For many of us here in Canada, listening to Stuart McLean was a part of our weekly ritual. With a career spanning multiple decades, the radio host effortlessly lifted our spirits through multiple mediums including radio, journalism, and award-winning novels. At this point, the beloved host of CBC's Vinyl Cafe, could simply qualify as an old friend for many - someone whose voice filled our ears with a warm familiarity. This is why it was so difficult last year when McLean announced to listeners that he had been diagnosed with melanoma: a rare but incredibly deadly form of skin cancer.
After stepping away from his lengthy career in December, it became clear that McLean's condition was worsening. While he was actively undergoing treatment and remained as optimistic as one could, the probability of recovery was highly unlikely. Fears were confirmed earlier today, when it was announced that the famous storyteller had passed away due to complications of his disease. You can read the official statement made on Vinyl Cafe's Facebook page.
Upon hearing the news, Canadians across the nation flooded social media with memories and deserved tributes. Among those to comment on McLean's amazing life, were Toronto mayor John Tory, Prime Minister Trudeau, as well as other CBC hosts including Rick Mercer and Tom Power.
