Gzowski, Peter (1934-2002)

Born on July 13, 1934, Gzowski began his professional career as a journalist in Saskatchewan. From the time he moved to Moose Jaw in the spring of 1957, Gzowski had a long association with that city and the province. A job offer from the managing editor of the Moose Jaw Times-Herald brought him west from a stint as editor of the University of Toronto’s student paper, The Varsity . He served as city editor of the paper until his departure seven months later. During that short time, Gzowski formed a strong bond with the city. He was active in the local theatre group, and while directing a play met Jennie Lissaman, who was to become his first wife.

Forty years later, after he had become a national icon as a CBC broadcaster, Gzowski chose to broadcast his final Morningside radio show from Moose Jaw and to make the occasion a fund raiser for the Festival of Words, a unique Moose Jaw group that promotes lifelong reading and literacy. Gzowski further supported literacy programs in the province by hosting the Peter Gzowski Invitational Golf Tournaments, which raised more than $7 million. Fittingly, the 2003 Festival of Words was dedicated to Peter Gzowski. Gzowski died on January 24, 2002.

Gary Hyland