Menu

Search by Name

Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Share Obituary

Zolf
/
Larry Zolf
Zolf
/
Larry Zolf

Larry Zolf

Larry Zolf obituary

Larry Zolf Obituary

LARRY ZOLF Veteran journalist, author and political pundit extraordinaire Larry Zolf passed away peacefully on Monday, March 14, 2011 at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto. Known variously as a 'national treasure,' 'Canadian icon,' 'political guru' and 'CBC legend,' Larry irreverently provoked and engaged Canada's political and social culture for over 40 years, and his presence in the Canadian public sphere will be sorely missed. Larry was born in North End, Winnipeg in 1934, received his bachelor's degree from the University of Winnipeg and did graduate work in history at the University of Toronto. He joined the CBC in 1962 and worked as a reporter, producer, critic and radio and TV host on several shows, including the legendary current-affairs TV show This Hour Has Seven Days as well as Sunday, Weekend, and Take 30. His documentary on the 1964 Toronto printers' strike won the Anik Award in 1965 and was rebroadcast as one of the 100 best documentaries at the National Film Board's 50th birthday celebration. He is the author of several books, including Dance of the Dialectic, Just Watch Me: Remembering Pierre Trudeau, Survival of the Fattest: An Irreverent View of the Senate and Scorpions for Sale, which was shortlisted for a Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour. Until the very end of his life, Larry's engagement with thinking and writing and Canadian public culture never waned. In the fall of 2010, his memoir, The Dialectical Dancer, was released. Larry leaves behind his wife, Barbara Diakopoulou, his children David and Rachel Zolf, his former wife Patricia Zolf and nieces and nephews Stephen, Janice, Sharon, Allan, Barbara, Audrey and Susan, as well as many friends, colleagues and admirers. Funeral service will be held at MOUNT PLEASANT CEMETERY VISITATION CENTRE, 375 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto (east gate entrance, north of St. Clair Ave., 416-485-5572) on Thursday, March 17 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Larry's name can be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada. Information and condolences available at www.etouch.ca

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Toronto Star on Mar. 16, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Larry Zolf

Not sure what to say?

6 Entries

Aubrey Tadman

March 20, 2011

Larry was talented, funny and a great guy. We both worked for the CBC for many years, in Winnipeg and in Toronto. Bumping into him at work turned into a wonderful half hour's conversation. Wait until he gets up there, they've got a treat coming. From another North End kid. Aubrey Tadman.

Briane Nasimok

March 18, 2011

When I was in high school I talked my way into being the student p.a. on Sunday, getting classmates to participate in panel discussions, join the audience, ask questions and rush the stage when Otis Redding sang. I also formed the Larry Zolf Fan Club and got him to speak at the library.

Over the years we would have meet up at the CBC, have a lunch, chat, discuss the world - and he was always very supportive in my attempt to have a career in the business.

He was one of a kind and I cherish the times we spent together.

Rick Rice

March 16, 2011

Thanks, Larry. For the fun.

G'bye, eh.

rr

Norman Bloom

March 16, 2011

I have heard of him and yes I did listen to his show from time to time.
I often wondered what happened to him over the years. But now I know what happened to him. His voice is silent.
My sympathies to him and to his family and his CBC family.

Jeff Goodall

March 16, 2011

A very nice man, and an excellent conversationalist. I remember seeing him early one morning by the Lake, and approaching him, as I was acquainted with Pat Zolf through our union. We spoke for a while on a variety of subjects. A very unpretentious person, and a treasure indeed. My sincere condolences to the family.

March 16, 2011

I knew Larry from the earlier CBC days . I really liked and enjoyed him and his wonderful humour. He'd always yell out Hello Keogh! and I always threatened to build a puppet of him , the idea of which I think he quite liked. I'm so sorry he has passed away. My condolences to his family. Nina Keogh

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Memorial Events
for Larry Zolf

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.