CBC marks 40 years with morning show host Rick Cluff

He is the friendly voice that CBC listeners in the Lower Mainland wake up to every morning.

Today marks 40 years since the charismatic morning show hostfirst startedat the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

"I workwith people who weren't even alive when I started here," said RickCluff,"and I feel really old."

Cluffbegan his career in 1976 as a reporter and editorin the national radio newsroom andspent over 20 years coveringsports, before lending his voice to The Early Edition in September of 1997.

LornaHaeber, director of programming for CBC Radio in B.C. has worked withCluffsince he started in Vancouver.

"He's challenging when he needs to hold someone accountable,but he also can be charming and witty," saidHaeber.

"40 years experience in broadcasting and he's as passionate and curious as ever," she said.

Covered most exciting days in history

The award-winning journalist and sports commentator has been around the world and back, covering some of the world's most momentousevents.

Listen to Rick Cluff's 1977reportwhen major league baseball first came to Toronto.

Cluff has been to at least eight Olympic games, five Commonwealth games, several Canada games, 25 consecutive Grey Cup games, 13 Masters along with Super Bowls, Stanley Cup Finals, World Hockey Championships, and the listgoes on.

He interviewedTerry Fox every Tuesday during his Marathon of Hope, sat beside Muhammad Ali,watched Gaetan Boucher become one of Canada's most celebrated Olympians, was in Seoul when Ben Johnson was stripped of his gold medal and in Atlanta when Donovan Bailey won the 100 metres.

Listen to Rick Cluff's interview with Terry Fox on day 9 of his Marathon of Hope.

During the Cold War, Cluffwas one of the few journalists allowed to travel toMoscow and Pragueto coverthe Canadian hockey team play in the World Hockey Championships.

"I saw stuff you only see in magazines," he said.

"I remember thinking what am I doing here?" he recalls while standing in the middle of Red Square.

During his career, Cluffhas interviewed premiers, prime ministers and ordinarypeople, who he says have the best stories.

Warm, friendly, and witty

Cluff is not only described as an exceptional broadcaster but a friend to everyone hehas worked with.

CBC's KarinLarsen first met Cluffat the 1993 Canada Summer games in Kamloops when he was the voice of CBC Radio Sports.

"I was a rookie production assistant trying not to screw up,"said Larsen.

"I never imagined a man of such profile would actually be as warm and friendly in person as he was on-air. That's his brilliance as a broadcaster being completely genuine," she said.

Traffic and weather presenter for The Early Edition, Amy Bell, considers herself lucky to begreeted by his huge smile and cheerful hello every morning.

"I get to spend a few hours laughing and chatting with one of my dearest friends. Rick is one of the most kind, thoughtful and genuine people I've ever met," Bell said.

"Working with him isn't really work at all and I'm lucky I have the chance every day," she said.

Part of listener's daily routine

Cluffhas been part of the community and a part of listeners'daily routine in Vancouver for the past two decades.

Many are wishing him well today.