Learners remember Peter Gzowski
  — from coast to coast to coast

from the East...

Literacy lost a champion on January 24th with the passing of journalist and broadcaster Peter Gzowski. He was one of the greatest literacy advocates this country will ever know.

He hosted golf tournaments, variety concerts and many other events for the benefit of learners and literacy. He was a real hero and a tireless worker for an issue that has affected so many of us.We will miss him.

The man affected the lives of many over his long broadcasting career and he was a major influence on me. Back in the days when I “knew” I couldn’t learn, his fine interviews on CBC’s Morning-side program touched and educated me. He taught about our country and our politics in ways that made it all understandable. He was one of the reasons I chose to enter a journalism course after I had completed my General Education Diploma. I wanted to be like him and I still do.

On behalf of Canadian learners, I extend sympathy and condolences to Mr. Gzowski’s family and friends. A giant has fallen and it will take many to fill the void he leaves.

— Janet McLeod PEI Learner Rep to MCL and Chair, Learners Advisory Network

to the West... The following message appeared on the First Class conferencing system

I mourn the loss of a friend.

I met Peter Gzowski at the first Victoria Golf Tournament. I was a learner then and I was asked to speak by Linda Mitchell, Literacy BC’s Executive Director. It was the first time I had ever spoken in front of an audience and I was very afraid. I can still hear Peter’s voice encouraging me to speak and saying I would do fine. When I’d finished, he praised me.

I met Peter many times after that. He also introduced me to Robert Duncan who was the Director of ‘Ellen’s Story’.

Peter along with Linda Mitchell and myself had many a laugh. One time he even remembered my birthday. He bought me a journal and wrote encouraging words inside.

I introduced Peter to people at the Royal Bank in Victoria as a ‘Cuddly Teddy Bear’ because that’s how I saw him and will always remember him.

Peter could talk to anyone and make them feel comfortable and on their own ground. I thought of Peter as a great friend to all Canadians, especially adult learners, and I mourn his loss deeply.

— Ellen Szita BC Learner Rep to MCL

to the North...

I saw him on several occasions in the 90s at the PGI tournaments and when I received a Learner Award.

At a Yukon Learn dinner at Liesel Briggs’ place, I remember he was a quiet man, sitting with his cigarette and scotch, enjoying everything around him.

Gzowski gave me the opportunity to continue. He showed me that perseverance works and that there was hope in learning. Peter Gzowski gave learners hope through literacy and in turn literacy allowed him to be humble.

— Murd Nicholson Yukon Learner Rep to MCL