spanned some of Canada and the world's most defining moments in the past four decades."

"His retirement is very much deserved."

Rick Cluff began hosting the CBC's The Early Edition on September 1, 1997. The new season kicked off with live music and pancakes right outside the CBC Plaza. (CBC)

​"Rick has bridged Vancouver's many diverse communities and made The Early Edition a place where all are welcome to discuss the issues that affect our home and our city" says​ ​Shiral​ ​Tobin,​ ​director, journalism​ ​and​ ​programming​ ​for​ ​CBC​ ​British​ ​Columbia.​

"He's also a mentor to many young journalists in British Columbia."

A decorated career

Cluff first started hosting The Early Edition in September of 1997.

He has transformed the radio landscape by leading The Early Edition and CBC Radio One to be the number onemorning program and radio station in Metro Vancouver's competitive broadcast landscape.

He and his team have received multiple awards for their coverage of local news such as the Robert Dziekanski tasering at YVR airport, B.C. education strife and protests over gentrification.

​Prior to The Early Edition, Cluff's award-winning career with the CBC began in Ontario in 1976 as a sports commentator and reporter.

He has covered eight Olympic games, five Commonwealth games, Super Bowls, Stanley Cup runs, and several Canada games as well as various world championship events from the South Pacific to the Arctic Circle.

This portrait of Rick Cluff was taken in February of 1977. (CBC)

'Thank you for being there'

Although he has interviewed prime ministers and presidents, Cluff often says ordinary people have the best stories.

"It has been a remarkable