Winnipeg and Manitoba have lost one of the greatest sports broadcasters to ever grace the airwaves of this city and province. The legendary Bob Picken passed away at the age of 86 on Wednesday, following a battle with cancer.
Bob, or “Pick” as he was known by pretty much everyone he met, was a very good baseball player and was also a competitive curler.
He loved to golf, and was the driving force behind the Grey Owl Tournament in Clear Lake.
And without Bob’s dedication and commitment, there would not have been the Manitoba Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association– which he formed in 1955.
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Bob joined CJOB in the mid 60’s as the station’s Sports Director before moving on to CBC Manitoba for more than 20 years — he was the voice of Grey Cup game broadcasts for a good portion of that time. Bob returned to CJOB on a freelance basis in the late 80’s, covering curling and golf, which were staples of 25 after-the-hour sportscasts.
You’ll find the name of Bob Picken honoured in the Provincial Sports, Hockey, Baseball, Curling, and Golf Halls of Fame. Bob was also inducted into the CFL, Bombers media, Canadian Curling, and World Curling Halls of Fame as well. In 2017, Bob was awarded the Order of Manitoba.
Accolades aside, those who met and knew Bob Picken are unanimous in describing him as the ultimate gentleman and kind person.
LISTEN: Former CJOB Sports Director Bob Irving spoke about his good friend Bob Picken when he joined Christian Aumell on the Sports Show Wednesday Night.
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