Steve Pine: 1946-2009

SooToday.com has received word of the death of Steve Pine, well known to listeners of CKCY and CJIC Radio and viewers of CJIC TV.

In an era when many Canadian broadcasters were required to use "stage" names to hide their ethnicities or race, Pine was sometimes known on local airwaves as Steve Ray.

In Timmins, he anchored newscasts as Steve Armstrong.

"I first met and worked with Steve ‘Ray’ at CKCY on Queen Street when he did the all-night and then evening shows," remembers Art Osborne. "He taught me a lot, including the trick of knowing and playing the longest songs when you ‘needed a break’ for various reasons, e.g. Marrakesh Express - Crosby Stills and Nash, album version. The year was 1969. Later we worked together again at CJIC Radio and TV in the newsroom. He impressed many with his sense of humour and 100-percent 'into-radio' attitude both as a deejay and news announcer."

"This is sad news for those of us who worked in news with Steve," says Jim Cronin. "He had a great radio voice and a great sense of humour. His name brings a smile to my face."

“I worked with him at CKCY," recalls Joanne Farkas. "That increases the total to six [broadcast deaths] in the last 12 months - just the ones I know). They include Harry Wolfe, Fran Aranson, Frank Gardi, Grace Pitt and John David Cameron.”

The following is the official notice from The Ward Funeral Home in Brampton: ************************* PINE, Stephen Raymond - (Born Blind River, radio-TV broadcaster Blind River, the Sault, Ottawa, North Bay, Toronto and Timmins).

At Trillium Hospital, Mississauga on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 in his 63rd year.

Steve, beloved father of Cari - Lynne, Michael and Daniel.

Proud and loving grandfather of Marcus and Kasia.

Sadly missed by Sharon, sister Barb Coughlin, nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Friends may call at The Ward Funeral Home “Brampton Chapel” 52 Main Street South. (Highway 10) Brampton from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Friday.

A Mass of Celebration of Steve's life will take place on Saturday March 14 at St Mary's Roman Catholic Church 66a Main Street South, Brampton at 10:15 a.m. Cremation.

Expressions of sympathy donations to The Canadian Diabetes Association or The Heart and Stroke Foundation would be deeply appreciated by family.

E-mail condolences may be sent to [email protected]

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