This is devastating news. John and I have been speaking to each other over the past few years, and I was well aware of his battles with various forms of cancer. But as recently as a few weeks ago, he was rallying and seemed to be doing much better. 

I had been trying to reach John on the phone this week but could never get an answer. Now, sadly, I know why. My extreme condolences to his wonderful wife, who was by his side the entire time and never gave up hope, and his kids, some of whom are in town and others living elsewhere.

He was an enormously talented announcer, disc jockey and an expert on music unlike any I've ever known. And he was an excellent human being. I can safely say there will never be another quite like him. 

This is not the outcome all of his friends and family were hoping for. But at the very least, I'm grateful he's no longer suffering. 

So long Mr. Donabie. You truly were one of a kind. And I will miss our conversations and your amazing stories.

So sorry to read this. John Donabie was an excellent broadcaster and a valuable contributor to this board. My condolences to his family.

Very sorry to hear this. My condolences to Mr. Donabie's friends and family.🙏

OH my - so sad to read this. We had continued to chat....

Good Night Dear John. God Speed....

He really was the same guy that you heard on the air - likeable, smart and very generous with his time. He told me recently that of all the honours he's had over the years, being inducted into the Oshawa Walk of Fame last year was one of his favourites. It was his hometown and to be recognized in the place he grew up was very meaningful to him. 

It was one of the last ceremonies he attended and I'm so very glad he got to see it. 

I should also mention that John was one of the few people that actually had two profiles on SOWNY. He mostly filed under his own name, but when I took over, I discovered he was also registered under the moniker "AMFM" when he had something to say that he preferred to express anonymously. . 

I will also miss his contributions here. They were always insightful and fun. Just like he was. 

I wasn't expecting to read this sad news when I logged in this morning. My condolences to all who loved him. 

I remember john on CFRB on weakend mornings when I was a little boy in the 2000s.
His show was very entertaining.
Lots of musical guests.
John, you will be missed on the radio.

As of this posting, John's passing is the lead story on Broadcast Dialogue. Given his stature in the industry and the sheer breadth of his musical knowledge, it's exactly where he belongs. 

Radio Veteran John Donabie Dead At 78
 

Here's a link to great pic of Donabie, sitting with some of his heroes - Bob Dylan and Ronnie Hawkins.

Talk about the company you keep!

 

Found another long lost :30 sec. promo from his CJCL days, and this one illustrates what made him such a great musical mentor. He would often have performers on his show doing live tunes, something few radio stations ever attempted. 

The voiceover guy is another late great radio hero: Tom Fulton. 

You can hear this one here. 

Nice to hear CFRB pay tribute to John on their morning show. Often in radio, it's off the air, out of mind. He worked there for a while, and he deserves to be remembered.