Vancouver radio and TV host Dave Abbott dies at 74
Vancouver broadcast pioneer Dave Abbott died on Sunday (December 18) at St. Paul’s Hospital. He was 74 years old.
Abbott was born in Dublin, Ireland, and moved to Canada in 1960. By 1964, he began work in radio and developed audiences for CJOR, CKNW, and CJVI (in Victoria). He also worked for RTE (Ireland), SABC (South Africa), BBC (U.K.), and CBC (1965 to 1985).
He covered a wide range stories, including the Six Day War in Israel and the Philippine Revolution, as well as stories in China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, South Africa, and Northern Ireland. His interviewees included U.K. Baroness Margaret Thatcher, Philippine president Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos, Hong Kong’s Li Ka-shing, Mitzi Gaynor, and Bob Hope.
In recognition of his community service, he won the Salvation Army Community Award three times (1972, 1987, and 1993) and the Neighbourhood Community Award in 1986.
In 2000, he published a collection of stories, jokes, and anecdotes called Catch the Irish Laughter.
His column “Travel Diary” was syndicated in 52 newspapers and broadcast on radio, and he worked as a TV host as well.
He was inducted into the B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame at the Orpheum Theatre in 2010 and received a star on the Granville Street Starwalk.
He was also a cofounder of the Harry Jerome Classic and the Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival.
Abbott is survived by his wife, daughter, stepson, and two grandchildren.
You can follow Craig Takeuchi on Twitter at twitter.com/cinecraig.
Comments
5 Comments
DavidH
Dec 19, 2011 at 3:24pm
Like Webster, Bannerman and many others, Abbott was part of a broadcast generation that valued journalism over sensationalism and partisanship. You didn't have to agree with them, but you had to respect their opinions.
Sadly, all private broadcasters have a politial agenda these days, and are tuned out by those who don't share their ideology. As a result, broadcasters now preach only to the choir.
So long, Mr. Abbott.
CurtisL
Dec 19, 2011 at 4:18pm
Always enjoyed working with Dave in the 'OR years...sad to hear of his passing. Happy Trails, Mr. A.
R U Kiddingme
Jan 11, 2012 at 6:57pm
That is too bad. Hey, we still have Ron Bencze
Michael Godin
Jan 12, 2012 at 1:55pm
I was very saddened to hear of Dave's passing, having only seen him at the beginning of November at the RPM lunch Red Robinson and I started many years ago. My sincere condolences to Diane and the family.
Dave, you'll definitely be missed.
Joy McKerr
Jan 16, 2012 at 11:46am
May your God be with you, David K. You were one helluva broadcaster and very fair in your interviews, even though you did not necessarily agree with their opinions. You and Webster, Wasserman, Bannerman and all those of your era were the last of a dying breed. Back in the day, journalism was respected as an honorable profession, thanks to your kind. RIP in your own Innisfree. God Bless!