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02:46 AM EST Nov 21

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Peter Gzowski... your thoughts

A few years ago I found myself trembling in a chair beneath photographs of Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Gordie Howe, Karen Kain, and other icons that Peter Gzowski had interviewed. I trembled because I was not an icon, only my university’s nominee for Mr. Gzowski’s “Best Minds of Our Time” series, selected by Mr. Gzowski for his imminent interview. I was afraid that I lacked the accomplishment or charm or insight of others who sat in this chair, afraid compelling words would not come to me today, afraid I would let Peter Gzowski down.

Mr. Gzowski tried to soothe the trembling teenager that was me at age 48 with the reminiscence of a mutual friend, with the glass of water he gently urged toward me across his carpeted table, with the warmth of his smile and his voice. He seemed to have a cold that morning, struggling to subdue his cough, while encouraging me.

Mr. Gzowski’s first on-air questions were further attempts to place me at ease. He had me talking about my past work as a physician and medical researcher, my recent work as an educator surfacing ethical issues for health care professionals and students through theatre, my current work as co-chair of Health Canada’s Advisory Committee on Reproductive and Genetic Technology.

His genuine friendliness succeeded in calming my trepidation to allow his insightful probing of the complex ethical issues of genetic research. It seemed only minutes before the clock indicated almost an hour had passed and Mr. Gzowski’s eyes indicated that he was seeking the question that would allow me to “wrap up” my thoughts. A pause preceded the widening smile that wrapped me in the warmth of what he knew would be the last question I needed.

“Jeff, last year Wayne Gretzky was sitting in that chair. His wife, Janet, was pregnant so I asked him, ‘Is the next great NHLer soon to be born?’ Wayne responded, ‘Our child will probably look like me and skate like Janet.’ ” Before Mr. Gzowski completed this story, my widening smile mirrored his and my head nodded thank-you. I felt like reaching across the table and giving him a high five, or running around the table and hugging this amazing interviewer for giving me the lead-in I needed. Instead I sat waiting for his question to end before I answered as he somehow knew I would.

“Wayne Gretzky exemplifies what I have been trying to say. His physical build is well below the hockey ideal, yet ‘the Great One’ accomplished more than any hockey player in history. Wayne Gretzky exemplifies why we should not be striving for genetic perfection, for there is, and will never be, a gene for the human spirit.”

Peter Gzowski is the “Great One” of Canadian broadcasting, and more. There is no gene for the human spirit that is Peter Gzowski, the human spirit that helped every person whose life he touched.

Jeffrey Nisker
Co-chair, Health Canada Advisory Committee Reproductive and Genetic Technology

TRIBUTE TO PETER GZOWSKI

Like a comfortable chair or a comfortable shoe your voice beckons to come to a comfortable you. I pause in my motions unwilling to wander or I sit in the car just a few minutes longer with rapt attention, not wanting to miss, begrudging my task that would deny me of this.

Your guests, they are honoured, you treat them with grace,

what a privilege it would be if I could be in their place.

I’m an ordinary person, but I wouldn’t fear, because you elevate ordinary out of it’s sphere. And those of distinction, though you give them their due, you allow them to come down to our common pew.

Our minds, what a journey they take in those hours, from dusty back roads to tall, lofty towers. From hockey to prisons, then kitchens for jam We crisscross the country, you bridge the span. You bring to your courtroom those denied justice. With the stories they tell, you compellingly trust us to rise up and be challenged, to take a stand and speak for the voiceless in our native land.

Now it’s time for some letters before we go to the news, So Shelagh, you begin now, which one did you choose? Guest musicians, poets, a book writer or two, you launched their careers with your interviews.

It was relaxing to listen, the easy rapport, we confidently waited for what was in store. An impromptu concert, someone’s voice a little off key it was good for a chuckle, now who could that be!?

The people you’ve touched now some have found fame, you gave of yourself and we all have changed. You might argue, banter, tease and cajole, what feelings you drew out of all of our souls.

Proudly we claim you, you are ours, n’est pas? Now we all stand taller as we sing O Canada. You made us proud of our country in our humble way, now it is our turn to thank you and to have our say We love you Peter, we’re so proud of you too, There’s a place in our hearts left only for you.

Like a comfortable chair or a comfortable shoe, your voice beckons to come to a comfortable you. We’ve come home in your presence and we want to stay too, just a little bit longer, please, Peter, here with you.

With all of Canada, I am mourning our loss of Peter. Thank you to the CBC, Shelagh and all of the others who have helped us remember and honour him over the past few days.

Although I never met him, he was one of my best friends. He understood me. What is more important is that he was one of the best friends of countless Canadians. How we shall miss him! Who can measure his impact on this country, and on unnumbered individual lives? The number of letters you are receiving attests to the depth of grief in this country and the significance of our loss. It is comforting to me to know that my feelings are shared by so many.

Peter, again you have united us from sea to sea to sea. May knowing how much you were loved and how precious is your legacy help to strengthen and comfort your family and friends now and in the days and weeks to come.

Myrna Stanford
Calgary

Peter approached everything, each interview, each topic, and each person with an almost childlike eagerness, in other words a completely open and unbiased attitude. In doing so, he caused many of us to confront attitudes and, yes, prejudices which we had learned in our growing up. In confronting and questioning, we came to new understandings.

I am sure many of us, on first hearing of a topic or a guest, had our pre-formed ideas of how we would feel and had already reached our conclusions, based on how we’d been brought up and what we learned to believe at home. Consequently, we discovered, after hearing Peter’s eager and balanced interview, how much our beliefs had changed. Whether the issues were of separatism, race, politics, religion or whatever, we learned a great deal from him, without realising it!

He brought us together, and taught us. For that we are always grateful. It will be important, as a legacy to him, for us to continue to think openly, as he did.

L. Dale Guy
Winnipeg, Manitoba

I have many memories of Peter most of them from my husband who was a long distance truck driver.

He started listening to Peter in the early 80's and upon arriving home after each trip he was full of stories about what he had heard on "the Gzowski show". I came to look forward to these stories and after a short time knew what they would be about because, I too, had started to listen to Peter.

My thanks to Mr. Gzowski for providing an interesting and personal touch of "home" for my husband over the years while he drove those thousands of miles throughout both Canada and the United States.

Marion Hartnett

Its hard to believe we won't be hearing that calming voice anymore, my husband was in Canadian Armed Forces, and while we did three tours in Europe, Peter was always one we listened for on our Canadian Forces Network Radio Station, in Germany, always a treat to listen to him and always kept us in touch with home. He was a "Great Canadian" and will be missed.

I am writing this as I listen to the special tribute to Peter Gzowski on CBC radio this morning. I am moved to tears by the musical tributes. I always enjoyed the musical gatherings of instruments and voices on his show.

Peter was my lifeline when I was home with babies and toddlers during the late seventies. As a “stay at home mom” Peter kept me informed, entertained humoured and sane. I couldn’t always listen with full attention of course yet he was always there with us.

Peter was the father of patriotism in my view. He celebrated being a Canadian and encouraged his listeners to do the same. He loved Canada and its people wholeheartedly.He seemed equally at home with the Prime Minister or an Inuit elder; a poet or an aboriginal trapper on the land. Peter linked us from sea to shining sea.

When I moved to Yellowknife I knew that perhaps my father in southern Ontario or my friends in St. Johns and Winnipeg or my first born son in Vancouver were all listening to Morningside. We were all connected.. Radio is one of the last remaining threads weaving this country together.. Peter Gzowski made radio seem so easy and natural. There can be no other like him with that warm, rich, familiar presence when I tuned in to CBC morning with a steaming cup of java.

Thankyou Peter ,for making a difference in my life and in the life of our country. Breathe easy on your journey.

Nancy Cymbalisty
Yellowknife

I have been listening to Peter for almost all of my adult life, and will miss his humour, directness, and respectfulness. One never felt, in listening to Peter interview thousands of people, that he was one who had to have the upper hand. His voice conveyed, if such a thing is possible, twinkling eyes and the cuddliness of a teddy bear.

Over the past several days, I have listened to many of the tributes paid to Peter by friends, colleagues, politicians, and more. To these people, I must say, "Thank-you." You have made time to share your thoughts and stories with the rest of Canada, at a time when you may really have wished to be alone with those thoughts. I appreciate this, and want you to know that, in doing so, you are carrying on in exactly the way I imagine Peter would have.

To all of you, and to Peter's family, my thoughts are with you. Thank you all for sharing one more glimpse of this wonderful Canadian with the rest of us.

Janet McCluskey
Prince Rupert, B.C.

I only wrote once to Peter Gzowski. It was shortly before he left Morningside. I wrote to ask him to do a piece about school libraries in Canada -- a subject close to my heart. Shortly after, I was contacted by one of the producers to suggest names of people to interview and the program was squeezed into his last few months on Morningside. I was very grateful for the support that effort indicated.

As with many Canadian topics he supported publicly on air, it was like the proverbial pebble thrown into the pond. I have no idea how much positive effect that show had on behalf of school libraries and teacher-librarians, but I believe it certainly did not hurt the cause and may well have influenced a few minds.

The CBC and Morningside, and before that, This Country in the Morning, were and are very important to me. They make me feel connected to other Canadians across our wonderful country. This was particularly so for me the year I spent on sabbatical on Vancouver Island, far from my home in Ontario. To turn on the radio and find the CBC and Morningside brought a sense of familiarity and comfort.

When I was home for a few years in the early ''70s as a homemaker with a young daughter, This Country in the Morning was my intellectual stimulation. I could be cleaning, cooking, doing the wash (rarely the ironing) and, at the same time, I could be keeping up with current events, a new musician, a familiar author with a new book or some amusing nonsense that appealed to Peter. When I decided that my circumstances required that I return to full-time employment as a teacher-librarian, one of my greatest regrets was that I would not be able to listen to This Country in the Morning on a regular basis. I was delighted when someone brightly decided to repeat the best of Morninside in the evenings and I try to catch it as often as possible.

Only the CBC could provide Canadians with a program such as Morningside and a person like Peter Gzowski to entertain, teach, inform, amuse, challenge, and comfort us. My thanks to all concerned and my condolences to Peter Gzowski's family, friends and work associates. He left us all too soon ....

Barbara Strachan
Brechin, ON

Thank you for all the "moments" on air since Peter died. When he retired - we were sad and missed him dreadfully. We have enjoyed hearing his voice again on the old tapes, as well as listening today to Cross Country Checkup.....such marvelous stories and remembrances by people across the entire country, and we will be listening when Sheila carries on with more old tapes this coming week. Today, we laughed hard over the Stuart McLean and the cricket interview.....and cried when Peter interviewed the autistic lady.

We hardly missed a day once we were retired.....(wish we had retired earlier) and CBC was on every radio around the house (did not want to miss anything). We took 3 winter (1 month to 2 month) holidays.....and it was so wonderful to be back near the border and hear Peter Gzowski's voice, and wonderful to know we would soon be back in Canada!

Our condolences to his family and all the rest of Canada! We have lost a great one.

David and Doreen Murray
Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C.

I just couldn't let the day pass without writing a few words about someone who was a very special part of my life everyday. I am, among other things, a mom whose children were born and growing during the 1990's. Morningside, but particularly Peter, was such an integral part of everyday. Not only did he keep me informed and entertained during some particularly challenging and busy years, but also he provided warm and intellectual companionship. Each morning with Peter was as comfortable as a morning spent with a dear friend. Such a part of our day was Peter that my eldest daughter could say "Peter Gzowski" at the age of two, as easily as pronouncing "dog" or "cat".

Peter, we've missed you, we're sorry you left us so young, and we hope you didn't suffer too long or too much. Thank you for all you've given to us. God speed.

Kris, Micaela & Adrienne

As with many, many other Canadians, Peter was part of my life for years. I am very grateful to the advent of disco music - I despised it so much, I permanently turned away from my usual popular music radio station, and found, serendipitously, CBC and Peter. My regret has been that I hadn't found it sooner - as an immigrant from England I just wasn't aware of there being anything like the CBC, as I hadn't grown up with it, and no one thought to mention it to a young teen bride.

Was Peter aware at the time of the impact he had on so many people? I'm sure I am not the only female, early twenties at the time, who was half in love with him - or at least with the voice, laugh, and comforting presence he had. He was reliable, dependable, always there at the click of the radio on button, always sincere, honest, concerned and caring.

You could say he was the perfect partner - would he get a good laugh out of that statement? I hope so - he had a wonderful laugh, natural and contagious, and by God we are going to miss him. Canada and the world have lost a very special person, and the tobacco companies have claimed yet another victim.

Deirdre Burrows
St. Catharines, ON

The last broadcast of Morningside saw me sitting in my car listening outside my office in Laval, Quebec.I returned inside and was feeling sad and sentimental. I talked about the last program of Morningside to everyone,most of whom were francophone.They didnt know who he was!Peters Canada was unfortunately English Canada.

Last night when I arrived home in St. Lazare,Quebec and turned on Politics with Don Newman I heard the news.I cryed.I was alone as my wife is traveling.So I played the CD from the Morningside Years,flipped through Peters books in my library,many autographed(oh how I remember the excitement of a new Morningside book),found my LP set of the celebration of 50 years of CBC radio and listened to Peter talk about his dad, and poured myself a glass of wine and toasted to the passing of a Canadian Icon.

As I sit in an office tower in downtown Montreal Rex Murphy was right when he said last night that it wont be the same in the morning.Canada has lost of one of her greatest sons.

Thank you Peter!

Gary Waterfield
St. Lazare,Quebec

I started listening to Peter as a high school student. I think that it was a bit unusual for a jock to listen to CBC am radio.

As a first generation Canadian, I believe Peter Gzowski did more to bring Canada alive to me than all my travels and education combined.

I am also a born again christian and never did I feel that he was condecending to my beliefs, as often happens in todays liberal media. He had a way of seeing through the emotion of so many issues that divide us and revealing the essence and fact of the matter. I found I could listen to him talk about anything in this broad, diverse and pluralistic society that we live in, like I could listen to my father.

It was sad to hear Peter retire from radio, we will never hear a voice like his again. It was deeply moving to hear of his passing. I will miss him. God give you peace, Peter Gzowski, God give you peace.

Thomas Borer
Edmonton, AB

I can still see myself anxiously waiting for my name to be called to the dentist chair. Once I heard my name I could feel my heart racing and the sweat pouring down my face. The one thing I could relax with was the raspy yet calming voice of Peter Gzowski in the background. As I sat there experiencing various instruments protruding out of my mouth, I would often feel calm as I obsorbed myself in the conversations hosted my Mr. Gzowski.

The topics moved me and kept me from feeling too afraid in the chair. The funniest part was having to end my appointment before the interview was over and being quite disappointed by this. I had this dentist for many years and although I was nervous, I was kept safe from harm because of Peter Gzowski.

Thank you Mr. Gzowski for saving me.

Susan Mundy
Lower Sackville,Nova Scotia

Peter Gzowski's voice was a part of my mornings for many years - I am 42 years old and have been listening to CBC for as long as I can remember. I enjoyed his inimitable style and his intelligent interchanges with his guests. I missed him when he left the show and now I miss him again. Please convey my condolences to his family, both personal and professional.

Nancy Burton-Vulovic

This is a sad day for me as I come to the realization that the voice of Peter Gzowski, a voice I came to intimately know and love, is now silenced.

From the very first day of "This Country in the Morning" in the early 70's to the finale of "Morningside", Peter's voice followed me from Halifax to Toronto to Ottawa to Edmonton and back again, and remained for me in all of those moves, as the spouse of a military officer, a constancy and a great comfort. As long as I was able to turn on CBC radio, and listen to Peter, I knew all was right in my world.

One program that I vividly remember was broadcast on "This Country in the Morning" in 1970 something. Peter assembled (on air) three or four listeners from various locales in the Country to help him make a pot of soup (of all things) from scratch. The participants started out with the browning of soup bones and the frying of onions early in the program, and as the morning wore on, Peter checked back with his soup-makers to monitor their progress. By the end of that morning, I as a listener, was convinced I could smell the delicious smells Peter described as emanating from those soup pots. A silly memory, but the best example I have of how tuned into Peter his listeners were.

It has been said that there is no one in this world who is irreplaceable. Perhaps. But, I know the genuineness, warmth, and empathy of Peter Gzowski as a broadcaster and interviewer, will not come our way again.

I mourn the loss of Peter like I would a close friend or a brother. May he rest in peace.

Lorraine Cantlie
Ottawa

I delighted in the education and the entertainment that this great Canadian provided myself and all Canada. He introduced Canada to Canada.

I grew up with Peter on radio and television, he was always a delight. He seemed to be able to ask the hard questions and get the answers, even from the politicians.

He will be sadly missed and I grieve for those who will now grow up with out his wise words.

Kathy Doherty
Windsor, Ontario

I am mourning because I have lost my best friend. For many years while my husband we a young executive and moving up the ladder we moved from town to town. I was a "stay at home Mom" the children in school and until I made some friends, Peter's was the only familiar voice I heard all day. He surely got me through many lonely days. I loved him because he made me laugh everyday. (I'm glad you're there now Sheila). A faithful listener.

Lois Butler
Bath, On

As an immigrant to this country 33 years ago Peter and CBC Radio were instrumental in showing me what this country was all about -- what its cultural geography, and physical geography were all about.

In 1972, on the first Christmas morning in our new old house in rural Nova Scotia, I sat on the floor of my kitchen [have no idea why the floor] and listened to This Country In The Morning. The show had arranged to have people in the CBC studios of one major city in each province ready to give greetings to the country. So it started in Vancouver with the first merry and cheery group shouting out a lusty "Merry Christmas!"; then to Edmonton or Calgary, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal or Quebec, Saint John, Halifax, Charlottetown, and lastly Saint John's; each province trying to get louder than the last. By the time "we" got to Halifax I was feeling the emotion building inside me; by Saint John's I was in tears. I was amazed at the sense of connection I suddenly had to everyone across the country; I had a seemingly tangible experience of the geography of my new country, and I knew this sort of thing could never occur in my country of birth, the U.S.

This Country In The Morning, and Morningside, with Peter's guidance, became so wonderfully interactive. I sent a response to an item once and had my letter read over the air and published in one of the Morningside Papers. I loved the way he brought the North, previously pretty much ignored, into the radio fold.

And, on my resume I have written as an 'accomplishment' that I was interviewed on the radio by Peter Gzowski. He was generous and non-judegmental. Of course we will miss him, but his legacy is large.

Leslie Hauck
West Jeddore, NS

I am writing this email, after finding out that the most profound Canadian in my life has passed away! I truly miss him...as words can not begin to describe. I actually could never listen to radio again with any kind of deavotion after the end of "morning side".

Just a note to say how sorry I am about the death of Peter Gzowski. When I was at home with three small children during the 1980's he really kept my sanity at times. His comforting voice was always there on the radio no matter how chaotic or busy things were at home. When I went back to work and couldn't always listen in the mornings I really missed him. When he retired in 1997, then I really really missed him.

When I heard last night of Peter's passing I was overwhelmed with memories of Morningside which I would listen to as I travelled to Trials and Hearings across Nova Scotia. What I missed in the morning I would catch on the return trip through the Best of Morningside. His voice was warming and comforting regardless of the subject, be it humerous or serious. He captured the conscience of Canadians. I also had the honour of meeting him through his Literacy Golf Tournaments in Nova Scotia. His work in that area made a great impact in this province.

I would urge the CBC to honour him by playing one of his interviews every week at a designated time to help us to remember a great man.

Scott C. Norton
Halifax, NS

Every morning I would turn the radio on in the car and at the office and listen to Morningside. His voice would break through the beginning of the day with the kindness and familiarity I have rarely heard.

Whether it was interviewing the politician of the day, The Morningside Panel, "bare naked" musical guests or the prophetic voice of Leonard Cohen, each was approached with a willingness to listen and learn and in doing so impart that lesson to his audience.

Each of his many guests over the years on Morningside I am sure have many very fond memories. I felt in many ways like a guest as well, invited to be part of lively, often funny but always edifying conversations that have left me with many of my own very fond memories. His voice, his laughter, and his understanding of what being a Canadian is will be missed but never forgotten.

Like many other ordinary Canadians, I too am mourning the loss of Peter Gzowski. What a shame. What a loss. It is truly premature and tragic!

I can still remember listening to Peter's first program on Morningside and his comment of "waiting for eight years." Naturally, I was there for his last show. Although I just couldn't watch it on television - it had to be through the radio.

Because of my work, I couldn't listen to all his programs - although I tried. However, I remember many moments where I lingered in my vehicle to hear some aspect of his program that "I just couldn't miss!" His show was like that - it held onto you. You felt that you were "online" with the rest of Canada.

I own two of "The Morningside Papers." I go back to them from time-to-time to help me remember that "feeling." The letters portion of the program was one of my favourites - among many favourites. The books help me to re-read my favourite letters.

I think that Peter made me realize that I was a part of a very big and very special country. It was special because of our differences and Peter helped us appreciate those differences. His enthusiasm for Canada was contagious and I loved being caught up and made a part of that enthusiasm for a short time each weekday morning.

I have missed Peter ever since 1997. Now, if it is possible, I will miss him even more.

Lloyd Hussey
Paradise, Newfoundland

I was so sad to hear of Peter's death yesterday from lung disease. He was a compassionate, thoughtful, respectful host, and I am sure, man in general.

I found C.B.C. radio through his voice, turning the dial one morning while raising my brood of four. He kept me company and made me laugh and made me think about a lot of things. The greatest impact, though, that he has had on my life, is a personal committment to literarcy that has led me to volunteer at my kid's school once a week in the afternoon. I go in to the grade two class, the gateway to reading, in my mind, and I pull students out, one at a time and we read together. They are some of the most enjoyable hours of my week and I have often thought of Peter and literacy when I am there.

Peter was a gift.

Colette Maitland

I was a stay-at-home mom for nearly 10 years with my three children. Peter Gzowski and Morningside is forever part of my memories of colic, first steps and first days at school. During the times I craved adult company, Peter was there to keep me thinking, laughing and learning. He will be missed but never forgotten.

Gina Hall
St Catharines, Ontario

Thank you Mr. Gzowski Sir. It was a wonderful time.

I listened with passion to the Political Panels. I laughed with the whimsical stories of Stuart McLean, I cried when stories read by Peter and Shelah touched the heart. It was truly a community from sea to sea to sea. From the Red River Flood to the golf games in the North, to the book reviews it was simply grand.

Why, I even learned that my Mom had taught me correctly to iron a shirt - I followed step by step as Peter learned on air!

He united the Country as no politician has even done - oh for a million more like him. Thank you Peter.

Dorothy Durant
Ottawa, Ontario

I am writing from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. I am a fond fan of CBC radio! I just read on CBC News On Line about the death of Peter Gzowski.

I remember well my mornings back in 1987/1988. My husband and I moved from Ontario to Vancouver Island with our baby son. We spent almost a year exploring our country. We travelled to the Yukon and then crossed the country to PEI. It was Peter and Morningside that kept us in touch with the rest of the world. We were regular listeners. Where ever we went that year I could hear about the various people and events that were shaping our nation.

I remember well our 6 months in PEI living in an isolated community. My husband would leave to go to work at the Atlantic Wind Test Sight and I stayed home to care for our son. As the fall winds hollowed outside the cabin where we lived and my son slept I would turn on the radio and listen to Peter and Morningside. I remember well some of those famous interviews. He will be sadly missed!

Even in Saudi Arabia the Canadian expats are mourning the loss of a vital Canadian.

Sending sad thoughts and condolences from the other side of the world to my fellow Canadians.

Memories longer than a rule route road, I am saddened by Peter's parting. A Canuck by all standards, a gentleman to boot!

Not as hyper-active as kd lang, not as flamboyant as Stompin' Tom, not as rockin' as Neil Young - but he touched them, and all of us - with his sincerity, sense of humour and strong sense of self. Peter was Peter and there will NEVER be another one. Lest we forget.

Even living so far away, I share your sadness, Canada.

Emily Huckson
SaiGon, VietNam

Like so many others, I knew Peter through radio, television and books. Like so many others, I was introduced to so many great Canadian performers and I gained insight into our vast land with its diversities and wonders, through Peter Gzowski's mind, heart and interests.

Peter is free now and we are left with our sorrows. Great condolences to his family and to his friends. We will miss him.

Diane Owen
Wiarton, On.

It saddened my heart as a Canadian to hear of the passing of Peter Gzowski. I have lost a great friend. He didn't know it. We only met once briefly after one of his many appearances here in Halifax. I treasure a postcard he sent me after I wrote into his show once.

I was a faithful listener of Canada's great listener. I have travelled this country. When I listened to Peter interviewing people from small towns and big cities from across Canada it amazed me how he got it right.

He allowed people to bring the heart and soul of their community to other Canadians. He made me doubt the apathy of Canadians.He cajoled us into learning and caring about each other. He is the thread that bound the pieces of this crazy quilt we call Canada together.

His curiosity about us was infectious. A true example of how all of us could be better Canadians. It starts with just listening..warm-hearted honest listening. Thanks Peter ...for making me a better Canadian.

Heather Morrison Halifax, Nova Scotia

It is with great sadness to hear of Peter Gzowski's passing. It seemed if I could hear him on the radio things would be okay. When my husband and I moved to Montreal from Hampton , N.B. a few years ago and I didn't know anyone, as soon as I found the CBC radio station and Peter it seemed like I had my family there and it was home.

I too have set in parking lots listening because it was so interesting and I wouldn't want to miss a word. He will be missed terribly.

Carol de Hoog
Sydney, N.S.

As we shed tears at Mr. Gzowski's passing, I would like CBC to know that this is not the first time we have mourned over Peter. I was extremely emotional when he said his last good-bye on Morningside. His departure left a great void in our lives. Peter's immediate successors were poor choices, since they lacked his humility and warmth. Very soon after he left, I stopped listening. Since that time, I occasionally tune in, but never feel the connection to Canada that I felt when Peter was the host.

I am from small town Ontario, and always felt part of something bigger when I listened to morningside. With sadness I say one last good-bye to Peter.

Peter Gzowski is not dead.I refuse to believe it.Over the years as I plied my trade as a lesser known Canadian writer, Peter was always there on the radio showing me the way to reality.

Not one for mincing words or offering praise when it wasn't warranted Peter was an inspiration to those of us who aspired to be like him minus the curmudgeon exterior and heart of gold.

Once I wrote to him about what it was like to live with the threat of generational Lou Gerhrigs and how ominous it felt to wonder if my number was the next one to be picked in my family and that I would die a horrible death. He read it on air but he did more than that, he wrote me back personally.He was like that. Untouchable on so many levels yet touched by many.Its a wonder the man ever managed to stay sane as the nation laid at his feet all the atrocities real or imagined that befell us.

One thing I know for sure...Peter Gzwoski is not dead.He will live on in my heart forever.His books are here in Ireland on my bookshelf, his voice engraved in my head,his words are now a part of my words.Writers and housewives , farmers and fishermen and lawyers will make him a living memory that will become a part of our history.The culture of our country is intrinsically connected to Peter quite simply because he made us all realize..that if you don't know where you have been as a country or as an individual ..then you sure as hell don't have a clue where you are going.

Love Live Peter Growski

Sheree Gillcrist
Dublin Ireland now
Saint John New Brunswick up until 2 years ago

With great sadness I heard of your passing tonight. Yours was a special soul that was insightful enough to touch most if not all Canadians from coast to coast to coast. It was your brand of humour and intelligence over the radio that I was introduced to at a young yet appreciative age. A follower I became in every sense.

I like to believe that through your introduction I became excited to hear of stories from small communities to large cities throughout this country of ours. Enough so that I began searching these place and stories for myself. You connected us all through your literature, television programs and your radio broadcasts. Thank you for so many good times full of laughter, contemplation and tears. All will be remembered for there true meaning I feel you were trying to convey.... 'We are ALL Canadians, love and learn from one another'. You will be missed.

Neil Hinchey
Calgary, Alberta

I am an overseas Canadian and I know that I will miss Gzowski.

He was such a welcome voice on the radio when I came back to see my parents. He was a part of us travelling through the rockies, through out canada and listening to him at his kitchen table was so welcoming.

I will really miss him.

It was with a sense of great sadness that I read about the death of Peter Gzowski. I am a Canadian living in Poland who's biggest regret about living overseas is the lack of CBC Radio in my home all day every day as it was when I lived in Canada.

On the top of my list of Canadian programes was Peter Gzowski's Morningside. I used to cherish the days when I was home sick from work so I could listen to his gentle, but always to the point, interviews. My evenings when I was at work were always reserved for "the Best of Morningside" where I could catch up with all the visitors of the day.

Perhaps the most memorable series of interviews I have ever heard was the one with Donna Williams, the remarkable woman who gave listeners a unique perspective on her life as an autistic person. Peter's ability to make his guests comfortable was undoubtedly challenged with these interviews but he was able draw her out to reveal to the audience a picture of a very strong young woman with incredible courage.

Peter Gzowski will be sorely missed by all Canadians. For me, and I think many Canadians not currently living in Canada, he is part of the fabric of our memories which we draw out from time to time to savour when we need to feel in touch with our home.

Thank you for allowing me the space to express my feelings. Unlike most Canadians, I must mourn alone as unfortunately his passing is not noted here.

Jeanette Stovel
Kosovo

As Susan Agulark and Silken Laumann said on your special this evening about Peter, he had such an appreciation and curiousity for the people around him. I was fortunate to meet him on his Literacy Golf Tour in Inuvik and was struck with what a genuinely, nice person he was.

He was not just the voice on the radio. He mingled with the citizens of this country and left his mark. I truly admired him.

Leslie Yeager
High River, Alberta

Peter was a major reason for listening to CBC Radio. He was a wonderful interviewer and brought the whole of this vast country together with his show. In his easy way, he asked the questions we wanted to hear. I looked forward to his show with great anticipation and was never disappointed. The news of his passing affected me as if he had been a close friend - I think that's how Canadian's have come to feel about Peter Gzowski.

I have spent the evening watching and listening to tributes to Gzowski, and crying.

I never met him, but I loved Morningside. It was an important part of my life.Because of Peter I felt a connection to parts of this Country I've never visited, and learned about other Canadian artists.

Allison Sloan
Vancouver, B.C.

My husband and I had always listend to the Morningside -like so many others that also did the same, and therefore were great admirers of Peter, as so many others also must have been !

The special day came when our daughter-Sri Chaudhuri,the very first female student in Canada to win the Canada-Wide Science Fair was selected to represent Canada at the Nobel Prize Ceremony in Stockholm,Sweden. We were informed that Sri would be interviewed for the Morningside by none other than Peter Gzowski himself ! It was not only a great day for Sri but also for our whole family ! It was hard to believe how the unique brilliance of Peter's insights about relating to people -and more importantly his power to bring out the most natural and the best -would transform a Canadian icon's interview of an young student into so vibrant and so enjoyable an experience,for both.

In ancient India, the Vedas defined a great teacher as one who is able to "bring all students near -"to his own visions and to their own insights. Peter- as we knew him - did this everyday, making all our mornings so special and radiant with his visions of art and literature,of people and of life and bringing us all near -the renowned and the ordinary ! Thank you Peter for ever from us all !

. Esha, Syamal and Sri Chaudhuri
Calgary

Like most others whose thoughts I've heard in the last few hours, I feel as if I've lost an old friend.

He had been with me through the best and worst of times, through grief and birth, and a memorable solo drive from St. John's to Vancouver when, as I watched the physical Canada in its unfamiliar variety unfold through the windshield, his voice was a daily reminder that this was all my country too.

I loved how he connected us all. And we felt connected to him. Over the years I heard him interview my friends and acquaintances and read their letters. He responded to my wife's account of a 48 hour journey across this country during an airline strike. He was our Peter Gzowski.

I never met him, although as an actor on a few Morningside Dramas I thrilled to hear him say my name occasionally. And I always wondered if somewhere in a studio in Toronto, even as background, even peripherally he might have heard my voice too.

Boyd Norman
Roberts Creek, BC

In 1992 I moved from my home, friends and family in Winnipeg to a new job in Vancouver. One of the first things I unpacked was my stereo. I successfully managed to hook it up. Then I hit the power buttton and started making my way around the dial. A few fuzzy signals. And, there it was. Clear as could be. Peter Gzoski's voice. Comforting and familiar. I listened for a few minutes. Then I smiled. Maybe everything would be OK.

Katherine Kosowan

I first met Peter in Moose Jaw when he was working for The newspaper - our one and only. I was just out of high school and working in the Advertising Department at Sears, ending up as the "Advertising Manager" when the "real" Advt. Mgr. left! I was also doing drama and tried out for one of Peter's productions. He told me I was good, but needed experience and to "go out and find life"! I did. And I never regreted listending to Peter. The best part was he listened to me.

Now I am 62 and have been listening to Peter for years. There are so many memories I don't know where to begin. However, what we will miss is his bringing Canadians together over the airways. We all listened attentively, not always agreeing but respecting his views. When he signed off in Moose Jaw, you knew there were tears throughout the Country.

We as a country will miss him greatly, and each and everyone of us will cherish those memories and stories we have of him.

God Bless you Peter, wherever you are .... a candle will always shine for you.

Nanciann Magnee

My greatest desire was to meet Peter Gzowski. Even more than any other person I had heard or read about. "Sometime," I hoped.

Because, Peter was a real Canadian. And wherever I traveled in Canada I would hear him visit with another Canadian in yonder province, out in the hinterland. Peter's visits always brought comfort, hope and true love for what is Canadian. He was never partisan to any particular doctrine nor any brand of political affiliation.

Therefore as I traveled Canada, I knew that I wanted to be Peter Gzowski! He characterized what I've always wanted to be and do. What a great way to meet Canadians from every part of this wonderful nation. What a great way to talk about everyday things, events both local and national.

I do recall very clearly Peter's last "Morningside ? The Finale" in 1997. I was out in Estevan, Saskatchewan, picking stones in the field. I turned the John Deere off to hear most of the show. When Peter signed off, I stood in the field and joined the studio audience and clapped for the next five minutes!

When I came to Canada in 1972, I found three elements of Canadianism. It was the snow, hockey and Peter Gzowski. He has created in me a true sense of patriotism which I have emulated and will pass onto future generations. Thank you Peter.

Bill Chapman
Coaldale, Alberta

There seems to be deep inside each of us Canadians a craving for recognition and the desire to be appreciated. Peter helped us by using his soothing voice to gently build our self-esteem. We came to sense and gain thorough interviews that assurance of what it means to be a Canadian; plus, a greater love and respect for what Canada really is.

He exposed us to ourselves, and we became addicted to this openness and frank therapeutic examination of reality which lifted many burdens of life and instructed us on the joy of life as any good master teacher would do. He listened, rather than lecturing, or being judgmental; however, he also would not hesitate to ask those thought provoking questions which motivated us all to do more, as well as himself, to find out what it means to be a Canadian, and provide our a contribution.

Thank you, Peter Gzowski.

I remember listening to Peter in the summer of 1986. I began listening down at the lake. I spent most weekends at Victoria Beach (lake Winnipeg). I would go for my morning run,shower and with my cup of coffee in hand I would settle be the fireplace and listen to Gzowski. He had the neatest voice I had ever heard. You felt like he was personally talking with you. It was the best Canadian history class I would ever attend.

A few years later I had my 3rd child. I had a terrible post partum depression and that program was my life line. No matter how I felt, this was a show that could help me escape my problems. I just loved it. I was sad when he finally went off the air.

He actually got me hooked on listening to the cbc. I always felt even if I couldn't travel to other parts of Canada I knew what was going on there. He made you feel Connected. In the past few months I saw him on Pamela Wallin. The show was about addictions and only then did I realize how sick he was. At first when I saw this I felt he looked so old and feeble. I felt sorry for him but then he spoke and it was the same Peter I had come to know. I will miss his presence in Canada. I feel lucky to have lived when he was so present on the radio.

I was watching the cbc news program tonight where they were remembering their most memorable moments with Peter. I was remembering mine, as I'm sure many viewers were.

In 1993, at the age of 18, I was entering into my second term of Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan. Having done poorly on my first term exams I was forced to make the decision many first year engineering students have to make, to drop out of school. This decisions was very hard on my self esteem, in the past always being an excellent student, I had failed and school was no longer an option until the fall semester. I found myself at home, alone, during minus 40 weather in Saskatchewan, and then listening to Morningside. Listening to Peter every morning made me feel that I had a reason to get out of bed and carry on with something productive during the day. As many people have said, I felt that he was talking to me and I no longer felt alone. He had stimulating conversations about anything and everything, motivating me to find a positive twist on my situation, to volunteer at organizations in need that I previously would not have had the time.

Now ten years later, my world is settled, university degree obtained (in Environmental Studies and Economics, NOT Engineering!) I am very sadden to know of our great Canadian loss. There will never be any one else like him, we can all only take what he gave too us and strive to be as passionate as he was. Now may be too late to say thanks, but I will anyway.

Love Emily Damberger

I started listening to Peter shortly after I graduated from University over 20 years ago. Not having travelled much, I heard from him about a Canada and world that was so much bigger and so much richer than I had been exposed to. He made me laugh.

While I birthed and reared four children, he entered our home and exposed us to ideas, to people, to music, to laughter. His curiosity wetted my own and I found I often would go to a library to find a book or author or cassette that he had showcased. He made a difference in my thinking as a Canadian and as a human being. As I heard him discuss issues with sincere kindness towards others and sensed his humanity, I felt an acceptance as a listener with all my foibles and ignorance and uninformed opinions.

I seldom missed his program. I read his articles in Chatelaine. Those writings instilled in my a desire to make learning and literacy a passion in my own circle of influence. My sincere sorrow at his passing. Thank you Peter for touching me and mine.

Bonnie White
Calgary, Alberta

I became acquainted with Peter Gzowski listening to Morningside while driving around my sales route in rural Alberta the year the show hit the airways. Since then, I eagerly searched for CBC AM in Ottawa, Winnipeg, Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Charlottetown, Edmonton, Yellowknife, and many places in between, including Morningside, Alberta.

That's how I also became acquainted with Dalton Camp, and Stephen Lewis, and Stewart McLean, and Sheila Rogers, and, singers, and writers, and bakers, and rodeo riders, and well, the list could go on for a good long time.

It's also where I became acquainted with what it means to me to be Canadian. I can't hold back the tears as I write this because no one has ever given me such a gift.

My heartfelt thanks to all who allowed Peter to be himself.

Today, Peter Gzowsky died and I wept. I first met him on 'This Country in the Morning'. With three children under six, my days were spent wiping noses and washing floors between trips to school and kindergarten. It was Peter who helped me get through the morning. The radio in the kitchen, living room and bedroom were all tuned to his assuring voice. When I left the house, the car radio kept us in touch. He was talking just to me; he understood me; he was -- simpatico.

I was a little in love with him of course. Wasn't every stay-at-home mother? Even after the children were grown, he was there. In fact, I was a grandmother five times before he retired from Morningside. I missed him then and I miss him now.

Peter, you enriched so many of us for so many years, we are loath to let you go. You may be gone physically, but you will always live in our hearts. Goodbye, dear friend and thank you for your understanding.

Valerie Walker
Calgary

When, at times, I grew discouraged by the antics of Canada's politicians or business leaders, a morning spent with Peter would bring back the realization that they are not Canada. Canada is rather the people from all across this country who really make the contributions worth celebrating and remembering.

Thank you CBC for being the catalyst that gave us Peter Gzowski.

Gordon F. Cummer
Waterloo, Ontario

Peter meant so much to me and my family. He was a daily and wonderful part of out lives ever since the days of 'This Country In The Morning and then the fifteen years of 'Morningside'. He gave us SO much.

Is it too early to think of a way in which we could honour his memory? My first thought was to rename the trans Canada Trail after him as it touches, as Peter did, every province and territory in the country.

THE PETER GZOWSKI TRANS-CANADA TRAIL sounds appropriate to me

Brenda Macgregor
Winnipeg

We have lost our voice.

This is simply an unfathomable loss...he was a friend...he personified a nation's conscience...he gave us all a sense of grounding and most importantly, no matter what we faced, he made us all feel comfortable and safe to be just *us*.

Canada has had several national treasures that gave us identity...the railway, the medical plan, and our beloved CBC which with apologies to so many wonderful on-air and behind the scenes people- was best personified by Peter Gzowski ... losing so much makes me fear for my country.

In his memory we must try to hold fast to what it is that holds this precious Canadian tapestry together. We all are bereft and we have all lost someone who gave us a national "glue".

Thankyou Peter. You were so much loved by us all.

Gera Scott Chandler
Steveston, BC

What more can be said than what has already been said on Radio and TV. Canada nay the World has lost a great human being. For me, a very familiar voice on the radio interviewing people from all corners. The powerful to the unknown until on Morning Side.

My mind wondered tonight while walking the dog, what tribute could be raised to honour the persona. His greatest joy was literacy. Providing for people to learn to read, a very great gift indeed.

Ron Jensen
Swift Current,Saskatchewan

As wonderful stories about Peter pour in, I am afraid that one will be lost.

Peter talked about incest with the same insight and honesty that he brought to all of his interviews. I remember him talking with Elly Danica, author of "Don't". I cried through that and many other conversations he had with incest survivors.

One day I finally wrote to him to thank him and tell him my story. It was a topic he had covered often by then and I didn't expect to hear from him. I just wanted him to know that he had touched my life.

A few days later, I received an email from him saying that he was putting my letter in a file to use in future show and aksing my permission.

Peter, left Morningside shortly after and I never found out what he had planned to do with my letter. But that didn't matter. He had talked to Canada about a terrible disease that tears our families apart from the inside out and he had given victims of incest something few other people had. He had listened. He had believed. He had acted.

Thank you, Peter.

Sheilagh Hagens
Hamilton, Ontario

I was one of the lucky ones, knowing Peter Gzowski. Fortunately that number of the elect included everyone who tuned in "This Country in the Morning," "Gzowski & Co.," on CBC TV, and "Morningside." However I did actually know Peter. I was the first Montreal story editor for "This Country in the Morning," and had a regular Montreal arts beat on the show. Later, in television, I worked with him on two shows for "Gzowski & Co".

So I spent some personal, and some professional time with Peter Gzowski, and was the better for it. He helped me with my writing, showing me how to give a script that extra, specific twist, turning a cliche into something that grabbed your attention. I loved his sense of humour, and most of all I loved his intelligent, passionate commitment to Canada.

There was a time in the seventies, and again in the eighties when I thought that Peter Gzowski was one of the prime reasons that this disparate, different, string of cities and provinces and towns hung together. He was quite simply a wonderful human being who loved to laugh, loved a good argument, and made us all care about this place, this Canada. Thank you Peter.

Trudeau, Richler, Shuster and now Gzowski. Canada's soul has suffered yet another blow. My faith tells me we as Canadians will rise to the occasion and find stewards to continue the patriotic work these men stood for.

Michael Holm
Mississauga, Ontario

on behalf of Iranian Muslims center in exile- Canada and as a Canadian I would like to express our condolence regarding the death of Mr. Peter Gzowski the voice standing for Canada" who has done a lot for multiculturalism in Canada.

Saeed Soltanpour

As a Canadian far from the CBC, it hurt somehow even more to hear of the loss of Gzowski. I can't share with so many other Canadians the sorrow that I would be feeling listening to the stories while driving back from Ottawa to Beckwith Township on Highway 7; listening in our farm kitchen to clips of the many special pieces that he had done.

So many of us saw Canada reflected in the people Peter interviewed, we nurtured our quiet Canadian nationalism listening to his comforting voice. That voice was an anchor, a point of orientation in our day to day lives. I naively thought I was alone as a veterinarian with my van's radio station fixed permanently on CBC, especially to listen to Gzowski.

Working in Manila, I am especially proud, in a Canadian way, to be here working in global public health. I know that I would not be quite so clear about what being a Canadian is, if I had not known Gzowski. Thanks Peter

Dr Kelly M Butler
Manila Philippines

I prayed when I heard Peter was ill , I wept this evening when I heard he died. It was the same sad feeling I had when morningside would end for the summer. I remember how I looked forward to Peter returning in the fall.

Having come from an abusive background (an abusive father) I found myself thinking of Peter as the kind of father I would have like to have. One interview he did stood out in my mind. The one with the girl who was autistic. Peter, if I recall right was one the few people she could connect with. He brought out the best in this girl and his interview helped one to understand a very misunderstood disability.

The episode with stewart McLean and the cricket in the jar was hilarious. I felt connected with Peter, after all I listened to him for over 20 years. I send my condolences to his family. I am sure they will derive much comfort in knowing how much Peter was and is loved by Canadians everywhere.

Louise Boucher
Arnprior, Ont

It is a great joy to me that I heard more than a few of Peter's programs. It is a sadness that I was not able to hear more. It is a real sorrow that we, none of us, will hear him again.

I came to Canada, with a young family, in 1975. The intimate years of Morningside, and Peter's conversations with me always served to reaffirm that I had come to a good place, and a great land. I always relished those stolen days from work, when I could listen for three full hours to people and stories that interested me.

I will be eternally grateful for being introduced to so many interesting fellow Canadians, from all walks of life. I am thankful to Peter for representing the best in us, and our concerns, our quintessential reasonableness, thoughtfulness and straight forwardness.

A good friend had a custom Kevlar canoe built for him by a small company of craftsmen. Accepting an invitation to visit the "works' during the building of his boat he said he knew it would be a good boat, the builders were listening to Morningside.

Thank you Peter, and Au revoir….

Terry Day
Newmarket, Ontario

I will never forget his voice his laugh. Although I am saddened by his death I sit here with a smile . He made me laugh on so many occasions ,like when Sheilgh Rogers would read a comical letter and he would try to muffle his laugh.I simply adored Peter Gzowski. He was a great Canadian ,a great patriotic booster.

Peter Gzowski was such a remarkable person. At the age of 28 he brought me into the "CBC radio family" of listening to intelligent people discoursing on so many issues but through his humour and intelligence caught the attention of a young person and that attention held with him over the decades.

I remember his rumbling voice and his humour; and the dignity that he brought to every interview, and the dignity that he bestowed on the interviewee, no matter how silly or pretentious or even brilliant their discourse might be.

He was the favourite uncle; the devoted dad. He saw this country and its peoples for what it was; and he supported them all wholeheartedly. The illerate, the northern peoples, the aboriginals, and all the starving Canadian writers! He had a vision of the North that was superb. He was a pure spirit and my God, he will be missed.

I never thought about the impact one voice could have on my life until I heard about the death of Peter Gzowski. It was the second time in my life that hearing his name brought tears to my eyes.

I grew up watching my father adjust the small brown radio we had in our dining room every morning so he could listen to Morningside as I got ready for school. The words were never important, but the memories of my dad slowly preparing his toast and my mother desperately trying to get me dressed will be always be inextricably intertwined with that easy-going, friendly voice that I found so comforting. It made me feel for a small part of each day, that sitting at the breakfast table in Calgary, I was connected to the rest of Canada, listening to the same happy richness of Gzowski's voice.

Peter Gzowski will be dearly missed.

Suneeta Vyas
London, Ontario

I would like to add my condolences to those of many Canadians across our beautiful country, upon the death of Peter Gzowski today. My deepest sympathy to his children and family.

I had listened to Peter almost daily on CBC radio and was very disappointed when the broadcasts were discontinued. That was a black day in the CBC history. He was truly a compassionate, caring, honest, humorous man who through his literacy programs, brought joy and achievement to many illiterate people. What an achievement. We can be so proud that we had such a Canadian in our midst for all too short a time, on this earth.

He loved Canada, and especially the far North, where he often visited. May he rest in peace and may eternal light shine upon him.

N. Daschuk
Burlington, Ontario.

There have been few passings in my life that have brought tears to my eyes. Today I have lost a friend, who made the vastness and diversity of this great land...simple, understandable, human, warm, sensitive yet responsible and accountable.

Living in Ontario, I understood the plight of those who lived on the shores of Hudson Bay, the feelings of alienation of Canadians who lived in Quebec, British Columbia and Newfoundland. I learned and carry today a knowledge and appreciation of Canada's contribution to the arts; of music, sculpture soap stone carvings...all uniquely Canadian..capturing the regional roots that bore the artist.

Economics, politics, music, government...the world and the universe...discussed with insights that only Peter Gzowski could bring forward or ensure those interviewed explained with the same passion that he had for the hours of radio that carried his name.

Thank you Peter....a tear my friend..for your family's and my loss.

And when you interview God...don't let him off when you ask him the hard questions.

Tom Mahoney
Ontario

Because of Peter Gzowski,I can honestly say that I am a more intelligent person. I read good books and listen to better music because of the CBC. Some of my younger friends think I am deadly, dull and boring because of my choice of radio station. I think to myself as I laugh, that if they only had Peter Gzowski to initiate them to really good radio, they could learn a few things.

I missed him when he went on summer holidays. I worried about him when he had his bypass surgery. When he retired from Morningside I called in sick to hear his last broadcast. I enjoyed his columns in Canadian Living and in the Globe and Mail and am thankful that I have several of his books.

I am truly sorry that he has died and have sympathy for his family. We are lucky to have had such a reporter in our lives and I will miss him.

Lynne C. Murray
Victoria

Peter Gzowski was loved by both old and young alike. My friends and I began listening to Peter in our early 20's. One of my friends, while enduring a summer in an isolated army camp, joked "Gzowski is the source of my sanity." As for me, when I was a student I had ambitions of turning one of my term papers into a book. I didn't dream of making lots of money with it - no, for me the height of success would have meant being interviewed by Peter on Morningside. I should have written that book. I can't believe he's gone.

Brian Reynolds
Toronto

He came off the elevator waving his arms at the cloud of cigarette ashes that tumbled over his chest, his shirt pocket blotched with a huge blue ink stain. He asked first for a place to sit quietly and have a cigarette. I was eager to offer my hotel room (non-smoking) and didn't mind at all when I returned to find the toilet seat up, the ash tray full and the room smelling like a poker game had just wrapped up. I was honoured and, in fact, took the ashtray home with me as a trophy of my moment with Peter Gzowski.

He had come to speak to 250 Canadian experts on Child Sexual Abuse - it was 1988 and he had touched so many hearts across the country in his interviews with Elly Danica. He was humble in his talk and said that his job as a reporter was to see the tidal wave as it approached the shore and to warn others so that they would sit up and pay attention - he did not know more than the rest of us - he just had a different job.

In the few precious moments I was alone with him as I led him through the laundry room of the hotel so that he could catch a cab and rush to the airport in time to make his Toronto flight, I felt that he knew everything about me, that even though we had shared only a few brief sentences, we were friends, had always been friends. Of course, I knew that most of Canada felt that he was their best friend. Tonight a small tea light burned in my Peter Gzowski ashtray as I watched his image on the news - tried to keep his image from fading. Wow, what a man! what a heart!

How often we say "I wish I had written..."

Peter Gzowski literally changed and saved my life. 25 years ago I heard him talking about adoptees wishing to find their family. I was adopted, but had not known anything about Parent Finders - or indeed there were others, like myself, wanting to find their roots. I was brought up with the story that "good adoptees didn't want to look." That program started me on a 7 year search - that was 18 years ago. I found my birth mother and four full brothers and sisters, for my parents had married after the war and we have become a reunited family. The story turned me into a writer with publication of Reunion, Search for My Birth Family, (Stoddart 1992) and then took me to the sub-antarctic Auckland Islands (4 times), to write the story of my birth Great-Grandfather, Robert Holding ... Wake of the Invercauld (Exisle, Auckland and McGill-Queens). I am still writing about these wonderful islands which are now a World Heritage site.

Because of my meeting with my birth family I was given knowledge which led to my being diagnosed with ocular melanoma ... a "sleeping cancer" .. with no symptoms. I had successful surgery two years ago and will likely be alive in three years.

Thank you Peter .... Canada will miss you and I shall be eternally grateful.

Madelene Allen
Penetanguishene, Ont.

Mr. Gzowski taught me more about being a Canadian, and the privilege that it is to be a Canadian, than any politician could ever hope to. Listening to his insight on Morningside was a true experience & I felt the better for it. Thank you.

Peter's love of Canada was infectious and as New Canadian I caught it!

One small example. Some years ago our family had a wonderful trans. Canada trip - from Toronto to Prince Rupert by train and then by boat to Vancouver Island. At that time a feature on Morningside was a regular letter from a woman living in Bella Coola. I had no idea where Bella Coola was but as we passed along the coast I recognized the name on the map and I thought to myself "that's Peter's place" and through Peter I felt Bella Coola was also mine. Such was his power to help us know and love our Canada.

I will miss him.

Valerie Antoniades

I often listened to Cross Canada Checkup, but Peter addicted me to CBC RADIO. I learned more about Canada while listening to him than I could have reading any of our national newspapers.

I respected his ability to make ordinary Canadians feel extraordinary during his interviews with them. He made me proud to be Canadian.

He encouraged Canadians to be more respectful of our diversity. Long distance travel by car was so pleasurable listening to Morning Side for three hours. I never thought about the trip but about the issues he introduced.

Nestor Atamanchuk
Brandon, Mb.

I was driving with my 13 year old daughter today when I heard the news of Peter's passing. It saddened me greatly. My daughter asked me why was I so sad?..Did I know this guy? Yes I replied to her, He made bread with me in the mountains, he helped me in the garden, he rocked with me on the porch at the lake, he drove with me to get groceries, he made me laugh out loud when I was by myself, he danced with me in the kitchen and he even followed us to Ontario.

Peter had a knack to make you think that he was talking to just you . You weren't just listening to an interview you were part of it. No matter where you were in our great country, Peter was a constant, who kept us informed of what we were all up to.

I thank him for all those wonderful years and for helping me to learn to listen .

Peter you were a great Canadian who will be sadly missed. I hope your family can find comfort in all the happiness , tears and laughter you brought to us over the years!

With Fondest Memories

Owen Sound, Ontario

I am adding to the tons of emails that you will be getting, feeling such remorse that Mr. Gzowski has died. I listened to him for 15 years on Morning Side. He touched our hearts in ways that are difficult to explain. I realize now how ill he has been over the last few years, it must have been almost unbearable at times, for him and also for his family to watch his decline. Elizabeth Colotelo
Sarnia, Ontario

Where do I start? I never had the priviledge of meeting Peter Gzowski but I did have the priviledge of listening to him, listening to Morningside radio. Do you remember the interview he did with Elly Danica? I do, every minute of it. It takes a special, incredible man to teach his listeners so much, to unite his listeners, and to inspire his listeners. I always thought that he had the best job in the country, to have the opportunity to meet and get to know some many people, so many Canadians. He was clearly a very intelligent individual, able to converse with a wide variety of people and on a wide variety of topics, and yet make every topic accessible to the listener. He was so gentle and comforting. I will never forget his voice.

My thoughts and prayers are now to his family and may they know that their grief is shared. Peter Gzowski will be sadly missed.

Catherine Nicol

Peter was my centre more days than I care to acknowledge. As a salesman, with all Ontario as territory, I planned my day to travel & listen. Too many times I would delay getting out of the car till the subject was closed. I have tried to copy (Emulate ) his views toward gender and equality issues. ( He often broke ground ) I am told that when I speak publicly and when I write I have a "Gzowskiesque."..style. I smile.... I am sorry for our loss.

Gordon Potts
Toronto

I wish I had sent this a month ago so you would know. As an immigrant to this fair country in the early seventies, you taught me what this country was about-- from one end to the other. You taught me about intelligent political debate and about compassion, and about laughter and fun for their own sake at no ones expense. I am enourmously thankful. More of us must find courage to preserve the values you expressed everyday: Justice, Compassion, Fairness .

Larry Thomas
Bedford, Nova Scotia

Like countless others, our family has been deeply saddened by Peter's death. I was fortunate to become acquainted with Peter through This Country in the Morning after moving to Ontario in the early 70s.

Having "grown up" in B.C., I then experienced a real Canadian grounding via the CBC air waves and developed an appreciation for our country's wealth of natural resources and talented people. About the same time, I got involved in the literacy movement and reconnected with that issue after moving back to Victoria. Because of that I did meet Peter at a PGI golf tournament and later when he was MC at a READ Society Festival poetry reading I had helped organize. Other than helping him as a back-stage assistant,I hesitated to make any personal connection but couldn't resist commenting on his Order of Canada lapel pin. He replied, "Oh, no. That's my Air Canada frequent flyer pin."

My kids, aged 24 and 20, were both saddened by Peter's death -- one because he shared Peter's interest in hockey and the other because she shared his love of poetry. Peter undoubtedly did more for Canadian culture than any government sponsored program has done or ever will do. Thanks to CBC for being the medium.

Judith Brand
Victoria, BC

We've lost a friend. Whenever I had to move house from one part of the country to another, as soon as I turned on the radio in the morning and heard that familiar voice, I felt at home again. Thanks, Peter.

Jeanette Drayton

There are few people who simultaneously touch our mind and our hearts and even fewer people who touch so many. We have lost far more than a Canadian celebrity. We have lost a dear friend. A friend who gently guided us through this country's many reaches while pushing us to awaken to its beauty and splendor. A friend who graciously unlayered its depth while demanding we reflect on our diversity. A friend who genuinely and actively listened to all we had to say and was often more proud of us than we were of ourselves. A friend who brought us all together as we drove down the highway, drank our morning coffee or just went about our daily routine. We have all lost a very special friend.

Au revoir, Peter.

Hearing of the passing of Mr. Gzowski made me stop in my tracks this evening. You see I grew up in the small northern Ontario town of Chapleau. Radio and television stations were at a minimum.

The reason I have felt the need to write this letter is this. I have experienced the loss of 3 men in short period of time whom all affected my childhood, and now adulthood. One of which was my father whom of course had the biggest impact. I first lost Ernie Coombs ( Mr. Dressup) an my father passed away shortly thereafter in October to a sudden heart . And today I lost a voice that brings me back to cold winter days with my mom in the kitchen making homemade bread (before the days of breadmakers) or some other delicious treats.

Canada has lost 2 icons whom will be fondly remembered for quite some time.

Linda Tebbutt
Sudbury Ontario

Today I mourn the loss of a very dear friend - I feel as if I,ve lost him for the second time. When Morning Side ended in 1997, I wanted to write and thank him for all the enjoyment I had of the program - always felt I knew him eventhough we never met.

I always seemed to talk back to him as I listened to him. I remember in 1996, we travelled out west and returned via the US. the feeling of coming back home to Canada was especially heartwarming when I heard his voice again! I just wish that I had tried to tell him how much his program and his way of making everyone feel like "somebody" meant to me. I miss him again.

Linda Cole
Nameless Cove, Northern Newfoundland

From my first days at university to the pinnacle of my career, Peter was always part of my life, visiting with me every morning to tell me that Canada and the world is a great place. Today I realize how much I owe him. Thank you Peter.

Tim Brennan Halifax, NS

What a privilege to have been able to enjoy this wonderful broadcaster for so many years. Peter truly united Canada from coast to coast and helped to shrink the miles we live apart from our fellow Canadians.

I cannot find the words to express my sense of loss around the death of Peter Gzowski. He was indeed a part of my life and I am sure he was "inside the hearts" and homes of very many Canadians.

But for those of you who knew him more personally and on a more intimate level...I cannot imagine your feelings.

We loved and will miss him dearly! Please take good care of each other at this time!

Michael K. Hart

I would like to express my condolences as I remember Peter and all the places he was on my radio- in my life. He has been a very important part of my understanding that radio is the one true medium that allows us to use our imaginations in such a creative way. I will miss him.

I never wrote to Peter in all the years he hosted Morningside, but I listened every day. I'm not one of the people who would have been a guest on his show or a character written in any of his books - but I tuned in every morning.

I was just one of the many, many Canadians who looked forward to being introduced to an array of wonderful guests, ideas and opinions - an opportunity to be entertained, informed and sometimes heartbroken. What a beacon for Canada he was. What a better Canadian I became because of him. What a truly sad day this is. I will miss him dearly.

Susan Letwin
Brantford, Ontario

Each morning Peter was a special part of my life and journey for so many years, as far back as I can remember. His soft spoken manner allowed all of us I'm sure to enter into his world, a time in which he invited us all to beleive and share in the beauty of this country and the privelege to be a part of it.

Thank you Peter, I will celebrate your life.

Reverend Jim Dalton
Montreal, Quebec

We have lost one of the good guys. He was someone who represented all the best of Canada. Someone said that he was an uncle to all of Canada. I already miss Uncle Peter. To those of you at the CBC who had a personal relationship with him, I am sorry for your much greater loss.

Our Canadian radio and media landscape becomes a more barren place with the death of Peter Gzowski. His warmly penetrating thoughts and deep resounding voice brought a persistent "grace" to the many topics he "cajoled and caressed" over the airwaves on CBC for those so many years. May his Spirit-breath be deep and unlaboured in his peace-filled "gentle good night".

Brenda S. Bell
Montreal, QC

How can we express the depth of sorrow we feel at the loss of this national treasure. He was our personal friend in the kitchen in the morning, he broadened our view of this wonderful country and we desperately need him to articulate the values that are sadly slipping away. We mourn.

Nancy Bain
Victoria, B.C.

As a person who works regularly in my home office, I was blessed to have been able to listen to Morningside almost everyday of its broadcast. I often felt that if each Canadian would listen regularly to the wonderful program that Peter hosted, we wouldn't have to debate what is Canadian, we would know. Peter introduced me to every inch of this country - to politics, to finance, to literature and art, to sports, to the everyday, to all that is Canadian. My thanks go to his family for their willingness to share this fine soul with all of us.

Thank you Peter. You've helped me love this country and learn about its people.

Carmen Milenkovic
Saskatoon

In this age of nationalism, isn't it wonderful that we have an icon of Canadian nationalism who was not about hatred of others, but an appreciation of ourselves. God bless you , Peter. You will truly be in my prayers tonight. Not just because you meant a great deal to Canada, but because you meant a great deal to the decency of humanity.

Erwin Coombs

Mr. Gzowski does not know me nor has he ever heard from me before, however I, like millions of Canadians, feel that I know him. I listened to him for years on Morningside as I worked at Canada Agriculture.

If it hadn't been for Morningside there would still be bottles and bottles of unidentified insects stored in a back room there. As I listened to all the interesting characters which Mr. Gzowski interviewed and the wonderful letters of other Morningside listeners I forgot the passage of time and stayed glued to my microscope and identified insect after insect and got the job done.

There was a time a while back that it was necessary for me to drive from Cochrane to the Sault . This was on Highway 144 from Timmins to the Sault in the winter months, the road was, as usual treacherous. I was nervous. Your voice carried me through the trip , you were the friend I needed at that time to calm me and make me one of those competent northern drivers. You were my beacon Peter . You were my best friend while I was frightened on this journey . As I shared with my husband,you were my "companion on the journey". For this I thank you.

You are and will remain a wonderful icon , and most of all a friend to all of us in the north country.

I also had the privilege to see you on television a while back. This program dealt with addiction . You were as usual, honest and forthright. This is the path we all should follow.

You are, and will always be, a blessing to us Peter, dare I say it ,but you are MORNING SIDE .They can never replace you. How do we thank you , except to say THANK YOU , you absolutely choose the right path in life.

Nineteen years ago, when my oldest child was nine months old, I spent the year as a stay-at-home dad. During that period CBC radio was my lifeline. Often it provided the only adult dialogue that I heard during the day. "Morningside" was a source of inspiration. Peter's manner was so engaging that I felt that I knew him personally. Years later, while I was a guest at The Briars,north of Toronto I passed Peter as he was out for a morning stroll. I barely resisted the temptation to engage him in conversation, as if we were old friends.

In addition, he and his guests presented so many provocative ideas that I actually grew intellectually during that year. When I returned to my career as a secondary school teacher my batteries were fully charged.

Recently I saw Peter being interviewed on television and I was struck by the toll that his illness has obviously been taking. He is a special Canadian.

Mark Jefferies
Markham, Ontario

I grew up listening to Peter, and while traveling great distances in northern Alberta and BC, he kept me company and entertained. The miles flew by and the distances were made short. Peter, you inspired me to write, you inspired me to think outside of the borders, you taught me Canadian history, and you made me proud to be Canadian. Your books have kept me company on long flights around the world, and I left those books behind to be read by other people in Colombia, Chile, Spain and Scotland. I have laughed with you, cried with you agreed with you and disagreed, but always you made me think.

Your friend
Brian Ham

There was a time when I thought that Canada was being held together by Peter Gzowski and blind hope. He is a wonderful man and a great Canadian.

Anna Fraser and family
Eureka, Nova Scotia

Many Canadians have followed Peter Gzowski's work with keen interest over the past couple of decades and have felt his absence from (what is now) Radio 1 for these past few years.

He gave us so much to think upon rage at weep over laugh about. Millions of Canadians will be praying for him tonight.

David Jay
Mississauga,Ontario

I arrived in Canada in June 1969 as an 18 year old. In 1975 I began travelling for the first time within this beautiful country. Somewhere in New Brunswick I discovered the CBC and have been a devoted listener since.

For me Peter Gzowski was THE person that introduced me to places within Canada, that I had not had the fortune to visit. I was able to follow him in my mind and with my heart to the high Arctic, to BC, to a Saskatchewan farm and to the outport in Newfoundland (which I have since visited).

He is MR CANADA to me. When he interviews people he asks all the questions that I wanted answers to and more. I have learned a lot from listening to him.

Barbara Dogger
Belleville, Ontario

Add Your Thoughts

Patsy Pehleman who was the executive producer of Morningside writes about working with Gzowski

Message board: Share your thoughts

BACKGROUNDER

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

RADIO ARCHIVES

The beginning of the first edition of Morningside in 1982

The end of the last edition of Morningside in 1997

Nov. 11, 1982: Gzowski remembers his father, a "hell of a soldier" who Gzowski says gave the impression he had been happiest at war

Interview with Wayne Gretzky in 1974 before his 1000th goal – at the age of 13 – and again in 1990 after Gretzky was traded to the L.A. Kings

Gzowski talks with Susan Goyer who had just lost her home in the Red River Flood of 1997

June 16, 1973: John Diefenbaker talks about naturalist Grey Owl

A goofy moment from Morningside in 1996, Gzowski talks to Dan and Sherry Brann who operate a small radio station from their home in Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan

Gzowski's opening essay on the morning after Ben Johnson had tested positive for steroids at the 1988 Olympics

Gzowski listens in as a school principal eats a worm as part of a school event in 1997

Gzowski on the pitfalls of the penny in 1985

A montage of highlights from Gzowski's career

CBC Radio's Derek Stoffel reports (Runs 2:45)

CBC TV's Mark Kelley reports (Runs 3:02)

Jan. 24, 2002: Peter Gzowski dies

Jan. 23, 2002: Peter Gzowski seriously ill in hospital

Feb. 3, 1999: Gzowski, Crosbie receive nation's top honours