Community reaction to Bob McIntyre's passing

Members of the public sign a book of condolences at Barrie City Hall in Barrie, Ont. on Friday, March 11, 2016. (Geoff Bruce/ CTV Barrie)

Tributes are pouring in from around the region and across the country today for longtime CTV Barrie weatherman Bob McIntyre, who passed away Thursday at the age of 73.

McIntyre died at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre after a brief illness.  His beloved wife Darlene was by his side.

His passing came less than five months after he retired from CTV Barrie. His career spanned 50 years in broadcasting, with 40 of those years at the station.

In coffee shops and at gas stations around Barrie on Friday morning, Bob’s passing was the talk of the town.

Many people who live in Barrie say they can’t remember a time without Bob on the airwaves.

Following the announcement of Bob’s passing on Thursday’s edition of CTV News at 6, hundreds of messages of support started flowing into the station from viewers, former colleagues, and community leaders.

Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman, who grew up watching Bob on CKVR, says Bob’s legacy will be felt for a long time.

“It’s the end of an era,” said Lehman.  “Bob’s disposition, his knowledge of the area, all of that incredible good humour that he brought to the nightly newscast – it’s an institution.  But on a much more personal level, he was such a warm and wonderful gentleman.”

“It’s truly a shock and it’s sad that we’ve lost him”.

Former CKVR news anchor Sharon Burkhart, who shared the airwaves with Bob for more than a decade, said news of Bob’s death hit her hard.

“The question I got more than anything else during that time was, ‘what’s that Bob McIntyre like?’”

“He was exactly what you saw on TV,” she said, her voice trembling.  “There was no pretense; Bob was seriously probably one of the most genuine people I’ve ever met.   What you saw was what you got, sometimes warts and all.  Bob was the real deal.”

Former CKVR anchor and reporter Suzanne Legue, who now works at RVH where Bob spent his final days, said Bob was an inspiration right until the end.

“As much as he mentored young journalists, he really had an impact on people who cared for him here at RVH,” she said. “He really touched people”.

Ontario PC Leader Patrick Brown tweeted, “Sad to hear that longtime weatherman Bob McIntyre passed away today. My thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Barrie MPP Ann Hoggarth called Bob a “giant” in Barrie.

“Because he was a fixture on our TV screens for so long, but also because of everything he did for the community,” Hoggarth said.  “He was a great example of the best of our city. May you fly you Tiger Moth through the clouds forever, Bob."

Bob's passing is of course having an effect on you, our viewers. You let Bob into your homes night after night and many people say he's like a member of their family.

"He was always that smiling friendly face even though sometimes we get bad weather. He made it palatable always a little twist on it," says Clearview resident Gary Ethridge.

"Bob coming on with his smiling face he was always cheerful, I will never forget his garden. He was so proud of his garden," says Wasaga Beach resident Arv Sestokas.

A book of condolences has been set up for Bob at Barrie City Hall in the rotunda. A book is also available at RVH.

CTV News at Six will be celebrating Bob’s life on Friday night by dedicating a significant portion of the news hour to Bob’s legacy.