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 host first started at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. 

"I work with people who weren't even alive when I started here," said Rick Cluff, "and I feel really old." 

Cluff began his career in 1976 as a reporter and editor in the national radio newsroom and spent over 20 years covering sports, before lending his voice to The Early Edition in September of 1997. 

Lorna Haeber, director of programming for CBC Radio in B.C. has worked with Cluff since he started in Vancouver. 

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

"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 momentous events. 

Listen to Rick Cluff 's 1977 report when 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 list goes on. 

He interviewed Terry 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, Cluff was one of the few journalists allowed to travel to Moscow and Prague to cover the 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, Cluff has interviewed premiers, prime ministers and ordinary people, 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 he has worked with. 

CBC's Karin Larsen first met Cluff at 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 be greeted 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 

Cluff has 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.