R.I.P. Bill Wirtz

They say that no one on their deathbed ever says, "I wish I would have worked more" — other than Jack Donaghy, anyway — but one wonders if, ultimately, former Blackhawks owner Bill Wirtz, who died this morning at the age of 77, would have secretly smiled to learn that the first line in his obit involve the phrase, "notorious for driving a hard bargain." We guess everybody's gotta be known for something.

It's always sad to see a human being shuffle off this mortal coil, but we'd all be kidding ourselves if we didn't acknowledge that long-suffering Blackhawks fans will be pleased that he no longer owns their team. Here's a random sampling of blog reaction this morning:

• Walk Off Balk: "One of the most hated owners in all of sports." • Yellow Chair Sports: "Fuck it. I'm busting my Hawks jersey out to celebrate. Ding Dong the Wirtz is dead." • Lake Effect: "His funeral will not be televised in this market, as the late Mr. Wirtz considered it unfair to potential "home" mourners."