A well-known Sarnia journalist and CHOK broadcaster has died.
Larry Gordon, 71, passed away on Friday, March 17 after a battle with Glioblastoma.
Gordon grew up in Wingham and started his radio career in Huntsville with stops in Kitchener and Stratford before moving to Sarnia in 1974.
He took on the role of news director in 1978.
Blackburn Media President Ron Dann said Gordon was a consummate professional.
"He was a calm person in a storm and yet always managed to be very passionate about what he did," said Dann. "I don't think I'll ever get the opportunity or the pleasure to work with someone like Larry Gordon ever again. Larry taught me the importance of local news and how much it meant to the local community, and how important it was to be consistent and to be professional at all times."
Over his 40 year broadcasting career, Gordon was the recipient of several awards highlighting his dedication to local news and the community.
Point Edward Village Councillor Larry Gordon. (Submitted photo.)
Upon his retirement in April 2013, then Sarnia Police Chief Phil Nelson presented Gordon with a community service medal, and he was also named to the Mayor's Honour List later that year.
In June 2013, Gordon was presented with a Fire Safety Award from the Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council at a ceremony in Toronto, honouring outstanding contributions to fire protection and prevention in Ontario.
In 2014, the Point Edward resident was elected to village council and served two terms as councillor.
Mayor Bev Hand said Gordon will be fondly remembered.
"We're all very emotional, devastated," said Hand. "Even though we knew this was coming, it's always a shock when it happens. When I saw Larry a few days back, I called him my 'elder statesman'. I could always count on Larry, he did a lot of research and had a very inquisitive mind. He kept up to date on all of the current events so he was always ready to talk about an issue or a topic. When we had council meetings and it got to the point where there was new business, I would always start with Larry. He would pull out his page and he'd have a whole list of different questions. We'd laugh about it because we knew he'd have a few questions. By the time I got to the next person, they would say 'oh, Larry already asked my questions'. We miss him so much. The village meant so much to him, and the work meant so much to him."
Gordon was a loyal fan of the Sarnia Sting and was a season ticket holder at Progressive Auto Sales Arena.
Former Blackburn News Director Larry Gordon receives Fire Safety Award. Submitted photo.
According to his obituary, the family wishes to thank the wonderful, caring physicians, nurses, PSWs and volunteers at St. Joseph's Hospice, who cared for Larry with dignity and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Larry's memory to the Glioblastoma- Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada (braintumour.ca).
Cremation has taken place. There will be no formal visitation or funeral service. A private family interment will be held.
A Celebration of Life will be held on June 1, 2023 at the Seaway Kiwanis pavilion in Canatara Park from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.