Peter Gzowski facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Peter Gzowski
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Gzowski at CBC Radio
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Peter John Gzowski
July 13, 1934 Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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| Died | January 24, 2002 (aged 67) Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Peter John Gzowski (July 13, 1934 – January 24, 2002) was a famous Canadian broadcaster, writer, and reporter. Many people called him "Mr. Canada" or "Captain Canada." He was best known for his work on CBC radio shows like This Country in the Morning and Morningside.
Peter Gzowski helped Canadians understand their own culture. He wrote books and hosted television shows. He also worked at newspapers and Maclean's magazine. People loved his friendly and warm way of interviewing guests.
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A Look at Peter Gzowski's Life
Peter Gzowski was born in Toronto, Ontario. His great-great-grandfather was Sir Casimir Gzowski. Sir Casimir was a famous engineer in Canada. He helped build the Grand Trunk Railway and the Welland Canal. He was even knighted by Queen Victoria.
Peter's parents separated when he was very young. Peter and his mother were supported by his father's family. When Peter was five, his mother remarried. They moved to Galt, Ontario.
School Days and Early Career
Peter had some trouble in high school. During Grade 11, he reconnected with his father. His father encouraged him to attend Ridley College, a boarding school. Sadly, Peter's mother passed away when he was 16 years old.
Peter went to the University of Toronto but did not finish his degree. However, he later received 11 honorary degrees from other universities. While in university, he worked for the Timmins Daily Press. He also edited the student newspaper, The Varsity.
After university, Peter worked at several newspapers. These included the Moose Jaw Times-Herald and the Chatham Daily News. In 1958, he joined Maclean's magazine. At just 28, he became the youngest managing editor of Maclean's. He later worked at the Toronto Star.
Becoming a Radio Star
Peter Gzowski started his regular radio show, Radio Free Friday, in 1969. In 1971, he became the host of the CBC's This Country in the Morning. From 1976 to 1978, he hosted the TV show 90 Minutes Live on CBC Television.
In 1982, he returned to his morning radio show. It was now called Morningside. He stayed there until 1997. He also narrated some Heritage Minutes, which are short films about Canadian history. His very last Morningside episode was broadcast from Moose Jaw.
Supporting Literacy in Canada
Peter Gzowski cared a lot about literacy. This means helping people learn to read and write. In 1986, he started a golf tournament to raise money for literacy programs. This tournament grew and is now held across Canada. It has raised over $13 million for volunteer literacy groups.
Each year, a Canadian is honored with the Peter Gzowski Award. This award recognizes people who help adult literacy in Canada.
Later Life and Legacy
Peter Gzowski faced health challenges later in life. He worked hard to quit smoking, a habit he had for many years. He wrote essays about his experience, sharing his journey with others. Peter Gzowski passed away in Toronto on January 24, 2002, from emphysema.
He had five children with his first wife, Jennie Lissaman. He was also survived by two long-term partners, Jan Walter and Gillian Howard. Peter Gzowski is buried in the family tomb at St. James Cemetery in Toronto.
Awards and Recognitions
Peter Gzowski received many awards for his amazing work. Here are some of them:
- 1974, 1985, 1987 – ACTRA Awards for best radio host-interviewer.
- 1981 – National Magazine Award for his story about Wayne Gretzky.
- 1986 – Became an Officer of the Order of Canada.
- 1995 – Governor General's Performing Arts Award.
- 1997 – International Peabody Award for broadcasting.
- 1997 – Gold Medal from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.
- 1998 – Became a Companion of the Order of Canada, a very high honor.
- 1999 – Appointed Chancellor of Trent University. He held this position until his death.
- 2002 – The Peter Gzowski Foundation for Literacy was created. It honors his work in promoting literacy.
- 2003 – Gzowski College at Trent University opened in his honor.
- 2006 – The Peter Gzowski Festival of Stories was held.
- 2006 – The Sutton Branch of the Georgina Public Libraries was renamed the Peter Gzowski Branch.
Books About Peter Gzowski
Many books have been written about Peter Gzowski's life and career:
- Aleksandra Ziolkowska-Boehm, "Dreams and Reality Polish Canadian Identities”, chapter: The King of CBC, Toronto 1984, ISBN: 0-9691756-0-4
- Aleksandra Ziolkowska-Boehm, „Kanada, Kanada”, chapter: Gwiazdor Kanadyjskiego Radia CBC, Warsaw 1986. ISBN: 83-7021-006-6
- 1994 Marco Adria, Peter Gzowski: An Electric Life (ECW Press)
- 2002 Edna Barker (ed.), with introduction by Shelagh Rogers, Remembering Peter Gzowski: A Book of Tributes (Douglas Gibson Books)
- 2010 R.B. Fleming, Peter Gzowski: A Biography (Dundurn Press)
Audio Recordings
- 2003 A Celebration of Peter Gzowski (CBC Audio) - This CD is a collection of Peter Gzowski's interviews.
Peter Gzowski in Music
- Peter Gzowski helped write the song "One Single River" with Ian Tyson. This song was about Canadian unity. It was performed by Ian and Sylvia, and even by Bob Dylan and The Band.
- The Scottish band Mogwai used a recording of Gzowski's interview with Iggy Pop in their song "Punk Rock." This song is on their album Come on Die Young (1999).
Images for kids
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The Peter Gzowski Library in Sutton
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The Gzowski Family Mausoleum where Peter Gzowski is buried
