Kamloops reporter had long reach and influence in B.C.
KAMLOOPS — Angelo Iacobucci was remembered Saturday as a tenacious reporter with a heart of gold who always made his presence known and had a nickname for everyone.
Stories from the life of Iacobucci were shared as hundreds — including family, friends, colleagues and politicians — gathered at the Coast Kamloops Hotel and Conference Centre to remember the Kamloops broadcaster whose career spanned nearly 40 years and reach spanned the province.
Iacobucci died Dec. 14, about two weeks before he would have turned 61.
Jim Reynolds worked for 35 years with Iacobucci before Reynolds retired as Radio NL’s program director. He recalled Iacobucci’s hard work, dedication to his career and value as a mentor to
young journalists before calling upon other speakers to share their stories.
Former Kamloops mayor and ex-provincial health minister Terry Lake called Iacobucci “larger than life” and recalled the reach he had around the province — armed with every cellphone number he needed.
Lake remembered Iacobucci as a tough, but fair, reporter.
He also recalled a text message from Iacobucci the week before his death, asking about CBD — cannabidiol — a cannabis compound sometimes used to treat depression. Lake said he didn’t read too much into the query at the time.
“You don’t know what people are going through,” he said, calling on everyone to engage with one another on issues of mental health.
Premier John Horgan, a regular interview subject for Iacobucci, also shared his remembrances via a letter read by Reynolds. It cited Iacobucci’s integrity, humour and curiosity as a reporter.
Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Peter Milobar said he grew up listening to Iacobucci on NL and noted his influence and importance as a broadcaster in the region, especially in the pre-internet era.