Kind words for Rick Cluff as longtime host nears retirement

Rick Cluffhas been waking listeners up dark and early on The Early Edition for two decades, and kind words are pouring in from listeners, family and friends as he rounds the corner to retirement.

Cluffhas worked forCBCfor 41 years and hosted CBC Vancouver's morning show since 1997. He will sign off for the final time on Friday.

To mark the occasion, Vancouver Canuckspresident Trevor Lindengifted Cluff with his own custom-designed Vancouver Canucksjersey.

"Forty-oneyears with the same team ... that's amazing," Linden said.

Cluff''s jersey isnumber 41, in honour of his years with the CBC.

Colleagues and family clustered around Studio 10, where Cluffhas spent countless mornings.

"Thank you for being a fierce competitor in radio. You grew our audience like nobody else ever has in Vancouver," said Shiral Tobin, CBC B.C.'s director of journalism and programming.

"You changed morning radio like nobody ever else has,"Tobin said.

Tobinplayed emotional tape of a young listener who creditedCluff for helping her through a bout of clinical depression.

Anna Park was in high school when she was diagnosed and said listening to The Early Edition helped her feel safe and gave her the strength to carry on.

"If it wasn't for Rick, I might not have lived to see him retire," said Park, who is now a journalism student.

Those closest to Cluffwere also on-hand to wish him well.

Children Mallory and James Cluffthanked their father for being an inspiration to them, as well as to his many listeners.

"If I can touch people the way you do, even one per cent, then I will consider my life a success," said Cluff's son James.

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With files from The Early Edition