Special Edition

Dear Vinyl Cafe community,

We wondered whether we should send this to you by email. But we decided that we would, because friends always make difficult times easier to bear. Many of you have been with us from the beginning, and after all these years that is what we consider you: friends. So we wanted to make sure you heard this news from us. 

Sending you lots of love, from our little Vinyl Cafe family to yours.

Jess Milton, Producer
Meg Masters, Story Editor
Julie Penner, Music Producer
Louise Curtis, Associate Producer

***

A MESSAGE TO THE VINYL CAFE COMMUNITY It is with deep sadness that the Vinyl Cafe family announces that Stuart McLean passed away today, February 15th, 2017, at age 68. We are heartbroken.  But we are also finding comfort in memories of our dear friend.  Stuart always emphasized that the world is a good place, full of good people, trying to do their best. He believed in people’s extraordinary capacity for love and generosity. And he had faith in our ability to work together for the common good.  He was, in other words, firmly committed to celebrating the positive, joyful and funny side of life. Stuart assured us that even in difficult times, we can find things to be grateful for and ways to laugh. Now that he is gone, we will try hard to do just that.  Stuart connected us – to our country and to each other. He entertained us, he made us think, he made us smile. Occasionally he made us cry. And, through all of that, he reminded us that life is made up of small moments. We never know which ones will be forgotten and which ones will stay with us forever.  So today, and hopefully every day, we’re going to celebrate Stuart’s life by trying to make each moment count and by being grateful for all of them. We are certainly grateful for each and every moment we shared with Stuart.  We will miss him.

PUBLIC TRIBUTE There will be a public tribute at a later date. The family requests privacy at this time.    DONATIONS The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to: The Stuart McLean Camp Kanawana Fund  Stuart worked at Camp Kanawana for five summers, and he often said that it changed his life. This fund will help children and teens without the financial means to attend Camp YMCA Kanawana, a community where they learn to care for themselves, each other and the environment.  *** It was only a short time ago that he stopped doing his show, and now this.  We lost a lot of people in 2016.  But, 2017 has started apace - lots of loved ones, plus LJB and Stuart McLean. Stuart McLean - CBC