In Memory

Peter Grant

We were saddened to hear of the passing of Peter Grant on December 11, 2014. Peter was a long-time volunteer and former staff member as Programming Coordinator of Co-op Radio during the 80’s, as well as a board member of our Community Radio Education Society (CRES).

His partner Hildi Westerkamp wrote, “we are grateful for the good care given to Peter during his last weeks and days of his life by Raven Song nurses and the VGH medical staff on ward 10C and the palliative care unit.”

Hildi said, Peter “loved everything about Co-op Radio,” so with her encouragement and input, Vancouver Co-op Radio has established The Peter Grant Memorial Fund for Music and Cultural Programming. Those were Peter’s passions at the station. He was known for recording readings and live performances in Vancouver so they could be played on the airwaves.

At the gathering on Saturday, December 20, it was wonderful to hear of Peter’s well-lived life, and the effect he had on so many. Past Director of Programming Leela Chinniah spoke on behalf of the station with her remembrances as well as stories and words from programmers and volunteers who knew him. Many shared those last week in the halls of the station.

Through the Peter Grant Memorial Fund for Music and Cultural Programming, Peter’s name will live on in the history of Co-op Radio.

To remember Peter and continue his legacy, you can make a donation at www.coopradio.org. Simply select “Peter Grant Memorial Fund” from the drop down selections under “What radio show or fund do you want to support?” in the second page of the donation or membership form process.

A Love of Community Radio

Peter Grant was a long-time volunteer and former Programming Coordinator at CFRO – Vancouver Co-op Radio, as well as a board of director at CRES.

His partner, Hildi Westerkamp says: “Peter loved everything about Co-op Radio.” He was most passionate about music and culture, and Peter would record live performances across the city, and later broadcast the recordings from the radio station.

When Peter passed away in 2014, under Hildi’s guidance, a portion of his estate was used to establish The Peter Grant Memorial Fund for Music and Cultural Programming through CRES. Because of their generosity and foresight, the fund makes it possible for a new generation of radio programmers to record and broadcast music, sound art, and spoken word performances by local artists, who otherwise would have limited opportunities to find their audiences across the Lower Mainland.

Join the Radio Forever Legacy Fund

If you would like to make a lasting impact like Hildi and Peter, consider joining the Radio Forever Fund, and set aside a portion of your estate so that future generations can keep the power of community radio and podcasting alive.

Sample Will Wording

A legacy gift names CFRO in your will. The most important thing is to use our proper legal name and charitable registration number in your will: Community Radio Education Society, Charity No. 11887 1086 RR0001.

You can leave a specific amount (an unrestricted bequest) in your will with wording such as this:

“I bequeath to the Community Radio Education Society, Charity No. 11887 1086 RR0001 at 370 Columbia Street, Vancouver, BC, V6A 4J1, the sum of  $_____  to be used for its general purposes.”

Or a residual bequest:

“I bequeath to the Community Radio Education Society, Charity No. 11887 1086 RR0001 at #370 Columbia Street, Vancouver, BC, V6A 4J1, __% of the residue of my estate to be used for its general purposes.”

If you decide to leave a legacy, we encourage you to contact our Fundraising & Promotions Co-ordinator, at community@coopradio.org so we can thank you today and ensure we honour your wishes in the future. Please contact us if you have questions about this process. Thank you for believing in the future of Co-op Radio!