Memorable Manitobans: George Clifford “Cliff” Gardner (1928-2003)

Broadcaster, actor.

Born at Brandon, Manitoba on 6 September 1928, he spent 60 years as a radio broadcaster, starting with CKX in Brandon and moving in 1949 to Winnipeg to host the morning shows at CJOB and, in 1956, at CKRC. He returned to CJOB as Program Director in 1960, serving for nine years before quitting to begin a freelance career. After retirement, he continued occasional broadcasting on the nostalgia station CHNR.

His theatrical career began in 1953 with a role in the Winnipeg Little Theatre production of “The Remarkable Mr. Pennypacker”. With Rainbow Stage, he had such memorable roles as Tevye in “Fiddler On The Roof”, Cowardly Lion in “The Wizard of Oz”, Fagin in “Oliver!” and Alfred Doolittle in “My Fair Lady”. He performed at the Manitoba Theatre Centre, Shoestring Theatre, Theatre 77, and “Beer N Skits”. He lead the cheers at Winnipeg Blub Bomber games and was later inducted into the Bomber Hall of Fame.

He died of cancer at Winnipeg on 13 October 2003.

Sources:

“Veteran radio announcer one of Rainbow’s early stars” by Kevin Prokosh, Winnipeg Free Press, 15 October 2003, page D3.

Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press, 18 October 2003.

“They will never be forgotten”, Winnipeg Free Press, 31 December 2003, pages A6-7.

This profile was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Profile revised: 1 October 2011

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