The Canadian media industry is mourning over the loss of radio veteran, broadcaster and former jazz.fm91 host John Donabie who passed away last Thursday, January 30 at the age of 78 after a long battle with cancer.
Born and raised in Courtice, Ontario, Donabie started his career back in 1965 at local station CKLB in Oshawa when he managing a local R&B group at and borrowed a PA system from one of the local DJs at the time. That led him to a nearly 60-year career in radio broadcasting, hosting various shows, championing various music genres such as rock, folk, R&B and more.
Donabie had a brief stint at jazz.fm91 back in November 2010 when he hosted the morning show Good Morning … with John Donabie which ran until the Summer of 2011. His career would take him across the country, from Toronto to Vancouver before he officially retired from radio in 2018.
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of John Donabie, a true legend in the Toronto radio community,” says Wayne Williams, jazz.fm91’s Programming Manager. “For decades, his voice was a constant companion to his audience and unmistakable presence on the airwaves. “Though I never had the opportunity to work with him personally, his influence and dedication to the craft were undeniable. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and the countless listeners who welcomed him into their lives. His legacy will live on in the stories he told and the impact he made.” Heather Bambrick, current host of Wake Up! With Heather Bambrick, remembers Donabie as “just terrific and one of the best in radio.”
“In the 60’s, John Donabie was one of our most celebrated FM jocks, along with Reiner, Larry Green and Macko, John pioneered FM rock radio,” says BLUZ.FM host Danny Marks. “The man knew and loved music and those who made it, his interviewing skills were par excellence. John brought this sunny energy to jazz.fm.91 as our morning man. His passing is mourned by fans, friends and family. [He] always [had] a ready smile and an absolute professional. There’ll never be another like him.”
“John loved music. He knew so much about it, his knowledge ran deep,” remembers Dani Elwell, host of Voice Tracks. “He was a terrific well-experienced radio man, a humble and supportive human being as well but I will always remember how much passion he had for the music he shared. He will sorely be missed.”
Last November, Donabie was inducted into the Oshawa Walk of Fame. Donabie is survived by his wife Ala, his children James and Samantha, and four grandchildren. No funeral arrangements have been announced at this time.