’We’ll miss his humour and his humanity’
Trudeau joins many prominent Canadians in paying tribute to Stuart McLean
Former CBC colleagues, entertainers and politicians have expressed their grief since news spread of the death of Stuart McLean, host of CBC Radio’s The Vinyl Cafe. The bestselling author and humorist, who had been diagnosed with skin cancer, died at the age of 68 on Wednesday in Toronto.
Some of the tributes friends and admirers shared:
“On the Vinyl Cafe and in communities across the country, Stuart McLean told uniquely Canadian stories. We’ll miss his humour and humanity.”
— Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, on Twitter.
“Stuart McLean filled so well the airwaves with his stories and offered us memorable moments. He will be dearly missed.”
— Gov. Gen. David Johnston, on Twitter.
“RIP Stuart McLean. A great storyteller & a fine man. Condolences to Dave & Morley & all at Wongs Scottish Meat Pies. #DaveCooksTheTurkey”
— CBC-TV host and personality Rick Mercer, on Twitter.
“I wrote several #StuartMcLean parodies for ‘22.’ They were easy to write because I was such a fan of his work. I’ll miss his Canada.”
— Comedian Mark Critch of the CBC show This Hour Has 22 Minutes, on Twitter.
“This is beyond the saddest news. I adored this man’s humour & storytelling. Thank you Stuart for Vinyl Cafe and for being so truly (Canadian).”
— Former Dragons’ Den star Arlene Dickinson, on Twitter.
“So sad to hear of Stuart McLean’s passing. Vinyl Cafe played one of my songs once & when I heard HIS voice say my name I nearly passed out.”
— Musician Donovan Woods, on Twitter.
“He made us feel as though we were part of his delightfully idiosyncratic Vinyl Cafe family, and in so doing, he brought us all together, connecting us with stories of road trips, musical memories, and neighbourhood adventures. That lovely little family will remain in our hearts, as will Stuart.”
— Penguin Canada publisher Nicole Winstanley, in a statement.