A Special Message from the Royal Canadian Air Farce

I don't normally pass messages on like this, but this was, in my view, too important not to. People who know me well know what Air Farce meant to me, and Roger Abbot was a hugely important part of the team. Below is an e-mail sent by Air Farce, and I am including the entire message unedited.

Following the sad passing of one of Canada's most beloved comedians, and
in celebration of his enormous skills and gifts, CBC Television will air
Royal Canadian Air Farce Special: A Tribute to Roger Abbott tonight
(Tuesday, March 29) at 9:00 PM (9:30 NT).

The special will highlight some of Roger's most memorable moments on Air
Farce. A master of impersonation and comedic characters, his work covered
former Prime Minister Jean Chretien, CBC chief correspondent Peter
Mansbridge, singer Leonard Cohen, and the misogynist TV critic Gilbert
Smythe Bite-Me. For more information, please visit http://www.airfarce.com.

"Roger Abbott was, quite simply, at the very heart of the CBC family,"
said Kirstine Stewart, CBC's Executive Vice-President of English Services,
in a statement on Sunday. "As one of the founders of Royal Canadian Air
Farce, first on radio, then on television, he was, to generations of fans,
among the best-known and loved in the history of Canadian comedy. I would
extend on behalf of CBC our deepest condolences to his family and
friends."

Roger died Saturday night at Toronto General Hospital, 14 years after
being diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. He was 64.

Many people have asked what they can do to remember Roger. His favorite
charity was Easter Seals Ontario. He was devoted to helping children with
physical disabilities and was a passionate supporter, with his time and
money, for more than 30 years. Donations can be made to Easter Seals
Ontario in his name at http://www.easterseals.org. Roger would thank you!

-- In loving memory of Roger, from Don and everbody at Air Farce.