(Via @1236)

In Celebration of
William L. Kittelberg (Bill Rodgers)
April 25, 1952 -  August 12, 2016

Lovingly remembered by wife Marian (Dill), daughters Lori Kittelberg (George Smeltzer) of Vancouver and Michelle Kittelberg of Ottawa, and grandsons Tristan and Malcolm. Bill grew up in Rodney, Ont. He is also survived by sisters Mary Lou Little of Kitchener and Maureen Percival of Kingston, and brother Bob Goodearle of Corunna. 

Bill started his career in journalism at radio stations in Stratford and London, Ont. where he adopted the radio-friendly surname Rodgers. 

In 1974, he moved to Halifax, N.S. to become news director at CHNS Radio. In 1977, he moved his family back to Ontario to work at CFRB in Toronto, primarily covering municipal and provincial politics. He felt privileged to work with many seasoned veterans and getting to know Gordon Sinclair’s gentle side. 

Making the transition to television, Bill was hired by CFTO-CTV in 1978, as a reporter in the newsroom and eventually as co-host of “Hour Long” with Isabel Bassett. His time at CFTO cemented his professional identity as Bill Rodgers, but friends knew him as Buck. 

A move to Ottawa in 1984 to become CFTO’s parliamentary bureau chief began a long career with federal politics. 

In 1991 he enjoyed the privilege of serving as president of the Parliamentary Press Gallery and was made an honorary member in 2000. In 1999, Bill left CTV to create a consulting business which included an advisory position with Joe Clark. 2002 brought him back into the media business when he joined the Ottawa Sun as their parliamentary bureau chief. 

Over the years, he covered prime ministers Pierre Trudeau, John Turner, Brian Mulroney, Kim Campbell, Jean Chretien, Paul Martin, and Stephen Harper. 

Bill left the Sun in 2006 and joined the public service as director of communications for then-cabinet minister Jim Prentice in the portfolios of Indian and Northern Affairs, Industry, and Environment. Working with Jim, the small-town boy from southwestern Ontario enjoyed the opportunity to travel to many fascinating places and meet world leaders. He retired in 2012.

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