Legendary B.C. broadcaster Neil Macrae dies

The B.C. sports and broadcasting world are in mourning today.

News has broken about the death of long time radio personality, Neil Macrae.

Long time CKNW Sportcaster Neil Macrae dies of cancer at 65... https://t.co/NshXeAYcbL

— Puget Sound Radio (@PugetSoundPSR) April 3, 2017

Macrae, who was 65 years old, died at his home in Palm Springs after a battle with cancer.

Known as a villain of sorts in the radio world, Macrae was not afraid to offer the controversial or unpopular opinion.

This was maybe best showcased in his heated exchange with then Canucks’ GM, Brian Burke, during a radio interview in 1998.

Macrae retired in 2013 after being let go by Rock 101 in Vancouver, who he worked for at the time.

Puget Sound Radio and other sources reported the news on Monday and members from all over the B.C. broadcasting world chimed in with their condolences on Twitter.

RIP Neil Macrae. One of the best.

— TSN Radio Vancouver (@TSN1040) April 3, 2017

Neil Macrae was must-listen-to radio & must-see TV for sports fans in this province. #RIP

— Scott Rintoul (@ScottRintoul) April 3, 2017

Grew up listening to Neil Macrae on my radio on a daily basis. One of the true sports broadcast personalities in Vancouver's history. RIP

— Joey Kenward (@kenwardskorner) April 3, 2017

worked beside Neil Macrae @cknw. Often wondered if he believed half of what he said, but man did he know how to sell it. A true showman.

— Jeff Paterson (@patersonjeff) April 3, 2017

He had an opinion, called it as he saw it and entertained. Nobody did it better than Neil Macrae...gone way too soon at the age of 65.

— JAY JANOWER (@DOUBLEJGLOBALBC) April 3, 2017

Neil Macrae was part of Vancouver's golden era of sports radio. Big Al, JP McConnell et al. Great memories on the old transistor. RIP Neil

— Brad Fay (@SNBradFay) April 3, 2017

Sad news - longtime sportscaster and friend Neil Macrae has died.In my eyes the most creative writer in Vancouver. R.I.P Neil.

— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) April 3, 2017

“If 50% hate my guts and 50% want to listen to me, it means they are all listening.” Neil Macrae

— Josh B (@BarkingJosh) April 3, 2017