Lloyd Robertson, the respected voice of Canadian television news for nearly four decades, has passed away at the age of 92. His family confirmed his passing on Tuesday evening, following a long career in broadcasting that spanned nearly 60 years.
Robertson's journey in broadcasting began in 1952, when he started at the CJCS radio station in his hometown of Stratford, Ontario. He went on to work for the CBC in Windsor, Winnipeg, and Ottawa before joining CTV National News as co-anchor in 1976. When his co-anchor, Harvey Kirck, retired in 1984, Robertson took on the role of chief anchor and news editor, a position he held until his final broadcast in 2011.
Throughout his illustrious career, Robertson covered some of the most significant events in Canadian history, including the 9/11 attacks, the Gulf War, and the Terry Fox Run. He also reported on 14 federal elections and nine Olympic Games, earning him a reputation as a trusted and authoritative voice in Canadian journalism.
Robertson became a member of the Order of Canada in 1998 and was the first journalist to be inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in 2007. His legacy extends far beyond his own accomplishments, as he established high standards and values at CTV News that continue to inspire and influence the next generation of journalists.
Colleagues and admirers have paid tribute to Robertson's dedication, integrity, and enduring legacy. Toronto Centre MP Evan Solomon described him as "the consummate journalist and broadcaster, always hardworking, fearless and fair." Avery Haines, the host and managing editor of W5, remembered Robertson as "one of the good ones" and a true friend to the country.
Robertson's iconic sign-off, "And that's the kind of day it's been," will be remembered by generations of Canadians who grew up watching him deliver the news. His passing marks the end of an era in Canadian broadcasting, but his legacy will continue to inspire and guide future journalists and broadcasters.
As a testament to his enduring impact, Robertson's colleagues and friends will miss him dearly. His commitment to excellence, fairness, and compassion set a high standard for the industry, and his influence will be felt for years to come.
