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Our Campaign: Peter Gzowski Fund

Donate today to the Peter Gzowski Fund COPD: a growing problem COPD research that's improving quality of life Donors who are joining the fight against COPD Peter Gzowski: the man who made it happen Alison Gzowski on her father's illness

Peter Gzowski: the man who made it happen

When news came of Peter Gzowski's death in early 2002, the tributes poured in. For days, journalists, broadcasters, politicians and ordinary Canadians shared their memories of this exceptional man who had become, during his long career as a broadcaster, the best and truest voice of Canada.

They remembered his wonderful interviews that made listeners feel as if they were eavesdropping on intimate conversations between two friends. They remembered Peter's passion for Canada's geographical and ethnic diversity and his charming personality. They remembered his hard work on behalf of literacy, and his strong advocacy for the disenfranchised. They remembered his gravelly voice and deep, warm chuckle.

Peter began his career at the age of 19 with the Timmins Daily Press. In 1969 he moved to radio broadcasting, eventually hosting "This Country in the Morning" and "Morningside," on CBC Radio and starring in the short-lived television show, "90 Minutes Live." He was also a popular columnist and author, most recently writing regular columns in Canadian Living magazine and the Globe and Mail.

Peter was characteristically frank about the disease that eventually brought about his death. He was a heavy smoker for many years, going through three large packs a day. In his 60s, he was diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and came to West Park Healthcare Centre for treatment.

In his Globe and Mail column, Peter wrote about COPD and his experiences at "The Breathing Academy," as he affectionately referred to West Park:

"It's really a remarkable place. I sometimes wonder if people in health care generally aren't better people than the rest of us. Certainly the ones at West Park seem totally devoted to their work of making their patients and clients feel better and get the most out of their lives."

Learn more about Peter Gzowski's career and his accomplishments by visiting the CBC's biographical archives on Peter Gzowski.