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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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"
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.
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 Add to my Buddy List Joined on November 8, 2007, 7:55pm
Find latest posts by this member Last Active: March 20, 2008, 2:27pm Last Post: March 14, 2008, 4:26pm Last Private Message: January 11, 2008, 3:28am
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
When it comes to horsepower, too much is just enough. Objects in mirror were not fast enough....
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.
I had the pleasure of working with Gord at the old Mix 96 in Edmonton. I was in one of my early career unemployment phases picking up PT work with Mix in my hometown. My best memory of Gord is how he helped mentor me with coaching and advice through air checks. PT overnight fill in guys can feel off the radar thinking their biggest job is making sure the faxed prep sheets are copied and the carts are pulled for the upcoming morning show. Gord never made me feel that way. To have one of radio's greats make time for the overnight guy living in his parent's basement made me feel like I was an important part of the team. When Gord moved on to be a PD in Lethbridge, we kept in touch though never worked together again. My loss.
Rob's note also brought a large smile to my face to see that Gord & Seanna, the morning show for a period of time when I was that PT overnight guy, continued their friendship.
I became a better jock because of Gord. He'll be missed.
I will echo what it seems everyone has been saying about "The Bear". I had the pleasure of working with Gord at King FM/Power 92 in the late 80's and early 90's. He truly was a nice guy and I am sad at his passing. It seemed just the other day he was saying "Hey Ronnie, how's your day going" of course that was years ago... On air today I mentioned his passing on my show at EZ Rock in Edmonton...I completely locked up and started tearing up and had a hard time continuing the break. I will remember the big guy as one of nicest people I have had the pleasure of knowing in and out of the radio business....
The CORUS family was very sad to learn of the death of Gord Robison.
In a career that spanned decades Gord was known as an outstanding broadcaster, a dedicated sports �nut� and a man who believed in the teaching of his craft to the next generation.
The names, of the many he mentored, are scattered across hundreds of Canadian radio stations. Few Canadian broadcasters led the charmed and charming life of Gord Robison, who felt equally at home interviewing rock and roll icons as he did hockey greats!
From east to west, north to south his particular brand of talent is rarely seen in today�s radio stations. Gord mastered every skill, honed every talent and capitalized on every opportunity.
No challenge was too great or too small�he could and would do it all�.. after all he was GORD ROBISON� a great voice has been silenced.. and we miss him.
Gord was one of the biggest influences I've had since I entered this industry over 10 years ago. Much of my success is at least partially due to his guidance early in my career. He gave me my first break, always told it to me straight and consistently earned his reputation as a performer, mentor and person.
The saddest part of this is that I never realized how big of an impact he had until the moment I read of his passing.
All the best to the truly important ones in his life, and farewell...
I would like to add my condolences to Audrey and family on the passing of Gord Robson. Gord was a big guy with an even bigger heart and the nicest person I ever spent five years in the office next door to.
Gord always remembered the names of my kids and what they were doing and was proud to talk about his own children. I have kept in touch with Gord over the years and he was always positive and moving forward.
Wow. What a shocker. Gord was one of the best in the business. I got to know him during our days as PD's for Moffat. His good nature and patience with people was exemplary. I can name throngs of people who benefitted from knowing Gord. You can count me as one of them. My deepest sympathy to Gord's family and many friends.
I'm very happy to read all the great tributes to Gord. Bruce and Rob's posts are right on the money. As a young man starting in the business, Gord "Skip" Robson was a man to look up to. When I would drive into Vancouver and hear him on LG73, I thought he was the best and had the greatest gig in radio! To me, hearing him was an inspiration and I thought to myself,.."Gord Robson is the best....!"
I knew I reached a high point in my career when Gord and I worked shoulder to shoulder at COOL 880. I really was in awe of the fact that Gord Robson and myself were on the air at the same station. I would ask him all about his time in radio and I would revel in his stories. He truly was one of the best and most of all, a good man with a big heart and a tremendous love for radio and his family. If we all had an ounce of his enthusiasm, the sun would shine just a bit brighter.
I knew Gord for a short time but I'm proud to say we became good friends and he considered me one of his peers. That's how Gord was. A very kind hearted soul. He treated people with respect and he was a big gentle bear.
I know he's doing the drive shift in Rock and Roll Heaven.....
My sincerest condolences to Audrey and the children. Gord was my colleague and my friend. He supported me in my first management position with humour, intelligence and comraderie. I miss you, my friend. Sleep well and God Speed!
from Graham Hick's Hicks on Six Edmonton Sun Tuesday March 25th, 2008
SADDER PASSING
Edmonton radio's close-knit "brotherhood of the good guys" is in mourning.
Gord Robson was found dead in his apartment last Friday.
He'd been laid-off from his afternoon-drive job at Cool 880 by Corus Entertainment last Monday with the impending format change from classic pop music to all-news.
Gord, 56, had not been in good health for several years.
Not that well-known outside the industry, his on-air career peaked with CHED in the early '70s and then in Vancouver at CKLG after that.
For the past decade or so, Gord had been in Edmonton, Moose Jaw and Lethbridge before joining Cool 880.
"He was just the nicest guy," says Standard Broadcasting station manager Marty Forbes.
"A true heart of gold. And he had a passion for teaching. He helped so many radio greenhorns learn their craft."
"Gord was kind, considerate, fair. Just a truly loveable guy, a big teddy bear in his healthier days," says close friend Rob Christie, now of Magic 99. "He was almost too nice a guy to be in radio."
No announcement yet on a memorial/funeral service.
I have to concur with all the good things being said. As good a broadcaster as he was, and I too remember listening to him on LG73, his real strength was his ability to make everyone he met feel important.
The last time I saw him was 4 or 5 years ago. He was "betweeen gigs" and stopped in Calgary to reminisce with Hal Gardiner and Billy Powers and extended the invite me as well. I was surprised he even remembered me because I was pretty close to low man on the totem pole in the newsroom (weekend swing) when he was the PD.
I join the others in sending my condolences to Audrey and the kids. The world, not just the radio world, has lost one of its good guys at a time when it seems there already too few.
Oh my God - I'm still in shock. Just logged onto PSR and saw the bad news. I spoke with Gord about a year and a half ago and hoped and prayed that he was on the road to recovery.
Firstly, condolences to Audrey and family. Secondly, to those of you writing tributes to Gord's memory - you're great and have shown Gord to be exactly what he was - a true professional.
I will eternally remember Gord as a great broadcaster and a true gentleman and I'll never forget bumping into him and the twins at a restaurant in Surrey, BC when he was at CKLG. My wife's comments after he left our table - what a gentleman and really nice guy. When we spoke by phone in 2006, he was brutally honest about his addiction issues and I praised him saying that this was a great step towards recovery.
Gord, you're in a better place buddy, but all the same you had a great impact on many down here and we'll miss you. RIP.
Thanks to www.RockRadioScrapBook.ca for allowing us to use there tribute.
In a career that has taken him from Montreal to Vancouver and several points in between, Gord Robson has been a mainstay in Canadian rock radio for four decades. It all started for Robson in 1968 at CKXL Calgary and continued in the 2000s with his duties as PD and morning host at "The River" in Lethbridge, Alta. His career has taken him to such legendary stations as CFOX Montreal, CKRA and CHED Edmonton and CKLG Vancouver.
Robson tells Rock Radio Scrapbook about the CKLG years...
"It was a great radio station with fantastic talent that all went on to great careers. The battle was intense with CFUN. CKNW was #1 and both of us said we were the number-one rock stations and we were both right. Great talent, great programming ... Chuck McCoy at CFUN and his brother Gary Russell at CKLG. Great PD's ... a great time in radio in Vancouver."
I met Gordon S. Robison in 1968, both of us working at CKXL1140. (That was before child labour laws.) In all the years since, he made a point of staying in touch, and I've never met a better friend.
They say no matter how much you love Radio, Radio can never love you back.
But you meant a lot to a whole lot of people, dear friend. RIP
from today's Edmonton Journal Friday March 28, 2008
Gord Robison
ROBISON, Gord It is with great sadness that the family of Gord Robison announce his sudden passing on March 21, 2008 at the age of 56 years. Gord is lovingly remembered by his twin sons Curtis (Andrea) and Brett (Zuzana) and daughter Patricia along with their mother Audrey. Gord was predeceased by his mother Pat and by his father Ron.Being a radio broadcaster for the past 40 years Gord touched many peoples lives.
From his early days at CKXL in Calgary to his final days at CHQT in Edmonton Gord loved being on the air. He was also passionate about mentoring new talent and enjoyed watching them progress in their careers. Gord will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
A Private Family Memorial Service celebrating Gord's life took place on Thursday, March 27, 2008. Inurnment followed in the Riverside Cemetery Columbarium in Vegreville, Alberta.
In lieu of other tributes the "Gord Robson Scholarship Fund" has been set up through the NAIT Radio & Television Program.
Wow, this is sad news. I never knew him on the same level as many who have posted here have, and for that I am envious. My enoounter with him was when he was at CHED. I was in the early years of my career, short-listed for a job there and he did the interview.
I knew nothing of the guy prior to that meeting outside of his name and that he sounded very good on the phone.
When I got there for my interiview, he dug out the demo I had sent, we went over it in detail. He asked some questions about me and came across as a very nice person in that time we were chatting together. I was staying with some staff members of the station while there for the interview, and in spite of them assuring me that Gord was going to be a great guy to go meet with, I was nervous beyond all belief. In that interview, somehow my nervous feeling vanished because of how easy this man was to talk with. My nervousness was put at ease. At the end of it all, I left Edmonton without the job but feeling really good about my radio future. My sit-down with Gord that afternoon was one of the best things that happened to me in my formative years in broadcasting.
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