Bob Layton's memo to Corus Edmonton staff:August 19, 2013
Hello all,
This is a memo I hoped I would never have to write. We are losing a most valuable and dependable member of our team, who, in all the years he has been here, has seldom failed to deliver a fresh story first thing in the morning, and another before his shift is over.
His ability to craft a sentence and deliver it for all it's worth should be an inspiration to every broadcaster.
After more than 50 years behind the microphone, Ed Mason is retiring at the end of the month.
In Ed's words:
" I've been under doctor's orders to reduce stress to lessen the risk of another heart attack. He suggested the competitive deadline nature of the news business is too stressful. I replied that I would take my chances.
...but getting up at 1:30am every work day while struggling to cope with a personally devastating hearing loss and the resulting isolation I now feel can no longer be ignored. Although I believe I do my job very well, I have been considering a change for some time. After discussing options with Bob and Syd earlier this summer, my future path became clear.
After almost 40-years of morning news in Edmonton and never driving to work in daylight, I still look forward to the challenges and excitement but as the long ago singer put it:
it's a long long time from May to December
but the days grow short when you reach September
and when the autumn weather turns the leaves to flame
one hasn't got time for the waiting game."
While I appreciate Ed's situation, if we're quoting songs, my heart goes to Tina Turner's You're Simply The Best. If we were still using typewriters, this memo might well have a tear stain at the bottom, but I know we all wish Ed a wonderful retirement.
Bob Layton