So sad to relay the news received via Northwest Broadcasters that former News1130 Vancouver anchor Brian Brenn died this morning at Peace Arch Hospice in White Rock, a month short of his 72nd birthday. He had been fighting cancer for about a year. Brenn, a non-practising lawyer and holder of three university degrees, anchored news at News1130 from 1996-2008 before retiring to host weekend morning news. He stepped down in early July. He had worked at stations in Montreal and Ottawa as well as CHQM and CKST in Vancouver during his career, which began when he was hired in 1963 out of UBC Radio to work in a wide variety of functions at a then full-service format CKWX.
A remembrance get together is scheduled for 2 – 6 p.m. Sunday, October 25 at the Nico Wynd Golf Course clubhouse, 3601 Nico Wynd Drive, Surrey.
Brian was a true professional broadcaster. We worked together for many years in Vancouver. His sound will be missed by regular listeners and those who knew him.
RIP Brian.
Very saddened to read this. He had an absolutely great on-air presence and his delivery was always on point. Condolences to Brian’s family and friends.
A wonderful Vancouver radio voice has been silenced. Whether it was his engaging travel segments or his weekend news shifts in recent years with Andy Walsh, there was no mistaking his voice.
So sorry to hear about Brian’s passing. We truly had a wonderful time working together at CKWX in the 1960’s. Loved every day of it. Brian went on to build a brilliant career in broadcasting – from Vancouver to Montreal, back to Vancouver, then to management in Ottawa and Vancouver (again). And he and Andy Walsh were the best on-air team ever at News1130. Well done, Brian! After all these years it feels very weird that you’re gone.
R.I.P., my friend.
Our hearts go out to Brian’s family.
He will be deeply missed by so many.
He made a difference………………….
Brian and I anchored the afternoon drive together for a few years at News1130. He was truly a unique individual with a great sense of humour. We often used to debate over the term “common sense” as Brian would argue such a thing (common sense) didn’t exist. Anytime I hear those words I think of Brian. RIP Brian.
46 years ago while at CJAD, Brian taught me and a bunch of other fledgling broadcasters at Loyola College’s Communications Arts program. He instilled ethics, honesty and the power of the collective imagination. Genuine storytelling was great copy with engaging audio. He took us to NYC touring the NBC and Reuters newsrooms and spending hours in the studio with the incredible Tony Swartz. Brian cared about the craft and urged us to understand and respect the power of the medium. He exuded this during his long career. Brian’s influence on the careers of his students is a part of his legacy. Sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Similar to Joanna, I worked mid-days with Brian for almost three years at News 1130 (rotating with Andy Walsh). Brian had a dry wit and when the two of us were on the same page, radio was fun. Brian was never much on pop culture. “Don is that heavy metal or rap?”…. Justin Bye-ee-ber and Metal-lee-ka will always be some of my fav mispronouns..lol
So sad. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends.
I also worked with Brian for more than a decade at News 1130, co-anchoring through various stages in the evolution of the station. His legal background certainly led to some interesting debates on the story of the day. Despite some very serious health issues, and on one occasion a golf ball in the head, Brian would refer to himself as a “coiled weapon”. I accepted a few memorable rides home after a round of golf in his tiny sports car and managed to hang onto the clubs in the back. Intelligent and unflappable. RIP
I feel for Jim Morrison today – as he and Brian go back to 1963 or so. I also want to send my best wishes to Brian’s friends and mates on Ash Street. We worked in the same building for a number of years and he was always very cordial.
Condolences to his Family and to his friends on Ash Street, and across the Country.
RIP, Brian.
Maybe I am the only one who is not sad about Brian’s passing. When I think of him, all I can remember is the fun – whether in class at Loyola, or “The Bourg”, or catching up at Settibello’s in Vancouver, Brian always brought his own unique spin to life, radio, and the universe.
I am somewhere in Oregon right now, but I will take the time to quaff a beer, smoke a Gaulois (if I can find one), and tell a new group about this remarkble man who never did anything he was supposed to do.
Salut Brian!
from your minions at 2490
Brian was a consummate announcer. He did it all and very, very well. Few announcers had his range and subtle touch on copy that was sometimes very good – and sometimes not. From the early days at WX with Brian and Jim Morrison, I marvelled at the ease of his delivery, the colors of his voice and the unaffected naturalness of his delivery.
Young broadcasters who are interested in learning the fundamentals from a master need look only to Brian and his legacy of professionalism, talent and skill.
A gentleman of the old school, even in trying times.
Like many others writing here, I worked with Brian at CKWX and knew then this young man who turned his back on Law had a wonderful future in radio. He asked me one day why I left the news Department to do a talk show with Barry Clark. “It pays more, sez I, and it’s way more fun.”
He smiled, and as he walked down the hall said, “No no, radio news is way more fun.”
RIP Brian. Jim Macdonald