CLEVELAND — The legacy of Fred McLeod lives on.
It will be an emotional night as the Cleveland Cavaliers open their season Wednesday in Orlando because McLeod's legendary play-by-play voice won't be part of the game.
As the community continues mourning McLeod's unexpected death last month, his wife, Beth, is keeping his memory alive with a special tribute by gifting his unforgettable ties to friends and colleagues.
3News' Dave Chudowsky is among those who received one of the ties.
"I was just honored," Chudowsky explained when opening the package from McLeod's wife.
Along with the tie, Chudowsky received a special note from Beth, which Chudowsky shared on Wednesday morning's Go. Here's what it says:
Fred McLeod was all about his ties. In his honor, I have decided to share his ties with the special people in his life. Please wear this tie with pride to Cavs opening night, your opening night, special RMFH events, when you visit RMFH with your team, or any other special occasion you attend, and think of Freddy!
As Fred used to say with a smile on his face, “You gotta have a good tie guy!” So now, please allow Fred to be each of YOUR tie guy with this tie from his personal collection!
Much Love,
Beth
Chudowsky then paid the following tribute to McLeod:
“Three things I want to say about him. Number one: Hardest working guy I’ve probably met in the business. He was unbelievable. Number two: I loved the way he connected with people and wanted to know about you. He asked me about this morning show all the time when I first started. He wanted to know. He wanted to know about other people. Number three: Everyone’s going to talk about how great he was on the air, and everyone can do that, but the way he loved his wife -- and how close they were -- doesn’t happen with everybody.”
Other 3News personalities were also gifted with one of McLeod's ties, including Jim Donovan, Jay Crawford, Nick Camino and Bud Shaw.