Southern California could be such a diehard. We ended up having many drinks and smokes together until the wee morning hours at the San Diego Marriott where he, the team and my buddies were all staying. He insisted on calling me by my nickname, Streetr. He kept saying, "Steeler Streetr from San Diego" all night long. A great man who just loved good people, great stories and sharing. Thanks for the memories, Myron. Rest in Peace.

Walter Hanson
San Diego

I couldn't have been more than 7 or 8 years old the year Myron Cope offered his own brand of Christmas caroling: "Deck da Broncoes, they're just Yonko's .... " and we were all on the floor laughing. By the time Myron was finished with the song, he was so "excited" that all his "La's" sounded like "Ga's". To this day, our family can't get through a Christmas without singing, "Deck da Broncoes .... fa ga ga ga ga, ga ga ga ga."

I can't claim to be a sports fan of even Myron's biggest fan, but he was an original and that's really hard to come by anymore. The guy was as Pittsburgh as Mr. Rogers.

On a more personal note, I respect and appreciate Myron Cope for his community service. He was a Board Member Emeritus for the local branch of the Autism Society, because he had a severely autistic son. My son was diagnosed in 2005, and that is a difficult time for any parent; when I had questions which were seemingly unanswerable by hospital personnel or even my son's new counselor, it was the library funded by Mr. Cope and named for his son, that helped. Because of support like Myron Cope's, my son gets to go to summer camp each year through the Autism Society's S.P.E.A.K. program. He was an incredible advocate for the autism community and it's not the obvious thing to talk about when reflecting on Myron Cope, but to me, it's the most important. Thanks, Myron.

Heidi McDonald
Edgewood

Before all games were on TV (upstate NY-only Giants), I used to listen on my car radio (weather had to be just right) to Steeler games. I used to hear this announcer, and he cracked me up. I wondered who he was. Well, he was the BEST!

Kurt Nelli
Albany, N.Y.

I was privileged to help Myron write an update of his book Double Yoi! for Sports Publishing after his retirement. He admitted he was determined not to get close to a computer and didn't have the stamina to hammer away on his favorite portable typewriter. So there we sat daily at his kitchen table working on his book (for me, reminiscent of "Tuesdays with Maury.") Most of what we talked about never made it to the pages of his book, but there sure were great stories of the Steelers, among many other subjects. I saw the mountains of cards and gifts people sent to him when he retired, and how humbled and surprised he was of his popularity with the Pittsburgh sports fans. I feel honored to know Myron as a friend and will treasure my autographed terrible towel. There will never be another like him. I wholeheartedly agree with the person who wrote that terrible towels will fly at half mast.

Sue Newton
Gulfport, MS

Myron invented the "Terrible Towel" and he could have

made a fortune on it.

But class guy that he is, he donated the profits to

handicapped children and adults.

I have two autistic sons and am grateful for his help

towards them and others.

The greatest legacy a person can have is the joy he

leaves behind.

God Bless you, Myron

"Yoy and Double Yoy"

Kenneth Ung
Pittsburgh

While an employee at WTAE back in the 80's, Myron and I had a wild evening dancing at one of our Holiday Parties. He was a great jitter bugger! Somewhere I have this great photo of us.

He will be sorely missed.

Pat Ieni
Pittsburgh

One of a Kind, a jewel, as good as there ever was, our family prayers are with his family. "O" the Terrible Towel

Samuel S. Ramseur and family
Alexandria, Virginia

My favorite quote was delivered by Tunch Ilkin, but is all about Myron.

"Myron, I don't think that you can use 'desultory' and 'ain't' in the same sentence!"

Rodney Permigiani
Pittsburgh

Myron Cope was as true a gentleman as he was a professional. Myron's legacy in Pittsburgh and indeed in American sports media is unmatched. It was an honor and privilege to have worked with Myron in the 70s and 80s at WTAE Radio.

You will be sorely missed, Myron. Say Hi to Art Rooney for us when you see him.

Bob Bugle
Baltimore MD

Since moving to VA it is hard to watch all of the Steelers games It is even harder to see them when you are traveling back and forth from PA to VA. The one thing that I always enjoyed was listening to the games on the radio, and hearing Myron Cope announcing the game. I loved hearing him calling the Bengals the Bungles, and just plain old hearing him call the game and all his phrases. He will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace Myron.

Mike Bowser
Midlothian VA

Since I was in diapers, it feels like Myron has been a part of my family and my love for Pittsburgh, and the Steeler Nation have been greatly influenced by him. I can't remember a time that we didn't turn down the TV volume and crank up the radio. We will miss you deeply Myron, and God bless you and your family. Thanks for so many wonderful years and for being such a HUGE part of our lives. Mmmm HAA!

Stephanie (Nardozi) Leech
Stowe Twp, PA

When my brother and I started following the Steelers in the mid 90s, cope was a big part of that. We loved not in pittsburgh but in Missouri. So we had to listen to all the games on the NFL website and grew to love cope.

The terrible towel is perhaps the coolest thing in sports fandom. We have a bunch of them now and appreciate the love mr cope had for the steelers

He will be missed

Derek Duncan
Columbia, MO

He'll be best known as godfather of Steeler Nation, but my best memories of Myron Cope are from listening to his radio show on WTAE. I don't care what anybody's ratings are today -- Myron Cope On Sports was the best sports radio ever to hit the Pittsburgh airwaves. He could collar the biggest national names of the day to be his guests, yet he always had time for the local guys -- high school coaches in particular. And while Myron covered the Steeler beat with unmatched zeal and thoroughness, he was well versed in all the local teams, and he respected all sports. (Except maybe made-for-TV "rasslin".)

Hanging Judge, CB Savage, Vile Canard, Sarcastic Sword, Cookout ... regular callers were known by their nicknames and their personalities, which were just as eccentric as their host's. Cope's schtick was genuine, zany, and unabashedly Pittsburgh, straight out of the legendary South Side Moose hall. He didn't steal his act. He didn't have to.

Tonight, somewhere in a tavern outside a stadium in the great beyond, Myron will knick back a few toddies with his old radio pal, Zivko, and The Chief, Art Rooney. Maybe the ol' Ranger, former center Ray Mansfield, will pass out cigars. Perhaps Howard Cosell, a sometime guest, will pull up a stool. What a reunion that will be!

Here's to Myron Cope. The one. The only. The best.

Mazeltov!

Dan Skantar
Oakdale, PA

Myron Cope made listening to Steeler football so rewarding.

He was an institution, in a city that has many institutions.

In Memphis, TN, where Steeler fever is always high pitched, he will be missed.

Barry Steinberg
Germantown, TN

It's a sad day for Pittsburgh Football.

I hang my terrible towel at half mast today.

God Bless Myron & his family.

Julie Pollack
Cincinnati, OH

How many of us can remember having to travel on those Sundays & not able to watch the game? The only joy I could take in missing watching the game was that I could listen to Myron speak in a way that only Steeler Fans can appreciate. For some reason, we'd get home & the clips on the TV would indicate that the game may not have been that exciting. I can tell you however, that it sure didn't sound that way in the car. He could make every game exciting to watch not matter the outcome. So often I'd mute the TV & prefer to listen to him on the radio.

Thank you for making my childhood & adult life that much more appreciated on weekends. I'll miss those great afternoon's & the Steelers really have lost a great man.

God Bless,

Dante Lazzaris
Chambersburg, PA

I like many in the area passed through my 20s and 30s listening to Mr. Cope's talk show as well as turning the sound down to listen to his broadcast of the Steelers games. Never once did I hear him ridicule or attempt to humiliate a caller. I will remember him as a gentleman and what a talk show host should be, someone who listened then spoke and someone who appreciated his callers. With the "Terrible Towel" he helped Pittsburgh to be known worldwide, in his words and writings he allowed Pittsburgh to know him.

George Patterson
Hopewell

I listened to Myron since the 70's and he, as much or more than anyone made Steeler Football what it is. He was sorely missed when he retired and he will be missed even more now with his passing. He was one of a kind and I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to listen to him.

Dan Tepovich
Chandler, AZ

About 10 years ago, I was at the Pittsburgh Auto Show and Myron was signing autographs at the Ford Dealers Exhibit. After waiting in line for an autograph, it was finally my turn. I went up to Myron and said "Seeing you here is the best part of the auto show". His response was "There must be something wrong with your noggin". He was a real classic. He helped make Pittsburgh what it is, "Someplace Special". We'll miss you Myron. You were "Someone Special".

Joseph R. Lettrich
Lake Worth, FL

It is not often I laugh while reading an obituary, but I must admit Gene Collier's work on Myron Cope's life made me chuckle and brought a tear to my eye as well. I grew up in Greene County and was raised a die hard Steeler's fan. I now live in Seattle Washington, of all places, but I still bleed black and gold. I was always very fond of Myron Cope, his raspy voice, that unforgettable Pittsburgh twang and his strange dialect. Myron epitomized the fantastic town he lived in. He was unique, quirky, determined, charitable and real. Always real. Times have been tough back there in PA, so I am told, especially in Greene County. It is truly sad that his wonderful light for that area is extinguished. I will miss him.

Buzz Loring
Seattle

I can still recall listening, while doing my homework, to Myron's final radio show on WTAE-AM. He was one of those unique people who make Pittsburgh such a wonderful place. Tuning down the television and turning up the volume on the radio to listen to him during the Steelers broadcast was a ritual in which so many fans took part. Even once I had to leave Pittsburgh and set up my "Steeler Nation" post in Harrisburg, it was Cope, Billy, and Tunch during games, no exceptions. We will all miss Myron. God Bless.

Tim Collins
Harrisburg, PA

I am 33 years old and started turning down the TV and listening to the radio during games in the early 90's. He was such a great guy. My best memory of Myron was the video clip that he did in the mid 90's for WTAE. The best phrase in that clip was "Jerome Bettis Jerome Bettis you ain't no head of lettuce." That saying could only come from Myron and still sticks in my head to this day. Rest in Peace Myron. You have truly touched hearts of the entire STEELER NATION. DOUBLE YOI.

John Kersten
North Port, FL

Coining "The Bungles", singing the wheels on the bus go round and round for number 36, and replacing punctuation marks with HM-Hah are some of my fondest memories. Growing up a Steeler die-hard, my grandmother and father introduced me to his broadcasts. I took on the tradition of turning off those horrible commentators on TV and turning up Bill, Tunch, and Myron!!

When the Steelers won their latest Super Bowl, my first thought was of joy for Jerome, my second was of sorrow for not being able to listen to Myron with the call! A Pittsburgh legend passed today, and will be sorely missed.

It will be odd to one day teach my children of Myron, without having the pleasure of listening to his passion for our Steelers! God Bless!

Chris Konieczny
Harrisburg, PA

I'm saddened by Myron's (and that's the only name you need when talking about him). He was the voice of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was one of a kind, funny, opinionated, the ultimate homer, and totally Pittsburgh. If anyone wanted to understand Pittsburgh Steelers football and the City of Pittsburgh you started by listening to him. He had a voice perfect for "silent radio" and despite it (or because of it) we loved him and even switched off the sound on our TV sets and turned up the radio. During big plays you could imagine him in the booth getting all worked up sputtering into his microphone just as happy or upset as any fan in the cheapest seats in the house or on his living room couch with a sandwich, some nachos, and a beer. Steelers broadcasts haven't been the same since he retired and likely never will be again. And I hope that when the Steelers honor him, they don't do it with a moment of silence in a half full stadium before a game. After all Myron was never silent. I hope they honor him with a packed house with every single fan standing and waving their terrible towel over their head and cheering them self hoarse so that Myron can hear us all the way up in heaven.

Ryan Repinski
Pittsburgh, PA

The "Terrible Towels" will be flying at half mast over the North Texas area today ...

Greg Bronder
Lewisville, Texas

I was traveling from Erie to Maryland one Sunday afternoon and turned the Steelers game on the radio only to hear Myron Cope's voice. I was excited and told my wife "you have to listen to this guy". I explained to her who the Myron Cope was and what a legend he was in the Pittsburgh area. After listening to his play by play commentary, she exclaims, "this guy is a riot" I replied, "this is Myron Cope on sports".

I got to know his commentary earlier in life while living in the Mon Valley. Through my travels, there has never been another sports announcer who delivers commentary like Mr. Cope. I am sadden to hear that another legend has went to rest with the other greats... Mr. Cope, you have humored me with your honesty. Rest in peace my friend.

Michael Smith
Maryland

I have a vivid memory of a skinny-legged chatterbox in white shorts, a bright yellow shirt and a goofy hat playing in the field with the softball phenom, Eddie Feigner (The King and his Court) at Hempfield High School and Myron was every bit as entertaining there as he ever was on a Steelers broadcast.

Graydon Brewer
Oakmont, PA

As most Steeler fans did in the old days, we turned the television broadcast down and turned up the radio to Myron on for a more colorful play by play. As with the legendary Bob Prince I grew up with both and they seemed to make you feel that your were actually at the game although both at times got a little too excited and stumbled over a few words but that is what made it special. The Steeler nation has lost one of its own and he will be missed but not forgotten. And remember its' "Money in the Banko with Franco".

John Dunlap
Chicago Illinois

As a kid we use to make fun of Myron's voice, " This is Myron Cope on sports" was our favorite saying. Myron's love for the Steelers was unprecedented, the terrible towel has been the rallying call for the Steelers fans all over the US sport scene. Myron will be missed.

Winston Morris
Atlanta , Ga

As a youngster who aspired to be a broadcaster/journalist, I was immediately drawn to Myron Cope. He just had the unique way that made you want to listen more and more. I was honored to be a regular caller to his WTAE show with a handle known as 'The Kid.'

Myron Cope is a legend that won't ever soon be replaced. We should all be so fortunate that we had the chance to see, hear and for some, meet this true legend of Pittsburgh. My deepest sympathies go out to the entire cope family.

Kraig A. Koelsch
New Smyrna Beach, FL

I remember a party we threw for Andy Russell on his 30th Birthday in 1971. With all of Andy's teammates looking on, we carried a brightly decorated washing machine box in and Myron leaped out as Andy opened the box and said" Kiss me you fool"

Sam Zacharias
Pittsburgh

My father was the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commissioner when Larry Holmes fought Renaldo Snipes at the Civic Arena. Myron expressed a desire to be the ring announcer. He stated with all he had accomplished in his career he had always dreamed of introducing the, as only Myron could pronounce it, Heavyweight "Champeen" of the World. The promoter put fierce pressure on the Commission to use their own announcer. But standing firm, Myron was finally agreed to by the promoter, Don King. As a young twenty-something, I learned humility from the great Myron Cope. I was with my father in an elevator at the Hyatt, the fight's headquarters, when Myron entered and thanked my father for standing his ground. My father replied, "Myron, we could not have a nationally televised Heavyweight Championship fight in Pittsburgh without you. You ARE Pittsburgh". Rest in peace. You were the greatest ambassador Pittsburgh ever had.

Keith Accettulla
Plum Borough

Myron now sits once again next to Jack Flemming, calling the " Greatest Football Game of All". Myself and football fans everywhere will miss you Myron. Thanks for making every Sunday afternoon exciting. Yoi and Double Yoi!!!!

dan moskal
south park, pa.

Who couldn't forget the many times during an exciting play (and there were lot's of them through the years ...) that Myron, in his exuberance just couldn't get one of his classic phrases to come out of his mouth right off the bat? Always a treat and it made the broadcasts feel just the way you were feeling at that particular time right after the play ... I also didn't know until recently how established of a writer Myron was for years before becoming the Steelers color man ... and what a color man he was! If you looked up the term "color man" in the dictionary there should by all rights be a picture of Myron next to it! God bless ya Myron. Thanks for always making the games so much more colorful!

Tom Vesch
Avalon, PA

My fondest memory !! Hmmmmmmmmm . .. That's tough .. Myron is the personality of my home.. I have never met him, but I loved him and smiled every time I hear his unique tone, and cried when I heard of his passing. He's the mentor of Steeler Nation and the City of Pittsburgh. Myron your the Dude!! I feel so very fortunate and very lucky to have had him a part of our Pittsburgh family!!! Yoi !!! Double Yoi!!

Dawna Elko, I was born and raised in Port Vue Pa I now live in Troy Ohio..

I learned my football knowledge from my dad who received a season ticket as a gift from my grandmother in the '70s. He used to make us listen to Myron's radio show growing up in the '80s when we would plead to listen to anything but and take us to games where the guy next to us would bring the transistor to play the broadcasts since Myron knew it all. When my dad passed away in 2000, I embraced all that was Myron as a tribute to my dad and cried when he retired even though I knew it was time (especially when during his last season, he called a Steeler touchdown, I think, against the "Bungles" and Tunch had to correct him that the runner was out of bounds at the 12 yard line). Today, the two of them are debating Steeler bests, but my dad will agree with the "expert" as he did back in the '80s.

Susan Banaszak-Catena
Carnegie, PA

I will always remember the colorful play by play and commentary and GREAT conversations that went on amongst Cope, Bill and anyone else he could get to talk with him ... I met him once, as a kid about 20 -- 25 yrs ago, and still have that autographed photo from him ... Great guy, terrific personality, tremendous loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Mr. Cope

Cope,

You will be missed, but never forgotten.. Terrible Towels will be at half mast for you.. Double Yoi forever, Okle, Dokle??

Chris Zeigler
Austintown, OH

As a child of the 1970's, I can remember sitting on my front porch in Whitehall watching a summer storm rolling in. The thunder competed with the hyperactive voice blaring out of my transistor radio. I listened as caller after caller debated the Steelers and Pirates with Myron Cope. Later, after I became a radio news anchor, I would continue to be amazed by Myron's joyful mangling of the english language. I would just smile and shake my head. What made Myron so great was that he was never a broadcast "professional". He was the guy at the corner of the bar who would argue lineups and linebackers. God bless you Myron, you even made the bad Steelers games of the 80's worth listening to.

Darren Toms
Newsradio WTAM 1100, Cleveland

My favorite memorie of Myron was after the Steelers beat the then Cleveland Browns in a playoff game. This was the third time the Steelers beat them that season and it was Vinnie Testeverde who helped the Steelers win.

Well, after the game I called the Copacabana and spoke to Myron. I recommended Vinnie Testeverde for the Dapper Dan Man of the Year for that year being he was so giving to the Steelers. Well, Myron howled and loved it but he would not make me a Copanut. Darn him.

Rest in peace Myron. You will truly be missed.

Lou DeFabio
Plum

Nothing was better than watching the Steelers, turning down the television and turning up the radio to listen to Myron. A true Pittsburgh sports icon. Double yoi Mr. Cope. Rest in peace.

Jim McDaniel
Washington, PA

Who can ever forget his rendition of "Deck the Broncos, They're Just Yoncos?"

Gary Staley
Mt. Lebanon

I was in "Cope's Cabana" after a Monday Night win against the Indy Colts at Three Rivers Stadium back in the mid 90's ......

On the way out, I said hello to Myron and reminded him that the Colts as an organization (formerly Baltimore) had never won at 3 Rivers and the "Kibosh" was still on ... I didn't hear him broadcast it as I was walking to the car, but several friends of mine heard him mention the "Kibosh" and myself on the radio .... Its amazing how many Steeler Fans listened to Myron before , during and after the games.

Finally, I read Double Yoi, its great and I recommend it to any Steeler Fan.

Jim Imhof
Pittsburgh, PA

I'm sure I can speak for a lot of people when I say it feels like we lost a member of the family, the Steelers' family and our own. I'll raise a toddy to your memory and your honor -- here's to you, Myron.

Ray Dodson
Bethel Park

I sit here, my eyes watering, what a very very sad day. I feel a part of me has died. Myron was Mr. Pittsburgh, I listened to his show, and Steeler Broadcast for years, he was so very entertaining and funny.

He will be dearly missed.

John Gribas
Minneapolis, MN.

Myron was certainly one of a kind. Growing up I always looked forward to his commentary on the nightly news, ala when he stuck a football to his arm with pine tar to show what was legal in the NFL at the time, to my college fraternity house at UPJ in the mid 80's and later at my former home in Monroeville when we would turn the TV sound down during Steelers football games so that we could listen to Myron on the radio. It has never been the same since he retired and I will miss him. God speed Myron.

Sincerely,

John A. Hornig
Crofton Maryland.

I have no idea what the best quote was becaue you couldn't understand any of them, which is what made him great. As fans, when something big happens on the field, we go nuts, high five, chap, etc- We're excited. What I loved about Cope was that he was just like that on the mic, he was one of us. He'd get so excited that many times his brain was lagging behind his mouth and an uninterpretable exerpt would come out.

That being said, I did like his one in 01 vs. the Browns as Bettis scored easily from the 9 yd. line. "and there's an avenue for the Bus, and he'll take it, because it's easy street."

paul sauer
atlanta, ga

Myron, we loved you dearly as our own. May God bless you as you rejoin the dear Mildred. Thanks for it all. Bye Now!

P.S. Say hello to jack Fleming for us.

Scott Gillie
Pittsburgh, Pa.

I grew up with Myron as the voice of the Steelers. He has left a legacy that put Pittsburgh on the map -- and has created Steeler fans across the nation. God bless his family and God rest his soul.

Rachel Aul
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I'm 30 years old, so i got to listen to cope in the later years of his career. I loved listening to Cope call the games every sunday. I used to sit in front of the tv with my dad and turn the sound of the tv down to turn to WDVE and listen to him call the game, because if it wasn't Cope's voice calling, it almost wasn't the Steelers. Or at the game with my headset on listening to every gem that flowed from his mouth. He was the most PASSIONATE Steeler fan I've ever met by far!

Everyone Sport your black and gold PROUD now... in honor of Myron!

Brad Marshall
New Castle, Pa.

I had a chance to meet Mr. Cope in a way that most people haven't had. During the 2001 preseason, I was a flight attendant for USAirways, and had the fortunate opportunity of chartering the Steelers flight to and from Minnesota. On the return flight back from Minnesota, Mr. Cope was the last person off of the airplane. Mr. Cope and I walked all the way from the airplane to the parking lot at 3am in the morning, just talking sports and life. It is a memory that I will remember for the rest of my life, just talking with a Pittsburgh sports icon. I will forever remember Myron Cope as the voice of the Steelers.

Here's to you, Mr. Cope. Double Yoi!

Mark DeCicco
Raleigh, NC

Wow! Myron was an icon. So many years of turning down the TV sound just to listen to Myron. Myron will always be remembered in the hearts of Steelers Nation. Rest in Peace Myron.

Mike Haney
(In the process of moving from Pittsburgh to Syracuse NY)

Sundays will never be the same. Never.

This hurts.

Steve
Oxford, Ohio.

I remember my freshman year at Penn State main campus, I had a roommate who was from Philadelphia. During Steelers games, I'd turn down the TV volume and turn on my radio to Myron Cope. My roommate would go insane, he wasn't lucky enough to understand what it was he was hearing. But it was sweet music to my ears, made me long for the 'Burgh every Sunday.

Alan W. Waldron
Pittsburgh, PA

Myron, is now taking the show to a higher level. The Steeler nation in heaven will be there to meet him. RIP Myron, you will truly be missed, but never forgotten.

John Marshall
Pgh, Pa.

Today is a sad day for all current and former Burghers. I was born in Somerset but grew up in Mt. Lebanon and lived in Pittsburgh until 1989. I was a regular caller on Myron's evening talk show and my biggest goal in life was to someday be given the designation of a "CopeANut". I went by the handle of Carphone Tommy and I managed several times to be "first in the store". I was in the investment business in Pittsburgh for 15 years and attended many of the annual roasts that Myron and others put on for Charity. I got to know Myron fairly well during his illustrious career and had the occasion to talk one on one with him many times. He was the voice of the Pittsburgh Steelers very much like Bob Prince was the voice of the Pirates.

My favorite story actually came at the 1982 50th anniversary dinner celebration when Pete Rozelle and Howard Cosell attended honoring the Steelers and their 4 Super bowl wins. I was honored to have Ernie "Fats" Holmes at my table and asked him if I could buy him a drink. He smiled and looked up at me and said "Sure Tom, Courvasier, 4 fingers." That nearly put me in the poor house after I asked him my 4 fingers or his 4 fingers. He smiled and held his up. Double Yoi I thought and ran into Myron at the bar. When he heard me order he said, "That must be for Fats!" I asked him how he knew and he related a story to me of a road trip to Cleveland several years back when Myron had the misfortune of being on the same elevator in the hotel as Ernie. Myron looked over at me and said that while riding up the elevator to their rooms, Fats turned to him and said, "Cope, I think I need another drink." I asked Myron what did you do. He said, "When Fats asks you to have a drink, you better say yes and you better buy. "Yoi" he said when the bill came and he told Fats he forgot his wallet ... Ernie said something to the effect that he could just charge it to his room and then he told Myron he could go to bed ... just leave the check open ... and don't forget to leave a good tip.

Myron will always be in my memory. He was simply the best and the most charitable man I ever had the privilege of knowing.

Thomas R. Huzella

People make the mistake of comparing Myron to Harry Carey because of their similar quarky, and unpolished style. They are not the same, Myron Cope is in a class all by himself. Myron always said what we fans were thinking, and he didn't care about the consequences. He was our voice on the air. He will truly be missed as a true founding father of Steeler Nation.

Brad Saleik
Fort Wayne, Indiana

I remember being a kid and seeing him on the local TV network singing deck the halls with Modell's Meatballs Fa La Lalalala. And being at a game at Heinz field and seeing him do the Copea Cabana, enjoying a beer and a cigarette. A true Pittsburgher. God Bless.

Ryan Lieb
Assistant Football Coach, Bridgewater College

My favorite Myron call was a time in about 1994 when there was a fumble recovered by the Steelers. He was so excited that words failed him, and all he could utter was something like, (pause) "m'gahh!"

John Puskar-Pasewicz
Wilkes-Barre, PA

Late one night a national telecast of a Steelers game made its way onto Armed Forces Radio. At one point the broadcast switched over to Myron Cope. Even though I was a long way from home, it was dark, cold and I was by myself. For that minute I was home.

Chad Wakefield
Weatherford, TX--Slippery Rock, PA

My name is Dave DiCello, and I am from Bethel Park, PA. I used to work for a car rental company and rented an SUV to Myron after he got in an accident a few years back. We were at the retirement home he was staying at filling out the paper work and he asked me if I played football. I told him I didn't, but that I did play baseball. He said, "Well then, you should be able to keep up with me in this thing!" And took off down the hallway on his scooter. It is a sad day in Pittsburgh and for all football fans. Here's to you Myron! Double Yoi!!!!!

I know everyone has to go at some point in time, but we are never prepared for it no matter what. Myron was a Pittsburgh God; A Legen; an Icon. The Terrible Towl has not stopped waving since he created it, and it will now wave forever 'til the end of time. Myron, our friend, may we give you the proper 21 "Yoi" salute you so truly deserve.

Chuck Hull
Moon Township, PA

Myron and the Steelers simply go together for me. I'll never forget his great call of the "loop the loop to Lupe Sanchez". Myron was a true original in a business that's become populated with talking heads.

Greg Dillon
Bloomington, IN

One of my favorite calls of the great Myron Cope was in 1997 when the Steelers played in Baltimore. The Steelers tied the greatest comeback in their history and when Kordell took off with that 70+ yard fake reverse he screamed " you have a better chance of the Queen Mary docking in your back yard than catching Slash Stewart from behind!" ... .God Bless Myron and thank you for being a huge part of my life.

Bob Tschappat Jr.
St. Clairsville, Ohio 43950

Myron Cope was a Pittsburgh original. He is one of the memories that ex-Pittsburghers take with them when they move away from home. The towel now has special meaning.

Mike Flood,
Hartsville, South Carolina.

First published on February 27, 2008 at 9:39 am