Note from NL News Director Shane Woodford.
I have had to do two of the hardest things in my life today. One of them was going on air and choking back tears to break the news of Angelo’s passing. The other is to put this story together.
On a personal note, I have spent five years during two tours of duty with NL working beside Angelo. I could fill up pages with what he taught me about being a reporter and doing this job. I could also spend hours telling funny stories about Angelo and some of the things he has done. That was Angelo. He left an indelible unforgettable impression on everyone he met.
His passing leaves a huge hole in our hearts, our newsroom, on the provincial news scene, and in this city.
Our thoughts go out to his family and especially his wife. Our heart breaks for you and we grieve with you.
Here is our story.
Radio NL has lost a friend and a colleague this morning and the city has lost an icon.
Angelo Iacobucci has passed away.
The news came as an absolute shock to everyone at NL leaving many in the building in tears.
Working an unbelievable 39 years in the NL newsroom, Angelo became a legend on the provincial news scene.
To his friends and colleagues he was simply ‘Bootch’ gregarious, generous, funny, and he had a quirkiness that was distinctly Angelo.
Former Kamloops MLA Terry Lake says he was a legend in every sense.
“There is no question. With all due respect to all of the great people at NL, everybody knew Angelo. He was NL in many ways. Whether you were on city council or whether you were the Premier everybody knew Angelo Iacobucci. He was bigger than life. He had a style, a character, and a way of doing his job that endeared him to everyone and yet he was so good at what he did.”
Lake says as a reporter there were none like Angelo Iacobucci.
“He was persistent, he was dogged, he knew everybody, and not just in Kamloops but around the province. He had everybody on his Rolodex before there were smartphones and he had everyone in his smartphone. So he could call anybody in the province and get a quote on a story. It is just such a sad loss for Kamloops as a whole, but particularly for media in the province of British Columbia.”
Kamloops Mayor Ken Christian echoed those words.
“I am incredibly shocked. I had worked with Angelo myself for 25 years. He had the voice and the contact list that was the envy of virtually everyone in media in this province. He did his job with tenacity. Sometimes he drove me crazy , but you know now more than ever I think the role that he played is so important in terms of shining a light on government and exposing those stories that need to be told. He was passionate about it. I will miss him and so will Kamloops city council.”
For many of his 39 years at Radio NL, Angelo spent covering city council where Christian said he became a very familiar face.
“He had his own seat in Kamloops Council chambers and sat there for as long as I have been in there. Certainly, he was an old news hound in the traditional sense. He was just a wonderful person.”
Christian has requested on behalf of the City of Kamloops that a single red rose be placed at Angelo’s desk in chambers for the next council meeting.
Tributes to Angelo came pouring in on social media some of which we have included below:
A huge loss to our comminity. Our sincere condolences to his wife and family and NL family. He will be greatly missed.
— Deb McClelland (@debinkamloops) December 15, 2018
@RadioNLNews my condolences to the entire team, Angelo's family and the community. He had a remarkable passion for the community and I have fond memories of his encouragement to me growing in my career. He will be missed @AngeloCHNL ❤
— Jen Casorso (@jencasorso) December 15, 2018
I loved being interviewed by Angelo and every single time I saw him or talked with him, he asked after Dave Barrett! He held Dave in very high regard! @RadioNLNews will miss him very much as will his listeners! Very sad news!
— Maurine Karagianis (@mkaragianis) December 15, 2018
Our deepest sympathies go out to the @RadioNLNews family today. Angelo Iacobucci was regular attendee of our Board Meetings, often wearing a Hawaiian shirt and always direct in his #bcpoli reporting. He will be greatly missed in the #Kamloops community. https://t.co/rp5m5FaPzQ
— TNRD (@TNRD) December 15, 2018
I grew up listening to the voice of @RadioNLNews Angelo Iacobucci. For these past two months I had the great privilege to work alongside him. He always had a smile on his face and I looked forward to him saying "Good morning Bouncy Pouncy" everyday. I'll miss you my friend.
— Matthew Pouncy (@MattPouncy) December 15, 2018
Deeply saddened to learn of Angelo Iacobucci’s passing. He was a fixture on Kamloops radio and a big part of the team that made NL such an important player in BC news. I will miss his sense of humour and our conversations. My thoughts are with his family. https://t.co/sc7IHR3V0E
— John Horgan (@jjhorgan) December 14, 2018
Devastated to hear legendary #Kamloops journalist Angelo Iacobucci passed away today. A massive loss for his family, friends, our community and journalism. Angelo, his family and co-workers - past and present - are in our thoughts and prayers. @RadioNLNews @PeterMilobar #bcpoli
— Todd Stone (@toddstonebc) December 15, 2018
Booch was the guy who barged his way into life and every press event, but with kindness. Such a loss and such a great colleague - he kept us on our toes and our hearts are broken.
— Aleece Laird (@Be_Brave_Engage) December 15, 2018
The many ties and sunglasses of Booch. The cat food sandwich...the hot dog.... the walks to Timmies. I can even still hear it now, “Harrrrrry!!!” You will be so dearly missed, Angelo. @RadioNLNews #Kamloops pic.twitter.com/yIMnqDciRF
— Jessica Lepp (@CTVNewsJess) December 15, 2018
My heart is with my former radio family at @RadioNLNews . Devastated by the loss of Angelo Iacobucci, a fixture of #Kamloops radio and all around incredible human. My first mentor, he called me his “little stir.” Booch took so many of us under his wing. Rest In Peace, friend. pic.twitter.com/ip8BnqiW9x
— Shelby Thom (@Shelby_Thom) December 15, 2018
The Kamloops Blazers are truly saddened by the sudden passing of Angelo. He was a great champion /ambassador of our city a will be dearly missed. Our thoughts & prayers are with Sylvanna & family https://t.co/rpuxzCFxCr
— Don Moores (@moores_don) December 14, 2018