The sad news came to us via Joanne Sutton and our friend Doreen Copeland, who helped detail the radio background of Sharryn Graham. She died earlier this week, claimed by cancer, which had been diagnosed in March, but was as yet unknown to many of Sharryn’s friends.
Sharryn’s radio career included stints at LG73, KISS FM and Mountain FM. In 1986 Sharryn was chosen by Frank Callaghan to co-host the morning show for the launch of Vancouver’s first FM country station, 93.7FM JR Country. Frank knew talent, and he hit the jackpot hiring Sharryn – smart, funny and a life-long country music fan.
Throughout her nine years at JR, Sharryn MC’d hundreds of concerts and events, interviewed a who’s who of country music, and hosted many trips with listeners to Nashville. In 1995 Sharryn was honoured with the On Air Personality of the year award from the BC Country Music Association.
Post radio, Sharryn went back to school and became a corporate trainer and career coach. She created a charity to assist Ugandan refugees, raising thousands of dollars to help refugee families settling in Vancouver. Sharryn never retired – she developed several home-based passions, including a high-end gift-wrapping service with clients that included Lulu Lemon, Telus, Tesla and the film industry.
Sharryn’s dog sitting business became the heart of the dog community in the west end. A life very well lived, and a huge loss for those of us who were blessed to be her friend. Sharryn is survived by her brother Randy, son Jodie and family, and her partner, Bruce.
What a unique voice, so perfect for the Country format. I remember listening to her on JR as a child. RIP.
I met Sharryn when I moved to the West End in 2014. I wish I’d been here earlier to know her longer. She was funny, clever, quick, and a good friend to an impressive circle of women. She organized and hosted get-togethers, so her “women warriors” could connect.
I will miss seeing Sharryn walking small dogs in the neighbourhood, opining on the state of the world, and keeping us all connected. She was a super star,