-Written by Mohamed Fahim and Wendy Gray
It is with a heavy heart that Vista Radio and Moose FM announce the death of Kent Matheson.
Kent passed away, early Thursday, Feb 23, 2023 of cancer.
Known as “The Golden Voice of Radio” in a notice of his death on Facebook his sister Brenda paid tribute to Kent’s long career in broadcasting. He started his career at CHUC in Cobourg, Ontario. He worked for Vista Radio for 24 years, most recently as the morning show host at CKLP Moose FM, Parry Sound. He also worked at Moose FM in Kapuskasing and Timmins.
Jenny Faulkner, the General Manager of Moose FM, says, “Kent was a gentle giant and a straight shooter. I enjoyed his dry sarcasm and quiet nature. He will be so missed.
Other colleagues have expressed their memory of working with Kent.
Kathy Jennings, an on air personality in Parry Sound says Kent helped her get acclimated to the area when she moved in June of 2022, “I had known Kent prior to when I worked in the Bracebridge station and was happy to know that I get to work more closely with him now. As a newbie to the area Kent always made sure that I was in the loop as he was always keeping on top of what’s happening around the communities whether it had to do with news, events, weather and road conditions he had his finger on the pulse of what was happening or going to be coming up. I always watched, listened and learned lots from Kent. Foremost he was such a great person to work with, he loved what he did and it showed! I will miss him lots.”
Kent was passionate about radio and the area and took on a role as mentor to broadcasters just getting into the industry.
Mohamed Fahim, news reporter for Moose FM, says Kent was someone he admired, “I looked up to Kent, his directness and professionalism were what I had set for myself as life goals. Most of my interactions with Kent were him educating me on everything I may ever need to cover Parry Sound, he was an endless source of guidance and knowledge and he never shied away from helping others. And when my brothers listened to his voice and were impressed, I remember telling them that one day I’ll sound like him. You will be missed Kent, so very much.”
Reporter Mathew Reisler for Moose FM in Bracebridge says he admired Kent’s directness, “I always appreciated his bluntness. He never sugar-coated what he was saying. If I missed something important, he straight-up told me I should have done better. However, when I, or another reporter, did something well, we would hear that from Kent, too. He made sure to set us straight and was also quick to praise us.”
Kent is survived by his partner Darla Simpson McEwen , his daughters Kaylee Matheson , Anna Matheson, their partners, four grandchildren and siblings Brenda Matheson- Eakins , James Matheson, niece, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents George & Barbara.
No funeral details are known at this time.
