He was the voice of the Detroit Tigers for 42-years, but it's what he did throughout is 92-years that he's being remembered for.
Thursday, we all say a final farewell to hall of fame broadcaster Ernie Harwell.
Edna Theisen, who lived in the same apartment community as Harwell did in Novi, says "When I saw the casket open, I just got very teary-eyed."
It's one of those rare occasions when there is crying in baseball.
Neighbor Mary Vedder says, "He'd meet you, and he knew your name right after. We'd see him afterwards, and he's say 'Hi, Tom and Mary.' He was such a fantastic guy."
You can't separate the man from the voice. Now, that voice is silent.
The line of fans stretches around Comerica Park to see the man that filled the summer season with sweet sayings.
All day, there was a steady stream of silent mourners with their hats over hearts filled with gratitude.
He was a member of the family invited through your radio.
Across Detroit, thanks go out to him.
Tyler Amaro, from Westland, lost his job to meet Ernie Harwell in Battle Creek. He says he'd do it a million times over.
Amaro says, "When I met him that day, I called in sick to work. They put a picture of me and him on the front page of the newspaper. So subsequently, I lost my job the next day, but I got a great picture out of it and a lifetime of memories."
Whatever it was, Ernie always said it best, greeting us at the beginning of a ballgame, or saying goodbye, like he did with Tiger Stadium September 27th, 1999.
Harwell said, "We must say goodbye, farewell old friend."
The viewing will continue until the last fan leaves.
Family members are holing a private funeral.
The Tigers will pay tribute to Harwell before Monday's game against the Yankees.
