Veteran newscaster Lloyd Robertson dies at 92
Legendary CTV News anchor Lloyd Robertson died August 4 at age 92.
“Today, Markham joins Canadians in mourning the loss of Lloyd Robertson, a broadcasting legend, a trusted voice and a proud member of our community,” Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti said on Facebook.
“While millions knew him as one of Canada’s most respected journalists, we were fortunate to know him as one of our own. In 2018, it was our honour to dedicate Lloyd Robertson Park, recognizing a life defined by integrity, excellence and public service. Our heartfelt condolences to Nancy, his daughters and the entire Robertson family. Flags at the Markham Civic Centre have been lowered in his honour. Thank you, Lloyd. Your legacy will always have a home in Markham.”
Robertson launched his career in broadcasting in his hometown of Stratford in 1952. In 1954, he moved to the CBC, where he spent multiple years in Winnipeg and Ottawa. He anchored CBC’s national newscast “The National” from 1970 to 1976, when he joined CTV News. He held the title of CTV’s Chief Anchor and Senior Editor from 1983 until he retired in 2011.
Over the span of his career, Robertson covered multiple Olympic Games, royal weddings, the 9/11 terrorist attacks and countless other major news events. “For more than six decades, Lloyd Robertson helped Canadians make sense of the world,” Prime Minister Mark Carney wrote. “For millions of us, he was a familiar face in our living rooms. A reassuring voice in moments of uncertainty. A calm and steady presence through the moments that shaped our nation.”
In 1998, Robertson became a Member of the Order of Canada and in 2007, he was the first journalist inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame. He was known for his signature sign-off: “And that’s the kind of day it’s been.” He hosted some of Markham’s biggest events, including Markham’s Annual Santa Claus Parade and the City’s dedication of Veterans Square and Cenotaph.
File photo of Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, left, and Lloyd Robertson from the 2018 opening of Lloyd Robertson Park courtesy of the City of Markham.