Jeff Allan Galbraith

1956 - 2022  (65 years)

• Name	Jeff Allan Galbraith
  Born	30 Nov 1956	Port Colborne, Humberstone Twp., Welland Co., Ontario
  Gender	Male
  Interesting	radio
  Eby ID Number	Waterloo-226673
  Died	31 Jul 2022
  Person ID	I226673	Generations
  Last Modified	25 Apr 2024

  
  

• Notes

  Lifetimes: Jeff Allan Galbraith was popular Kitchener radio host for many years Radio broadcasting was the perfect medium for Jeff Allan Galbraith and his big personality. The former host of 570 News Talk Radio in Kitchener had worked in broadcasting in Toronto, Regina, Winnipeg and Ottawa before coming to Kitchener. Known simply as Jeff Allan, the radio personality was recognized everywhere he went, according to friend Dennis Papaluca. "He's one of these characters you don't forget." Jeff's life and his work were centred on his voice, but that voice would be silenced by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS, a neurological illness also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Jeff's death at age 65 on July 31, 2022, was another heavy blow for his mother, Joan Galbraith. Her son Scott died in 2018 at age 60, followed in 2021 by her husband Robert. A third son, Tim Galbraith is in long term care, suffering from multiple sclerosis. There is only one of her children, Judy Ashman, left to mourn the tragic losses in the Galbraith family. Jeff had been a rock for his mother after he lost his job at the Kitchener radio station in 2014 and returned to live in London where he had grown up and where his mother lives. "He looked after all of us," Joan said of her son's loyalty to his family. Jeff wasn't married and didn't have children of his own but was devoted to his niece and nephews. Jeff showed up for the kids' activities - especially hockey games \emdash and was known as Uncle Jeff by parents, kids, everyone he met there. That often included members of the opposing team. Judy has many memories of Jeff, how he was larger than life, often loud, always quick with a joke to lighten moments. "But kind, and never judged," said Judy. "He was a champion to the underdog. "He could make a friend with anyone." Jeff was born Nov. 30, 1956, in Port Colborne, Ont., where his father had a chiropractic practice and Joan worked as a nurse. They moved to London in the 1960s, seeking a larger patient base for Robert's practice. Jeff was a devoted basketball player in high school, named most valuable player and known for his team play, Judy said. He also served as student council president. After high school Jeff received a university basketball scholarship in Buffalo, N.Y. "He did everything with great gusto and excelled in every sport, except golf," said Joan. But Jeff wasn't happy in Buffalo and didn't finish the first year. Though Jeff wasn't interested in academics, Joan said he had a trait that would create a foundation for a successful life. Everything had to be done perfectly, she said. Jeff was all about planning and setting everything in place before starting on any job, and he had a strong work ethic. Dennis met Jeff in the 1980s when both were working in Toronto at Yorkville's hottest disco, The Copa. They shared a love of sports but Jeff was also known for his skills as the club's DJ, gaining a solid reputation as a talented music mixer. He knew music and he knew what patrons wanted. His friend had ambitions beyond being a disc jockey, perhaps working radio, or even television, Dennis said. Being in Toronto, however, was too big a market, with too much competition. He found jobs in radio broadcasting, ending up in Kitchener at 570 News in 2005. Kitchener mayor Berry Vrbanovic remembers being interviewed several times by Jeff and always appreciated his passion. Jeff wanted to stimulate conversation in the community so people would be aware of what was going on locally and across the country. He wanted people to care. "He played an important role in our local media scene," said Berry, who also appreciated how much time Jeff spent supporting veterans, in both his professional and personal life. "He used his voice to be a champion for that," said Berry. Friend Steve Bentley recalled Jeff's determination to keep veterans in the public eye. "He played a large role in supporting the military, with a dedicated Friday segment on his show," said Steve, adding that Jeff also acted as host at the Kitchener Cenotaph on Remembrance Day and broadcast live from the Royal Canadian Legion. "He reached out and helped so many people," said Steve. That help included supporting people with Down syndrome. In recognition of Jeff's contributions to the community, he was presented with a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. The medal was awarded to Canadians who made significant contributions to their communities. In 2014, Rogers, which owned the radio station, cancelled Jeff's show, leaving him jobless. Jeff posted on social media, "I have lost my dog (to cancer) and my job in less than a week." Jeff would never work in radio again. Valerie Hill is a former Record reporter. She can be reached at vmhill296@gmail.com. "Lifetimes: Jeff Allan Galbraith Was Popular Kitchener Radio Host For Many Years". 2022. Therecord.Com. https://www.therecord.com/life/2022/08/29/lifetimes-jeff-allan-galbraith-was-popular-kitchener-radio-host-for-many-years.html.

  
  

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  Born - 30 Nov 1956 - Port Colborne, Humberstone Twp., Welland Co., Ontario  = Link to Google Earth