Clem Albert

I am so saddned to hear the news of Clem';s passing. I had not seen him since I left the CBC in 1997 but remember him as a passionate member of our morning show team - he was more than just a technician. he was an active member of the team. Believe me he made me look better than I was on more than one occasion. Lorraine, I wish you all the best in this time of grief. I am just sorry I just found out about it. You can't say this about everyone, but he was a great man!!!

I went to NAIT and enrolled in Radio & Televison studies when I was in my teens, where I met Clem. I didn't know him well, but nevertheless he became part of the grand collective of friends and classmates who helped define my youth. Those days of joy, optimism and discovery are forever implanted in my heart and mind, and it is there that those who pass away far too early reside as well. Fare well, our friend, Clem. I have lost friends and family over the past couple of years, and I know they will meet you, take care of you and make you feel at home in your new place, that place in our hearts.

Lorraine: I can not begin to express our feelings when first we heard from Eric Wagers about the untimely passing of Clem. It has been many years since our time in Edmonton, but Wendy and I want to let you know you are in our thoughts. Clem was a classmate, co-worker and friend and he will be missed by all who knew him.

Clem was a good man, and a good man for the industry. He was quiet, solid and dependable. It's too bad he never made it to retirement.

I worked side by side with Clem on the morning show for two years and with him at CBC for 11 years. He was a professional and made what he did look easy - even though it isn't -- that was apparent anytime he was off work! I'll always remember the evil twinkle in his eye when one of us was ranting about something and how he'd say "I wouldn't even worry about it". It became the mantra for the morning crew. Good-bye Clem, you left too soon.

I am so sorry to hear about Clem. Jo-Anne Fischer was kind enough to send me the notice. Lorraine, I want you to know that I am thinking of you and my heart-felt sympathies for you. Take care.

Dawn

My first job in broadcasting was at CKXM (CFRN-FM) in Edmonton. I was a part-time operator and Clem showed me the radio ropes, teaching me how to load and roll tapes, cue up records and more. I recall that, despite my inexperience and lack of knowledge, he was always patient and kept his sense of humour. While I haven't seen Clem in awhile, I have worked with Lorraine for years at ITV/Global. My thoughts and prayers go to Lorraine and Clem's family.

I worked with Clem in Edmonton and then we were each working on the morning shows , he in Edmonton and I was in Calgary at CBC. We had much contact in the wee hours as we prepared to go to air. He was such a GREAT person. I am truly, truly sad . Such a loss , my deepest condolences to his family. Just a GREAT GREAT soul.

Clem was a true gentleman in the control room, and always dependable and calm. Although it's been more than 20 years, I fondly remember looking up from my mike in Studio E and seeing his smiling face through the glass. I send my sincere sympathies to Clem's extended family.

Clem helped me in my first shaky days of radio. He was professional and caring. A great loss..my deepest sympathies to his family.

I learned so much from Clem and his keen mind, and especially from his ability to cut through the political debate to the essence of a story. Anyone who knew anything about him knew what a great role model he was professionally, and in his family life.

I was so shocked and sad to hear about Clem. We worked together many (early) mornings in the CBC control room. I was new to radio, and almost new to journalism. He taught me so much about the craft of radio, and the value of professionalism. I remember one day when I was a very green studio director, paralyzed with fear and uncertainty, not knowing what call to make. He looked at me calmly and said, "You have to decide. You can worry later about whether you made the right decision. But this is live radio -- you have to make a decision."
That was damned good advice -- in the studio and out in the real world. I've tried to live up to it ever since.
I will always remember how much Clem loved his family, how proud he was of his francophone roots, and how dedicated he was to putting out the best radio possible. In the frantic universe of Edmonton AM, he was our rock, our calm centre, our voice of common sense. No matter what changed on that crazy morning how, Clem always seemed eternal. It just doesn't seem possible that he's gone.
I left the CBC a dozen years ago, but whenever I dropped by the studio, he always popped out to say hello. The CBC won't be the same without him -- Edmonton has lost a great citizen, and a dedicated public servant.