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Tributes pour in for Vancouver sports broadcasting icon John McKeachie after passing at 82

Photo credit: ZLC

By David Quadrelli

Aug 12, 2026, 19:30 EDT

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Tributes are pouring in after news broke Wednesday that well-known Vancouver sports broadcaster John McKeachie has passed away at 82.

McKeachie served as a sports anchor on television with BCTV from 1973 to 1999, and built a 40-year broadcasting career, which included stops on both Vancouver Canucks and Vancouver Whitecaps broadcasts. McKeachie also hosted CBC Vancouver’s Hockey Night in Canada post-game show, ‘McKeachie’s Hockey Talk’, from 1998 to 2000, during which the show went nationwide and later became the long-running “After Hours” program.

He also wrote a weekly sports column for The Province newspaper from 1997-2000 to go along with numerous sports radio positions over the years including: CDKA Victoria (1970-72), CKNW hosting Canucks and BC Lions broadcasts (1972-75, 1997-98), TEAM 1040 including the ‘McKeachie in the Morning’ show (2001-03), and MOJO Sports Radio (2003-05). McKeachie was announced as a Class of 2026 inductee into the BC Sports Hall of Fame back in April.

Tributes pour in for “McKeach”

“A real character,” Canucks play-by-play broadcaster John Shorthouse told CanucksArmy. “We did a morning show together with Blake Price at Mojo 730 during the lockout year in 2004-05. Many, many laughs.”

“One thing I definitely learned from him is to try to be unafraid,” wrote Blake Price of Sekeres and Price. “He put himself out there in his humour, in his attempts to land guests. He was just fearless. I knew I had to take big leaps every now and then.”

“1970’s: I never heard anyone talk about ‘the links’, ‘dem bums’, ‘football of the North American variety’. I became familiar with those phrases listening/watching John McKeachie. Unique. Fun. Clearly in love with sports. Not cookie cutter. He was an inspiration. RIP my friend,” wrote Don Taylor of Donnie and Dhali.

Don Taylor

@DonTaylor5

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1970’s: I never heard anyone talk about “the links”, “dem bums”, “football of the North American variety”. I became familiar with those phrases listening/watching John McKeachie. Unique. Fun. Clearly in love with sports. Not cookie cutter. He was an inspiration. RIP my friend

9:30 PM · Aug 12, 2026

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“We truly lost a legend in BC Sports history,” wrote Global BC‘s Jay Janower. “We all have our own John McKeachie stories. McKeach was truly one of a kind…”

“Grew up watching John McKeachie on BCTV,” wrote CanucksArmy’s Jeff Paterson. “Later had a chance to work with him in radio. One of one. A true character and a legend of Vancouver sports media. Taking his rightful spot in BC Sports Hall of Fame later this year. Gone too soon. RIP Keach.”

“Grew up watching John McKeachie On BCTV in the 1980’s, then I was lucky enough to work with him at 1040. He loved his job, you could see his passion and enthusiasm everyday at work. 1 of the great story tellers of all time. RIP McKeach,” wrote Rick Dhaliwal of Donnie and Dhali.

Rick Dhaliwal

@DhaliwalSports

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Grew up watching John McKeachie On BCTV in the 1980’s, then I was lucky enough to work with him at 1040. He loved his job, you could see his passion and enthusiasm everyday at work. 1 of the great story tellers of all time. RIP McKeach

7:31 PM · Aug 12, 2026

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“A tough year just got tougher,” wrote Postmedia‘s Ben Kuzma. “John McKeachie has passed away. Always amiable and entertaining, it was always a better day at the rink when “McKeach” patrolled the hallways or livened up a scrum. We also lost legendary Ernie ‘Punch’ McLean, John Garrett and Jim Robson in 2026.”

“Long after he retired, he was still calling me with news tips and guest suggestions,” said Matt Sekeres of Sekeres and Price. “He loved the business, the city, and the conversation around our teams.”

“Saddened to hear about the passing of John McKeachie, who was a true legend in our industry,” wrote longtime Vancouver sports broadcaster Bob Marjanovich. “I was privileged to have worked with him both at Mojo Sports Radio 730 and TEAM/TSN 1040. His passion for sports – and life – was amazing. RIP McKeach.”