My sympathies on your loss Iain and to all his friends. I've heard nothing but great things about him and it's very sad that another great is gone.  

Very sad news, knew and respected Bob for many, many years. 
 

I was a devoted Six O'clock Rock Report listener and have kept a handful of TDK-D90 cassette recordings of the show. Including, I think, the first appearance of Derringer. When Bruce Springsteen's album The River came out Mackowycz spoke about the previous album, Darkness On The Edge Of Town, and then said something perceptive and prescient - decades before anyone else, including Bruce himself - regarding Springsteen's emotional state of mind. "The man has issues". He was not mocking or cutting a joke. Just ascribing the truth. And in time Springsteen's own testimonial corroborated this psychic strife.

Bob Mackowycz knew early RocknRoll history and at a time when book stores and libraries only offered the styles of Sinatra, Ella and Crosby (well, Elvis too) his airtime was always cool school time. And the music he played was great! His description of a Viletones show remains an engrossing memory.

Only fond thoughts of Mr Mackowycz. Rest in God.

The Globe and Mail is often very late with its obits on famous people, so it can delve more into the life of the person they're profiling. The death of Bob Mackowycz Sr. is no exception and features quotes from former co-workers and friends - including former SOWNY administrator Iain Grant, who started this thread.

Read it here.