Lloyd Robertson, former CTV News chief anchor, is being remembered as a comforting presence who helped millions stay informed about elections and other Canadian news, and understand the impacts of major world events here at home.
Following his death at the age of 92, Canadians wrote to CTVNews.ca to share their memories of the broadcaster. Here are some of their messages:
“I was one of Lloyd’s editors for CTV National News for over 20 years. It was truly a privilege to have him come into my edit room to work on a piece or to just come in to put his feet up on the desk and chat. I also had the honour to be mentioned in his autobiography. He was truly a professional a gentleman and an all around great friend. I will miss him terribly.” – Mark Kaiser
“I am one year younger than Lloyd, came into broadcasting 1953 at two Ontario stations followed by three Maritimes stations before joining CBC in 1958. I had an interest in news along the way and at first found as frustrating as Lloyd did, that with CBC you were just a reader with no other involvement. I did however find an area where the lines were blurred – the CBC referred to it as Special Events and Outside Broadcasts. I travelled the Maritimes for CBC Radio and later CBC Television until 1985 doing interviews and features, many of which turned into news stories. Since retirement in 1985 I have been providing Canadian news to American stations along with news for community stations in the Maritimes. I met Lloyd once in 1964 at a CBC event in Saint John where we discussed what we had in common. We concluded there would always be electronic news even in a future when newspapers would no longer exist.
Our interest in broadcasting began when the business here in Canada was just ten years old in 1945. For the most part young men – teenagers like us – were welcomed (but underpaid) learned while on the air and went on to stations where there was more money and opportunity. Canadian broadcasting and particularly radio and TV news, were completely transformed between 1945 and 1960 and Lloyd played an important trailblazing part in its contribution to the country’s culture and development. If there’s news in the Great Beyond Lloyd is already involved. If not, he’ll organize it.” – Ross Ingram
“Dear Robertson Family, on behalf of Royal Roads University, please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Lloyd Robertson. Like so many Canadians, we were saddened to learn of his passing and are reflecting with gratitude on a life that helped shape our national conversation for more than half a century. Through decades of reporting and commentary, Lloyd earned something extraordinarily rare: the trust of the public. His steady presence, commitment to fairness, and dedication to helping Canadians understand the world around them made him one of our country’s most respected journalists. When Royal Roads University conferred an honorary degree upon Lloyd in 2006, we recognized not only his remarkable accomplishments in broadcasting, but also the values he embodied throughout his career. He demonstrated integrity, thoughtful leadership, public service, and a deep commitment to informing and connecting people. Through moments of uncertainty and historic change, he approached his work with professionalism, humility, and a profound sense of responsibility to the public. These are values that resonate deeply with Royal Roads University’s mission. We also remember with appreciation the connection Lloyd shared with Royal Roads through his honorary degree and convocation participation. He became part of our university’s story, and we remain proud to count him among those individuals whose achievements and character have inspired our students, graduates, and broader community. I hope you find comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on in the countless Canadians he informed, inspired, and brought together.” – Philip Steenkamp, PhD, president and vice-chancellor, Royal Roads University
“His voice was the soundtrack of my childhood and youth, growing up in a family where my parents would have the nightly news on every single night. He was truly unbiased in his reporting and his calm, peaceful voice was such a comfort, even when he was broadcasting on horrific events in our world.” – Danielle Arsenault
“In the late 1960s Lloyd Robertson hosted a children’s quiz show on CBC called ‘Swingaround.’ It was modelled after ‘Reach for the Top’ but for Grade 7 students in the Toronto area. Each team was assigned a telephone quiz partner from elsewhere in Canada. I was selected by my school to participate. On the appointed day, in the school office over the telephone, the CBC taped Mr. Robertson asking the questions and I answered. I don’t remember the questions I answered correctly but the one I got wrong was a music question I should have known. My mother was appalled as I was taking piano lessons. Mr. Robertson was very kind to me.” – Bill Mitchell
“Lloyd Robertson was a man of character who thrived not only in the field of journalism, but as a philanthropist. He supported many charities, but played a special role with Farm Radio International, the Canadian charity that I was the executive director of for 20 years. As our official spokesperson, Lloyd authored fundraising appeal letters that raised over $1 million from thousands of Canadians who trusted his endorsement of our work. He attended events, participated in panel discussions, presented awards to African broadcasters as Farm Radio’s spokespersons. He became a champion of Farm Radio’s work when it was founded by his good friend and former colleague, George Atkins. Lloyd knew George from his days as Canada’s premier producer and host of its regular radio program dedicated to serving Canadian farmers. George’s simple but powerful idea - to improve the lives and productivity of African small-scale farming families by supporting the broadcasters that serve them - made immediate sense to Lloyd, and he asked George how he could help. George didn’t need to be asked twice - he put Lloyd to work right away as our spokesperson - a task he enthusiastically embraced right up to 2026. As Farm Radio’s executive director from 2006 to the end of 2025, I had the privilege and pleasure of consulting with Lloyd on a regular basis. I valued his insider knowledge about journalism, and its potential to explore and amplify promising solutions to some of the world’s most vexing problems. In my interactions with him, he was always courteous, curious, professional, responsive and kind. Canada and the world were made better by his life, and he will be deeply missed by everyone at Farm Radio International.” – Kevin Perkins
“Several years ago, both Lloyd Robertson and Craig Oliver came to Cornwall, Ont., and spoke to a large crowd in the ballroom of the Best Western Parkway Hotel. They were both promoting their new books and spoke about their careers in news as we enjoyed dinner. There were 10 of us seated at our table who were members of St. John’s Presbyterian Church who not only appreciated Lloyd’s newscasts but also read Lloyd’s articles in our church’s national magazine ‘The Presbyterian Record.’ One of us went to the head table and told Lloyd that there was a table of Presbyterians here who enjoyed and appreciated his articles in the church’s magazine and would like to speak to him. Lloyd came over to our table and spoke to each of us. It was an honour to meet him and have him speak to us.” – Chuck Eadie
“When my sister and I were growing up the news was put on every telecast and Lloyd’s voice always filled our household at supper time and before going to bed. As children, my sister Lisa and I started joking, ‘He is Uncle Lloyd,’ (because) we had the same last name and we would be proud to call him our uncle. So, on a regular basis throughout our lives, when Lisa and I chatted late into the night and Lloyd Robertson came on, we would say, “Hey, there is Uncle Lloyd.” We never did the research to see if there is any connection to our Robertson family. We never wanted to. As my sister and I were concerned, he was our Uncle Lloyd, and it feels as though we have lost a friend, news person, and our uncle.” – Michael Robertson
“Many years ago, while visiting the Stratford Festival, I was walking outdoors near the theatre and heard someone speaking in a microphone from the nearby island. Obviously, there was an event going on and as I continued to listen to the voice, I knew it was familiar to me. Finally, without even seeing who was speaking, I realized it was the voice of Lloyd Robertson, whom I tuned into every evening for my daily news. He was indeed loved and respected by many, including myself.” – Louise Bartlett
“I was a young boy in ‘69 when I first saw Lloyd on CBC but as my dad loved the news, he followed Lloyd, and when he went to CTV and joined Harvey Kirk, I heard in our household Lloyd Robertson’s voice echo all the way into my bedroom, because I had to be in bed by 10 but would hear Lloyd’s comforting voice come in. Over the years and decades, Lloyd became a family member. As a pro athlete for Team Canada over the years, I have met a lot of journalists, and Lloyd just stood out. In 2015, I made a cross-Canada tour for youth perseverance and as I was in Winnipeg, one of the journalists asked me if there was anyone I would like to meet. I told them that there were only two people that I really wanted to see but one, who was Terry Fox, had already passed away. I told them the other was Lloyd Robertson. The guy giggled and I said, ‘Why do you find this funny?’ ‘Because Lloyd is right in the building behind you.’ He was the guest speaker for the Shriners. He then asked me, ‘Would you be interested in meeting him?’ and the rest is history. I didn’t just get to meet him and talk to him with pictures but he signed me his book and That’s The Kind of Life it’s Been. What a special day that became in my tour. The man was a treasure, an iconic, down-to-earth humanitarian. He will be missed. I cried when I heard the news last night, it was like losing my second dad, but will celebrate a man’s legendary career and life, never forgetting those famous words: That’s the kind of day it’s been.” – Steve O’Brien
“Thank you for doing this, so many of us grew up watching CTV National News at 11 p.m. Mr. Robertson’s delivery of the News was so comforting, especially during horrific events like September 11, 2001. Living in Vancouver it was so exciting to know Lloyd Roberston was in town reporting nightly about the 2010 Olympics. For those two weeks, Lloyd was ours! In the early 1990s Mr. Roberston was a guest host at the BC Variety Club Thelethon at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver. Meeting Lloyd was a memory that will never be lost, he was the kindness person, with a great sense of humour and such grace with everyone he met. What a life!!! I’m so happy I got to be in 10 minutes of it. Thank you, Lloyd, you will be missed, but it’s time for you to make new news, because that the kinda life it was!” – Kathryn Grant
“Sincerest condolences to Lloyd’s family, friends and colleagues. What a place he had not only in our living rooms, but also our hearts! I have a memory of Lloyd from quite a long time ago when I was doing a 5-kilometre walkathon for Kids Help Phone. I am a little fuzzy on where it was held but I believe the location we went to was Boyd Conservation Area. There were other locations in the GTA as well where the walk was being held and all week on the news, I kept hearing of so and so from CTV News would be at a certain location, and so and so would be at another location, and I kept thinking to myself that maybe we should switch to one of those locations to see the person from CTV. Well, guess who showed up at our location? Lloyd Robertson! To my knowledge, because I am an avid viewer of CTV News, I never once heard that he would be at the location of our 5-kilometre walk! As far as I was aware, no one from CTV News was scheduled to be at our location. So not only did we have someone from CTV News, we had the best! No offence, you are all pretty great there! What a pleasure it was to hear him speak in person. My only regret is that if I had known he was going to be there, I would have brought the book of his that I bought and ask him to sign it!” – Joseph Carneletto
“Dear Robertson and the CTV News Family, I was deeply saddened to learn of Lloyd Robertson’s passing. Although I never had the privilege of meeting him, he was a constant presence in my life for more than five decades. I first began watching Lloyd when he co-anchored the CTV National News with Harvey Kirck. As a young teenager, the 11 p.m. national newscast became required viewing. Every evening, Lloyd would help Canadians understand the day’s events with a calm voice, clear explanations, and unwavering professionalism. Over the years, watching the news became a nightly ritual. Before going to sleep, I wanted to hear Lloyd tell me what had happened in Canada and around the world. If I happened to miss a broadcast, I genuinely felt that I had missed something important. That was the trust he inspired in so many of us. When a state funeral, a national election, or a world crisis occurred, I turned to Lloyd to watch and understand the event. In those moments, his steady presence and clear reporting helped make sense of events that often felt overwhelming or uncertain. He was a trusted guide through some of the most significant moments in modern history. Lloyd possessed a rare gift. He knew which stories mattered most, explained them with clarity and balance, and never allowed himself to become part of the story. He embodied the very best of journalism—credibility, integrity, humility, and respect for the audience. Canada has lost one of its finest broadcasters. While he was rightly recognized with the Order of Canada and many other honours, I suspect Lloyd would have considered the trust and respect of Canadians to be his greatest achievement. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Thank you for sharing Lloyd with our country. His voice became part of the rhythm of Canadian life, and his legacy will endure for generations.” – L.-Col. (Ret’d) Steven P. Deschamps, CD
“Just wanted to share my condolences and profound sadness on the passing of Lloyd Robertson, a true tower of Canadian journalism who has left an indelible mark on the Canadian landscape and its people. I began watching him as a young boy when I was first encouraged to follow the nightly news. I continued to watch the nightly broadcasts from him as I navigated my teenage years into adulthood and then on in life as I pursued my own career. As an educator, I respected his professionalism as well as his honesty and dedication to his profession and to those whom he chose to inform so eloquently. I was sad when he signed off at his retirement but more saddened when I heard of his passing yesterday at the age of 92. His legacy will be difficult to match and repeat, but I sincerely hope that those who choose to follow in his footsteps will strive to meet the challenge. To all those who knew him or worked with him, and especially to his family, my sincerest of heartfelt condolences. He’s a tower of a man that will be sorely missed.” – Ken O’Boyle
“I couldn’t go to sleep tonight without sending my warm thoughts about Lloyd Robertson. I literally grew up with him on our black and white TV. Two channels: Hockey night in Canada and Lloyd. It’s been a full day of reflection. Sir, you touched so many lives, I couldn’t help but reflect on those in my family who have gone before you. I learned you have four daughters…a girl dad! I should have known. Your gentleness, kindness, your social graces, never a hair out of place kind of guy. Your wife and your daughters will miss you; we will all miss you. You have earned your rest, now go in peace. Thank you. That’s the kind of day it’s been.” – Anita Germann
“Back about 1975, I was working as cinematographer at the CBC TV affiliate station CHSJ, Saint John, N.B. I was told to meet two journalists from Toronto, which I did. I took them to what was then the new Press Club. We spent the afternoon chatting and drinking beer. Many, many laughs. Those journalists were Lloyd Robinson and Harvey Kirk. It was an afternoon I still remember fondly and I will always remember Lloyd’s humour and wit. He spoke to me like we were old friends. I liked him immediately. RIP my friend, RIP.” – Capt. (Ret’d) David Melanson, MSM, CD
“Like many other Canadians of a certain age, I used to stay up on Friday night with my dad and watch Lloyd on the late news. As a teenager, I’d be mostly making something to eat in the kitchen while Dad talked back to Lloyd with his opinions, sort of keeping a conversation going, until we heard the ‘And that’s the kind of day it’s been.’ Then he’d go to bed, and I’d get the TV to look for a late movie. Dad passed in 1982 at 52 years old. I had not thought about this until I heard the news of Lloyd’s passing.” – Logan Grauer
“I never met Mr. Robinson, but I well remember how excited my brother was when he phoned to tell me that I had been on the National News, and that Lloyd Robertson said that we were the Pope’s favourite dance group. The occasion was Pope John Paul II’s visit to Edmonton in the early 1980s. Flatbed trucks had been set up in the intersections along the route the Pope would take to St. Joseph’s Basilica. Many ethnic dance groups were hired to entertain the people waiting to see the Pope, and the French-Canadian dance group I belonged to was one of them. I had to laugh as I told my brother that the Pope never saw us dance; Mr. Robertson had told a little white lie. But that’s okay, I can claim that I was in the Pope’s favourite dance group because of Mr. Robertson! I admired Mr. Robertson’s calm in the face of many storms, and was sad when he retired. I send my deepest sympathy to family, friends, and former colleagues. He has earned his rest. May he rest in peace.” – Sandy Taylor
“I met Lloyd Robertson at Ottawa airport in December 2014. We were both travelling back to Toronto on a snowy day, me from my daughter-in-law’s baby shower and him from a political event he reported on. I recognized him mostly from his distinctive voice. I remember we briefly chatted about whether our flight would be delayed. He was a gentleman and a Canadian treasure.” – Elaine Krochmalnek
“Mr. Lloyd Robertson had been the face of news since I was little and my own husband can remember see him at the grocery store many times. We will always and forever remember him and his catch phrase ‘and that’s the kind of day it’s been!’ Our condolences to his family and friends.” – Andrea Power
“I have always watched Lloyd’s newscasts. Even referring to him as ‘Uncle Lloyd’ to friends and family. I have missed him ever since the night he signed off in 2011. I think what I found so endearing about him was aside from his charming personality, knowledge, and skills, he was ALWAYS focused on bringing us the news... Unfiltered, bias-free, and with such precision and genuine empathy. No one else does that, here or abroad. I always thought ‘Uncle Lloyd’ represented the best of what it means to be Canadian, both at home and across the globe. It was comforting to see him deliver the news so professionally every night, and hear his trademark ‘and that’s the kind of day it’s been.’ When I think of his peers, even at agencies like CNN and 60 Minutes and NBC, no one even comes close to his professionalism. May he rest in peace after a long life so well lived. I wish I could have met him and asked for his autograph. Thanks for being there Lloyd.” – Lorne Jordan
“My condolences to the Robertson family. I had the honour to meet Lloyd by fluke as I was working as traffic control in 2015 for the Aazhaawe Car-Ferry that transports members/cottagers and visitors to and from the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation. He was visiting a family cottage there and I noticed him as he was parked, waiting in line to board the ferry with his wife, Nancy, leaving the island and heading back home to the city. I drove home to grab a gift to give him, as I knew I was going to introduce myself while I had the chance. That gift turned out to be a jar of unpasteurized, raw honey that my sister makes right here on the island. She is a beekeeper, as well as her fiancé. He was so delighted to receive the honey. We ended up chatting a long time before he had to get on the ferry. He was very down to earth and was very nice to talk to. Hearing his iconic voice was incredible and I was in awe. It was a rare, raw memory. Thank you for your many years of hard work and dedication of being in the broadcasting business, coming into each one of our homes every night to deliver important messages and news from around the world.” – David Trumble
“I am so sad to hear of Lloyd Robertson’s passing. I met him at a luncheon at the Windsor Hotel in downtown Toronto when he was promoting his book, The Kind of Life It’s Been. Lloyd knew there was a group of AMEX folks at the pre-luncheon cocktail gathering where he was signing the books of the attendees. As one could get a copy that was already signed, I chose that option and about 20 minutes before the actual luncheon was scheduled to start, I heard a familiar voice saying, ‘Where are those American Express girls?’ The three of us waved ‘over here’ and he was suddenly in front of us! He wanted to know who in the group was born in his hometown of Stratford and I confessed it was me. This seemed to thrill him in a way that immediately endeared me to him. Make no mistake, I had watched Lloyd Robertson on the Canadian National News as my wind down before bed for so many years so I was already excited just knowing that I was in the same room. But through this close encounter, I quickly learned that Mr. Robertson had such a way with people that he seemed to make you the centre of his attention and interest in seconds of shaking his hand. Our subsequent conversation was like an appointment with a psychic. Lloyd described his connection with Stratford and his reason for an immediate connection to radio. He said it was upon hearing and seeing his local radio station’s announcer who headed up the Perth regiment WWII survivors ‘welcome home’ parade in his hometown. When I told him that my dad, Robert Weston, would have been one of them, he immediately expressed his humble ‘thank you’ for Dad’s service! Through Lloyd’s expert inquiries, he ascertained that I was raised on a farm just one kilometre from his favourite ‘swimming hole’ in the town of St. Marys, which is approximately 15 kilometres from Stratford. He said as a teen, he would often accompany friends to this natural swimming quarry, breaking in after hours for a midnight swim…in the nude! He also told me that he had garnered a job at the local cement company for a summer job just before getting his job at Stratford’s radio station. Had he pursued that job, he would most likely have worked with my dad, who was an employee of that same St. Marys Cement Company. I was overwhelmed by the connections that our beginnings seemed to have and it was easy to see that he, like so many big city implants, would always cherish and recognize the blessings of our root beginnings. Lloyd Robertson made such an impression on me that day and reading his book made me feel so at home. I have thought of him on many relatable occasions as CTV remains my news source. I would like to think that the amazing newscaster that Lloyd Robertson has a big part in that enduring viewing.” – Donna Weston
“Dear Robertson family and CTV family, it is with sincere sympathy that I send this message to each of you. I grew up near Stratford, Ontario. My parents instilled in myself and brothers and sisters the importance of viewing the news. As an adult that included watching the news and news anchor Lloyd Robertson. I echo many of the wonderful remarks about Lloyd. Indeed, Lloyd was honest, respectful, knowledgeable and a gentle man. Take solace in the love and sympathy of sooooo many as well in the rich, well lived life of Lloyd.” – Joan Haid
“I was 11 years old and had just arrived at the large imposing building on Portage Avenue, the CBC in Winnipeg. I was a member of Miss Gertrude Lowery’s Tuneful Tales of the Air choir. The choir always taped and performed on Wednesday afternoons. It was SO exciting to be on the radio! As we were walking into the building from our school bus (there were about 15 to 20 of us chosen for this choir from the River East School District) there HE WAS, the real-life Lloyd Robertson, impeccably dressed in his news anchor attire, standing in the foyer by a reception desk, talking to a few other newscast reporters. I recognized them as well from watching CBC News with my family in our living room, but I cannot say that I remember what their names were… but I certainly remember the KING of the broadcast, Lloyd Robertson! I could hardly wait to burst into the door when I got home to tell my parents, ‘Guess who I saw today!’ Lloyd Robertson was the news anchor for many, many years. He was certainly loved and trusted by Canadians. He was always professional and as viewers we felt that he was our friend; and just maybe we felt that because he was blessed with an assured, measured and imperturbable voice.” – Jacqueline Slocombe
“One of the good ones is gone. At the risk of making a comparison to the U.S. and raising some ire, I believe this one might be graciously received. Lloyd Robertson was, in my mind, our Walter Cronkite. You trusted every word that came out of his mouth. There was no flash, no fashion, no gimmicks. It was plain-truth-reporting and it became our daily elixir. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Robertson at an RBC Conference in Toronto years ago, with my radio colleague John Bermingham from Kingston, Ont. I couldn’t believe his height (or lack thereof) LOL! But boy… did he ever appear tall in that chair behind the desk…. In so many ways. I hope those still reporting the news take their jobs as seriously as Lloyd did, and keep his integrity, honesty and passion for the profession as close to them as possible.” – Bryan J. Mercer
“It was after some winter sports games in Regina and I was at the airport waiting to fly to Winnipeg. I saw someone I recognized but wasn’t sure from where, so, as I have been wont to do, I walked up to him, sitting on the overhang of the radiators, and said, ‘I know you from somewhere.’ The woman sitting beside him nudged him, saying, ‘She knows you from somewhere.’ It was Barbara Frum! I recognized her, and slowly it dawned on me that the man was Lloyd Robertson! How embarrassed was I! But he was so pleasant and laughed with me as I realized my mistake. Yes, I knew him from the evening news over the years. He shook my hand, to my delight. I went over to my father, who was working as a commissionaire at the airport, and said, ‘Look who’s sitting over there!’ He looked and said, ‘Oh, George Finstad!’ I guess we watched different newscasts!” – Janet Wees
“Growing up in rural Alberta, he was the looked-forward-to 11 p.m. newscaster that my parents never missed. As I grew up I also regularly watched his newscast. How he reported the news was uniquely him, with his deep, calm voice. He controlled and captured the audience from thousands miles away. Even though he was located in a big city giving the news, he related to everyone. I think his way of reporting helped me learn to love the news and solidified how I like to turn on the news daily. He was and will always be a Canadian icon who demonstrated that you can be and do whatever you put your mind to. If you love what you do then you will be successful.” – Shelley Baran
“Lloyd left an indelible mark on both CTV News and Canadian journalism,” said Richard Gray, VP News, Bell Media, in a statement. ”Throughout his illustrious career, he forged a genuine bond with viewers, becoming a reassuring voice while reporting on some of the biggest events happening across Canada and around the world. To those who worked alongside him, Lloyd was a valued mentor and friend. His enduring legacy continues through the standards and values he established at CTV News and he will be deeply missed by all.”
Sandie Rinaldo, anchor of CTV National News at 5:30, worked closely with Robertson for decades. In a column about her colleague, she wrote, “He was there for me… providing wise counsel as I worked my way up to CTV National News Weekend Anchor – bearing witness to my growing pains and cheering on my successes. Ours was a truly extraordinary working relationship — and friendship in a business where competition and jealousy can alter the collegial tone of newsrooms.”
Wendy Freeman, former president of CTV News, described Robertson as an “incredible man” and a “real champion of women.”
When I took over as the first woman executive producer of the CTV National News, it was really important to him that everybody really see that this young woman was now in charge of a newscast – at the time, there weren’t many women in newsrooms – and he would come into the newsroom all the time and he would call me ‘boss’ to make sure that everybody knew that I was the boss," Freeman said.
“It was really important for him that women be promoted at a time when women weren’t promoted. Not many people know that, what a champion he was of women.”
