Gord Robson


It is my extremely sad duty to inform you of Gord Robison's passing.

His body was discovered last evening in his apartment in Edmonton by members of the police service.

No cause of death has yet been determined however word should come from the medical examiner early next week.

I received this news from Gord's ex wife Audrey this morning along with this quote:

"Our family wants to focus on all the good times we had together with Gord and take comfort that he is now at peace in his new heavenly home."

So should we all.

Gord's career spanned five decades of Canadian radio. He was employee, co-worker, boss, mentor and friend to hundreds, if not thousands, in our industry over that time.

A gentle man with a huge heart, he was a very dear friend to many and I for one miss him terribly already.

Dan Williamson


(courtesy Vancouver Broadcasters)
Gord Robson - CKXL Calgary 1968-71; CFOX Montreal 1971-72; CHED Edmonton 1972-74; CKLG Vancouver 1974-84; anchor Sports Page CKVU-TV Vancouver 1978-80; CHAB Moose Jaw SK 1985-86; CKXL Calgary 1986-87; CHED Edmonton 1987-93; CKNG-FM Edmonton 1993-94; CKRA-FM Edmonton 1994-98; program director/AM drive CFRV-FM Lethbridge 1998-2004; freelance voice-over work Toronto 2004-05; Talent Consultant Shaw TV Edmonton & freelance voice work 2006-current; swing/remotes/VT/production CHQT-AM Edmonton 2007-current

I spent my late teens listening to Gord on LG. He was as smooth as silk, and the master of the tease. Then he became "Skip Robson", "the Skipper" for a short period of time. Damn good thing.
When I made the decision to go into radio, it was Gord I tried to pattern myself after. The guy did the basics better than anyone I knew.
A decade later I ended up doing middays, while Gord did drive at K-Lite in Edmonton. I can't tell you what a thrill it was to work in the same building as Gordo. Not only was he a great jock, but the nicest guy you'd ever ever meet. I have to laugh as I write this. Gord was a tad high strung, but you'd never know it listening to the radio. If you suprised him by walking in the control room, he'd end up like a cat with his claws stuck in the roof. Then, 10 seconds later, he'd flip on the mic and sound like the Gord Robson I grew up listening to.
Another decade later, and he was PD, and doing mornings in Lethbridge. I was voicetracking drive from Calgary. I'd come full circle. Gord had been my high school idol, then mentor,  co-worker and finally my boss. I'm proud to say that through it all, Gord was first and foremost, my friend.

My condolensces to Audrey and Gord's kids.

I'll miss ya, Gordo.

so sorry to hear this.  it seemed like just a few weeks ago I rediscovered him online at Cool 880, it was like finding a long lost friend.  Some of my greatest radio memories were listening to LG73 in the mid to late 70s, back when Gordo ruled the mid-day roost.  I never met the guy, but he struck me as a class act all the way.  Thanks Gord for the many radio memories that I still cherish.

This truly is sad news.  Robson was class all the way as he demonstated in his his most recent posts here.

Has anybody heard if QT has issued any statement?

from the 630CHED website

Corus mourns passing of Gord Robison
12:34pm
EDMONTON/630 CHED
3/22/2008

The Corus Radio family is saddened to report the sudden passing of long-time broadcaster Gord Robison.

Gord passed away at his home. He was 56.

Gord’s broadcast career took him through several markets in Western Canada. In Edmonton, he was likely best known for his years on 630 CHED when the station was music based.

Most recently, Gord provided on-air services to CHQT, a Corus owned radio station.

Details on funeral services are being finalized.  

http://www.630ched.com/Channels/Reg/NewsLocal/Story.aspx?ID=1001887

.

Wow, that is really sad to learn. He just got laid off at  Cool and posted recently on PSR. God works in mysterious ways. May you RIP,  thanks for many years of entertainment.

A great voice has been stilled. Gord Robson was my lifelong friend. We first met at CFOX, Montreal's Legendary Top 40 Station, in the early 70's.He loved radio, beer, and women. In that order.We hit it off immediately.We made a deal. He would teach me everything he knew about voicing spots ( he was one of the best ) andI would teach him  how to bridge the communication gap with French-Canadian girls. I have to admit he was a quicker study than I was.Our destinies would be intertwined from then on.

In the early days of my career, when U-Haul was on  my speed dial, it was Gord Robson who  helped me land a job at CKXL in Calgary.When he left CHED on a 3 month honeymoon with his new wife Audrey,he recommended that I succeeded him in the evening slot.In the early 90's, it was Gord who suggested I  submit a tape to the International Radio Festival of New York. A true friend is someone who believes in you more than you believe in yourself. In an industry where success is often greeted with envy and jealousy, Gord was that rare individual who actually delighted in his friends' accomplishments.

Our careers took different paths, but we remained in touch through the decades.I've always thought Gord was too nice a guy for this business and it's cruel, cold-blooded side. Ironically, he was happiest when he was on the air, most recently on 880 COOL Edmonton.But, with his health failing badly, even that was becoming a chore.

My wife Diane & I had Gord and mutual friend Seanna Collins over for dinner a month ago.Gord was only 56 years old, but time and battling addiction had taken their toll.He looked much older than his years.But, we had a wonderful night laughing at the pictures Seanna had brought over, recalling the Golden Years at 630 CHED and other legendary stations which Gord had graced with his trademark smooth delivery.His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of the many young broadcasters he mentored who crack the mike and remember “ Gord Robson taught me that...”

I can count on the fingers of one hand the genuine friends I have made in broadcasting and Gord Robson was at the top of that list.You'll always be in my heart old friend.And, for the selflessness that was a hallmark of your character, the kindness you were always quick to show, and your unwavering loyalty, a heartfelt  thank you. It was an honour to call you my friend. See you in the big studio in the sky.

Wow, Rob. I'm certainly uncomfortable when I attempt to find the right words in trying times. That was a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man.

Rob captured the picture perfectly...I'm going to stay with the positive on Gord and that is two-fold.  First off Gord was the best 'teacher' in the business...nobody had more 'passion' for great radio than Gord did and he taught 'many many' young broadcasters over his many years in the business. Second - I had nothing but 'fun' with Gord - starting with the early 70's when the record company flew four of us in to a Vancouver for a private party with the Rolling Stones - Stevie Wonder - and Martha Reeves.  As we entered the hotel (Wayne Bryant - Ray Aaron - Gord and myself) the receptionist at the hotel yelled across the foyer..."hey...are you guys the Rolling Stones).  Ray had a giant cigar in his hand...casually looked over and replied..."no...they'll be along in a second." We'd just attended the Stones concert and walked out to the 'riot' in the PNE parking with the Vancouver police on horseback with batons - battling with the crowd...Or the time that Gord had lunch with Brother Gerry and I and we had the waitress believe that Gord was Randy Bachman...(a few pounds ago and with full beard)...lunch was then 'free' and we grinned as we walked out.  Just talking Radio with Gord was a pleasure - and he worked with the very best at CHED - CKLG - and wherever his travels took him after those great years.  I add my sadness and thoughts to Audrey and the kids...a sad loss and another 'legend' leaves us way too soon.

What Bob (Steele) said...

Gord was a huge fan of PSR. I know he spent many hours a week reading the board. Gord did not hesitate when he was approached for audio to do an airchecker feature. I had the pleasure of editing and producing his raw audio. He sent me an email recently and said a  simple, "very nice, thank you"

"You are in my thoughts" Wishing you Gods peace"

If you did not hear the audio this is the link. Gord Robson December 4th, 2007 on Cool 880.
http://www.pugetsoundradio.com/forum/v-download/f-gord_robson_dec_4_2007cool880_1706.mp3/

http://www.cool880.com/

COOL 880 THE BOSS is more than just a musical choice - It's a lifestyle. COOL 880 brings listeners music from unforgettable artists like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Elton John along with legendary announcers like Wolfman Jack and local favorites, Chuck Chandler and Gord Robson, who take listeners back to the exciting musical era that defined a generation.

Quoted from Airchecker

Gord was a huge fan of PSR. I know he spent many hours a week reading the board.

Airchecker is correct, Gord was an active member on PSR, infact our records indicate he had last visited our site on Thursday March 20th, 2008 at 2:27pm, the day before his body was found by police in his home. Having informed Dan Williamson, he requested we post this information.

Gord Robson
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Condolences to Gord's family including his broadcasting family.
He and Dan Williamson gave this lad a helping hand getting into the broadcasting business and I'll forever remember what a fine gentlemen he was along with being an excellent communicator at the highest level.

See you on the other side Gord.

Regards,

Rob Collins

I have had the pleasure of working with Gord twice in my career.  The first time was when I first to came to 630 CHED during it's Top 40 heyday.  Gord was the APD and would go over airchecks with me.  The man was always positive and made you feel good everytime you left his office.  

Most recently, Gord came to work in our building as an announcer for COOL 880.  The first time we saw each other in our kitchen area was just like old times.  We talked about radio, family and friends and as usual, Gord was unselfish and spent the conversation complimenting me and other people we had the pleasure of working with.  If I could see 6 months into the future I would have used that time to tell him how much he meant to me and so many others.

He will be missed and condolences to Audrey and the kids.

Wow, this is a tough one. I still remember sitting with him in the K-LITE studios talking about the days when he was on LG and I was a rug rat listening to him. We lived down the street from each other in those days and didn't know each other. When we did get to know each other he was a great mentor, and a great friend. I don't think I've met a man who had been in radio that long and had nothing but GOOD stories to pass along to everyone, and about everyone. It's tough to find a radio guy who was that positive for that long. Gonna miss you Gord. My condolences to Audrey and the kids.