Rick Cluff, the beloved host of CBC’s The Early Edition morning show in Vancouver, has passed away at the age of 74 after a brief battle with cancer. Cluff, who retired in 2017, was a cherished figure in Canadian broadcasting, known for his genuine personality and dedication to his craft.
Cluff’s career with CBC began in 1976, where he initially worked in the national sports department for two decades before transitioning to Vancouver. In 1997, he took on the role of host for The Early Edition, a position he held until his retirement. His tenure on the show was marked by his ability to make guests feel comfortable and his unwavering support for his colleagues and community.
Laura Palmer, who worked with Cluff in various capacities on The Early Edition and eventually became its executive producer, remembered him as a kind and generous individual. “He was really a very kind, generous, sweet human being. And you probably could tell from listening to him, but he was very fun,” she said. Palmer highlighted Cluff’s ability to make people feel at ease, whether they were high-ranking politicians or average citizens with no prior radio experience.
Cluff’s approach to broadcasting was deeply personal. He took a genuine interest in the lives of his colleagues, knowing details about their families and personal struggles. This personal touch extended to his on-air presence, where he made listeners feel like they were having a one-on-one conversation with him.
In addition to his work in sports journalism, Cluff had a wide range of interests, including politics and theology. He was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1999 and received the Radio Television Digital News Association of Canada’s lifetime achievement award for the West region in 2018. The association praised Cluff for his impact on local radio, his mentorship, and his community leadership.
Cluff’s career was not without its challenges. In 2017, he retired after undergoing a quadruple heart bypass surgery. Despite these health issues, he remained a beloved figure in the broadcasting community. His passing has left a significant void, with many colleagues and listeners mourning the loss of a true radio legend.
Tributes poured in following the news of Cluff’s death. CBC personality Tom Harrington expressed his heartbreak on social media, describing Cluff as talented, funny, and sharp. Marsha Lederman, a columnist for The Globe and Mail, remembered Cluff as a kind and welcoming individual who was a joy to work with.
Cluff’s ability to connect with people was evident in his interviews and coverage of significant events. He covered the announcement of the International Olympic Committee awarding Vancouver and Whistler the 2010 Winter Games and broadcasted during the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks. His coverage of these events and others earned The Early Edition team numerous awards.
Cluff’s sports broadcasting career was also illustrious. He covered Grey Cups, Super Bowls, Stanley Cups, and traveled the world to cover Canadian teams and athletes at eight Olympic Games, five Commonwealth Games, and numerous world cups and championships. His passion for sports, particularly football, was evident throughout his career.
In a 2007 profile, Cluff admitted that he never spent much time contemplating the size of his audience or his place at the top of the radio rankings. Instead, he focused on developing a personal relationship with each listener, imagining he was speaking to just one person at a time.
Shiral Tobin, a former producer of The Early Edition, remembered Cluff as a gentleman who took joy in mentoring others. “He truly got joy from elevating and coaching others to find their path to success as journalists,” she said. Tobin highlighted Cluff’s quiet and meaningful mentorship, which left a lasting impact on many who worked with him.
Rick Cluff leaves behind his wife Cecilia, daughter Mallory, son James, and five grandchildren. His legacy as a broadcaster and mentor will be remembered by colleagues, listeners, and the broader community he served so faithfully.
Source: CBC, The Canadian Press, The Globe and Mail
