Gerry Forbers retiring from Cjay 92

[jayswin]

Congratulations to Gerry Forbes, who is stepping away after 25 years.

I know many get their music from other sources these days, but Gerry has been a really special Calgarian through the years. One of those truly nice people that genuinely cares for the people and city he spoke to on radio.

Those secret wish segments were always really touching to listen to, he's helped a lot of people, along with Cjay92 as a station. In a world where people make less of a connection with local radio than ever I think it's important to point out that Cjay still makes a meaningful and special connection with those who still listen and Gerry was a big part of that.

I know he probably doesn't read this site but congrats on a great career and being one of Calgary's best all these years!

[jayswin]

http://calgaryherald.com/news/local-...ces-retirement

Just incredible

[Matata]

A friend of mine got a secret wish, he had separated from his insane ex and was raising their daughter mostly on his own and was really strapped financially, Gerry swooped in to save Christmas and I still well up a bit thinking about it. He's doing a lot better now, life has stabilized and he has a new SO that is raising his daughter with him. It would be a tragedy if Gerry doesn't get the "Most beloved Calgarian" award to send him off.

[undercoverbrother]

I was never a fan of his show, but I was a huge fan of what he did in the community.

[Nyah]

His prank calls always had me laughing...and cringing!

[DownInFlames]

I wasn't a fan of his radio show but I met him at a golf tournament I was working and he couldn't be nicer.

[Erick Estrada]

Whether you liked his show or not it can’t be argued he’s a real good Calgarian. Also in a fickle industry where many radio personalities come and go he’s managed to withstand the test of time. Happy retirement Gerry.

[nik-]

Yup, not a fan, but he's clearly a big part of the fabric of this city. Enjoy the retirement Forbes.

[Northendzone]

Given the general upheaval in radi, especially among morning show staff, his run on cjay has got to be some kind of record in rock radio.

As outlined above, his charity work has made a difference in a lot of lives.

[dammage79]

Stopped listening to Cjay a while ago, they still have their 2006 daily loop going all day every day. Kind of tells you where rock is in this day and age. But as stated above, Forbes went so far above and beyond for not only Calgary but southern Alberta in general it's impossible to not respect the man.

I hope future radio deejays take note of how to be a true member of the community. He's leaving some really big shoes to fill.

[Locke]

Such is the lot of a Radio DJ. Some days you love them, others you hate them, but at the end of the day its their job and they should be known for their deeds as opposed to what they say on Radio.

He is obviously exceptional at his craft seeing as how he managed to put together a pretty solid career.

Overall though he seems a good Calgarian and more importantly, a good person. They dont have to do the charity work.

Happy Trails Gerry.

I cant imagine having to get up 4am for work for 25 years. That would kill me.

[Deelow]

Gerry and Don & Joanne the most recent to be pushed towards retirement. That's about the last of the big ticket radio hosts in Calgary. Great careers for all!

[Northendzone]

have they indicated who is replacing him at cjay?

[JonDuke]

Gerry lives fairly close to me. One day, my friend and I were at our neighborhood pub and sat at a patio table that was next to Gerry. We didn't let on that we knew who he was but he eventually chatted with us about hockey. All I remember is it was during the playoffs and he was fun to chat with, and came with a few good laughs.

When he asked the server to settle up, he told her to throw our drinks on his bill. It was totally random and I thought it was super cool. Gerry freaking Forbes randomly bought us drinks.

I also had him on a flight I was working on about 14 years ago. He was with a group of people flying to either Hamilton or Toronto for the Grey Cup. I think it could've been a group of contest winners, but am not sure. He walked around and talked with a bunch of the passengers on the plane. It was pretty cool.

I've always loved what he's done for the community. He's got a huge heart and is genuinely a great person.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Northendzone

have they indicated who is replacing him at cjay?

The way the radio industry is going?

[GreenLantern2814]

Originally Posted by Locke

The way the radio industry is going?

Yeah, nobody I know listens to the radio...

[Huntingwhale]

Always loved listening to him the in morning. His energy got the day going. And he's a great ambassador in the community and Calgary in general. Best of luck to him in his retirement!

[Locke]

Originally Posted by GreenLantern2814

Yeah, nobody I know listens to the radio...

Its not about whether they listen or not, the competition is fierce, radio, much like television and print are under pressure to adapt to a changing environment and many are expected to do more for less.

[Northendzone]

good old carbon rod.

Originally Posted by Locke

The way the radio industry is going?

[Robbob]

Originally Posted by Locke

The way the radio industry is going?

Originally Posted by Northendzone

good old carbon rod.

In Rod we trust