A late Red Deer journalist is among several outstanding citizens who will be honoured at the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum’s annual induction banquet later this week.
Lorne Starko a well-known reporter for Zed 99/KG Country died in the early hours of May 30, 2009 at the University of Alberta Hospital after suffering a heart attack on May 11th while attending a movie. He was 57. He was transported to the hospital for treatment but family members made the difficult decision, after determined but unsuccessful efforts by doctors to improve his critical condition, to take Lorne off life support.
A number of prominent community members including many City councillors, provincial representatives including Red Deer North MLA Mary Anne Jablonski and Red Deer South MLA Cal Dallas, members from the Red Deer Rebels organization including Head Coach Jesse Wallin and Cam Moon, media relations/radio play-by-play for the Rebels were in attendance at his funeral which was held at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church. A true testament to how much Lorne was admired in the City.
Lorne, also affectionately known as ‘Coach’, was remembered for his many passions including broadcasting, sports, music, movies and cars.
Meanwhile, Lorne had been a fixture in the local media ever since he arrived in Red Deer in 1981. He worked at CKRD radio and television, which later became CHCA TV and Big 105 FM radio.
In 2000, Lorne changed employers and became senior news reporter for Zed 99 and CKGY Country radio, now known as KG Country. For many years Lorne filed regular sports stories for the Red Deer Express.
It’s wonderful to see someone who had such a passion for not only sports in general but the community at large be honoured in this way. Thankfully a recognition like this has come to be and what a fitting recognition it is.
Also honoured will be Barb Clark Parolin, Dale Henwood, Edward Molstad, Bob Niven, Russ Parker, Larry Robinson, Michael Slipchuk and Gary De Man.
More than 600 people from across the provinces and United States attend this gala event to honour Alberta’s great athletes, sport builders, pioneers, and media personal.
The event not only honours these great Albertans but it recognizes the importance of sport in our lives and communities. Athletes include participants and winners of Olympic performances and world championships. Sport builders include those who have contributed endless hours in their respective sports making them what they are today.
For those who may have known Lorne, there is special significance to seeing his name included in this list and forever commemorated at the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame.
