Bill Bonds Has Died

If you grew up on the East side of the state, you know exactly who Bill Bonds is. He was "Detroit's Anchorman". If Mort Crim was the inspiration for Ron Burgundy, Bill Bonds was his dad.

With his permanent tan, curly white hair and bugged out eyes, he told Detroit's news to millions for over 60 years. He had his demons, but he had legions of fans. He WAS Detroit. He was one of them.

"Bill Bonds, a broadcasting legend who made his name at Channel 7, has died. The longtime 7 Action News anchorman passed away Saturday. He was 82. He suffered a heart attack this afternoon. Bonds started at WXYZ in 1963 and worked here until 1968. He came back three years later in 1971 and worked here until his retirement in 1995.

Governor Rick Snyder issued this statement in regards to the passing of Bonds.

"For decades, Detroiters tuned it to the evening news to watch WXYZ-TV anchor Bill Bonds. Always colorful and never dull, Bonds had a passion for Detroit and Michigan – and the big story. People watched not just to hear the news, but to see how Bonds would deliver it. The governor extends condolences to his family and friends and all who can fondly remember a newsman with a personality as big as his heart."

RIP Bill Bonds.