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The broadcasting community on the prairies is mourning the loss of a friend and former colleague to many.
Broadcaster John Himpe died suddenly in Calgary on Friday at the age of 38.
The Yorkton-native spent nearly 13 years working for Rawlco Radio, climbing the ranks to become province-wide program director of 980 CJME and 650 CKOM.
He was also co-host and producer of the 980 CJME morning show.
“We’re all just numb. This was so out of nowhere,” said Murray Wood, program director for 980 CJME. “It’s the nature of what we do that we work closely and get to know and care about each other. John was deeply respected for his intellect but also his passion. John loved radio. He got it. The immediacy, the ability to tell stories in a creative, compelling way.”
Himpe’s work in Saskatchewan would include the Sept. 11 terror attacks, Amber Alerts, storm coverage, election night coverage and several live budget broadcasts from the legislature. He could often be found amid the hustle and bustle wearing a headset directing the show.
More quickly than most, Himpe understood and embraced the potential of social media to provide a new way to be interactive with listeners.
On his own blog, Himpe wrote, “I’m part of the first generation which has spent more of their lives online than not. I’ve watched digital technology change and shape the way we not only consume media but how we produce it.”
Himpe was part of a four-person team that established Rawlco Radio’s interactive division in 2007, helping colleagues navigate the digital world. He helped the company be among the first private broadcasters in Canada to introduce podcasts into radio programming.
“I’ve been a champion for finding ways to bridge the gap between traditional and digital platforms,” Himpe wrote.
Even though travel took John further afield he stayed in touch with many friends in Saskatchewan.
“He had several passions, his family, friends, radio and travel. I remember when John gave me my Twitter account with a password he thought I’d remember. He’d shake his head knowing now that I haven’t changed that password since,” laughed Jamie Nye, who was encouraged by Himpe to return to radio in Saskatchewan.
In the days since his death, social media has been filled with friends and colleagues sharing memories and stories. He worked most recently in Yorkton and Calgary.
“Even though John moved on to new pursuits, many of us who worked with him stayed in touch. And we’re thinking about those closest to him, the people he loved mattered to him so much and he talked of them often,” Wood said.
