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George Garrett, legendary CKNW reporter, dies at age 89

Click to play video: 'B.C. journalist George Garrett dies at age 89'
B.C. journalist George Garrett dies at age 89
Legendary CKNW reporter, George Garrett, has passed away at the age of 89. Garrett was a reporter for more than four decades. Ted Field looks back on his impressive career. – Mar 19, 2024

One of Metro Vancouver’s most recognizable voices in news radio has died.

George Garrett was a reporter at CKNW for more than four decades, breaking exclusive stories and covering some of the biggest events in Canada.

He was born on a farm in Saskatchewan in 1934 and joined CKNW as a reporter in 1956.

Click to play video: 'Keith Baldrey on legacy of CKNW reporter George Garrett'
Keith Baldrey on legacy of CKNW reporter George Garrett

Garrett covered many major events in B.C., including the province’s longest hostage-taking in the 1970s.

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He was known for building relationships with police agencies, gaining their respect and being trusted to get the story right.

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To the dismay of many other reporters at the time, Garrett was repeatedly first at breaking exclusive stories.

While covering the deadly 1992 riots in Los Angeles, he became part of the story — but kept on reporting with a broken jaw.

Click to play video: 'Inquiry investigates Oakalla prison riot'
Inquiry investigates Oakalla prison riot

Garrett retired from CKNW in the late ’90s and became a volunteer cancer driver.

He was always open about his personal life with listeners. His son died in a canoeing accident and he cared for his beloved wife Joan while she struggled with Alzheimer’s until her death in 2021.

Garrett also published a book, Intrepid Reporter, sharing more stories of his career.

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A mentor and invaluable resource to many upcoming reporters, Garrett started undergoing his battle with cancer a few years ago.

He was 89 years old and leaves behind children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Click to play video: 'Intrepid reporter – Talking to George Garrett'
Intrepid reporter – Talking to George Garrett

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