One of the province's best known media figures has died. John O'Mara (right, photo from vocm.com) passed away yesterday, after a brief battle with cancer. He was 63.
A former CBC broadcaster, O'Mara had one of the most recognizable faces and voices in the province. His passing comes as a surprise to me because, every time I've seen him, I always marveled at how young and vital he appeared.
According to stories on CBC Radio and VOCM this morning, O'Mara started his career at CBC Radio in Corner Brook in 1964, before moving to St. John's and becoming active as a host in both radio and TV. He became director of television for CBC Newfoundland in 1984.
O'Mara was also active on the Royal St. John's Regatta Committee, where he was known as the Regatta's resident archivist. A past president of the committee, he became an Honorary Life Member in 1989 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004. He was also active in Scouts Canada.
The funeral mass will take place on Wednesday at the Basilica.
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