Vancouver/BC (with files from RPM: Radio People Meet!) – For many, he was a sports icon with a wry sense of humour.
Former sports anchor John McKeachie has died at 82.
His 40-year broadcast career included 27 years at BCTV. He also worked as a host and colour commentator on Vancouver Canucks and Vancouver Whitecaps broadcasts.
“McKeach” hosted CBC Vancouver’s Hockey Night in Canada post-game show, “McKeachie’s Hockey Talk,”and he wrote a weekly sports column for The Province newspaper in the late 90s.
Ironically, John McKeachie will be formally inducted into the BC Sports Hall of Fame this fall.
From Vancouver Broadcasters: Sports CKNW New Westminster; sports anchor BCTV 1973-99; Vancouver Province columnist; multi-event MC; CBC-TV Vancouver 1999-2000 & Hockey Night in Canada post-game show 2000-01; morning co-host CKST Vancouver 2003-04; mornings CHMJ Vancouver 2004-06; narrator 13-week TV show Road Hockey Rumble OLN Network 2007; consultant ZLC Financial Group Vancouver 2007-current and director Client Relations 2010-current.
From BC Sports Hall of Fame:
Thank you to Sandi McKeachie (John’s wife) and Jessica McKeachie (John’s daughter) for sharing the following statement with the BC Sports Hall of Fame.
Sports Broadcaster John McKeachie passes away at 82-year-of-age
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that John McKeachie passed away peacefully on August 11th, surrounded by his family.
While British Columbia knew John as one of its most beloved and enduring sports media personalities, those closest to him knew him first and foremost as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend — roles he cherished above all others and considered his greatest achievements. To family and friends, he was bigger than life, instantly recognizable by his booming voice and his love of a good story that could captivate a room.
John’s own passion for sports started long before the cameras and microphones, playing Little League baseball in his hometown of Victoria. Though he’d be the first to joke he never made it big as an athlete himself, that love of the game never left him. Well into his life he kept up a weekly basketball game with a close group of friends and was a regular on the ice rink and the golf course though, by his own admission, he always wished he were a little better at them.
That genuine love of sport carried him into a celebrated 40-year career in sports television, radio, and print, including 27 years as a sports anchor at BCTV and national work with CBC and CTV, covering two Olympic Games.
Earlier this year, John was named to the BC Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 in the Media category, recognition that meant a great deal to him, reflecting both the community he served so faithfully and the career he cared about so deeply. Full details of his career can be found via the BC Sports Hall of Fame.
Born and raised in Victoria, BC, John spent his working life in Vancouver, where he continued to reside with much of his family close by.
Details of a service will be available in the coming days.
