Media legend Johnny Lombardi dies at 86

CTV News Staff

Johnny Lombardi, the Toronto man behind CHIN radio and television, died Tuesday morning from complications related to pneumonia. Lombardi was 86.

The colourful media legend was credited for making an enormous contribution to the promotion of multiculturalism.

Lombardi is also famous for organizing the popular CHIN picnic, which draws more than a quarter of a million people each year to the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto.

Prime Minister Jean Chretien praised Lombardi's accomplishments upon hearing of his death.

"I think he's done a lot to establish multiculturalism in Toronto and he will be missed by a lot of people," Chretien said.

Toronto Mayor Mel Lastman described Lombardi as a man who loved life, adding he felt badly for those who never had a chance to meet or work with the man.

"He was the guy that introduced multiculturalism to Toronto,'' Mayor Mel Lastman told radio station CFRB Tuesday morning. "He came up with a multicultural radio and promoted it and showed people they've got to be proud of what they are and who they are.

Lombardi, a Second World War veteran and son of Italian immigrants, got his start in broadcasting with a show of Italian music for which he brought in his own advertisers. In 1966, Lombardi launched the first of his multi-language radio stations.

Throughout the years, Lombardi received many awards including the Order of Canada and the Toronto Civic Award of Merit.

Ontario Premier Mike Harris says Lombardi will be remembered for his generous spirit.

"He fought in the war, he started with nothing, he gave all of us a positive, good feeling about the country and about life," Harris said. "So we're going to miss him."