‘Every story has an ending’: Rick Howe to retire after almost 50 years in radio (10 photos)

After decades of interviewing prime ministers, premiers, celebrities and countless others, the long-time fixture in Halifax radio has decided to call it a day

HALIFAXtoday\ Meghan Groff

Rick Howe has been on the air for longer than most of us have been alive.

After almost five decades of interviewing prime ministers, premiers, celebrities and countless others, the long time fixture in Halifax radio has decided to retire.

“Every story has an ending, and with mixed emotions, the Rick Howe story is coming to an end,” the 67-year-old announced on his NEWS 95.7 show Friday. “I’ve decided that now the time has come to call it a day.”

“I got my first professional job in December 1972 at CKNB in Campbellton, and here were are, 49 years and change later and I’ve decided I’m going to retire.”

Howe said it was a difficult decision he’s been wrestling with for months.

“I loved the job. I loved to work, I really did. I woke up each morning, I was anxious to get into the car, hit the radio station, start the day and my show prepared.” he explained.

“As much as I loved the job, there were all kinds of pressures as well, and I’m feeling very much at ease today.”

Howe has been on extended leave from his talk show since earlier this year due to a health issue that “scared the hell out of him.”

A few months ago, he called into the show to say goodbye to his then-producer Katie Hartai, who left the radio station for a job at the CBC.

At the time, Howe said there had been complications with his scheduled surgery.

“What was estimated to be about a five to seven day stay in hospital ended up being about a month-long stay,” he told NEWS 95.7 fill-in host Todd Veinotte in May.

Today, Howe said he’s feeling better, gaining weight, but still has some medical appointments on the horizon.

Rick grew up as an “army brat,” living across Canada and in Europe. He started his radio career in New Brunswick, making stops in Campbellton, Newcastle and Saint John before landing in Halifax. He has been a reporter, newscaster, news director, commentator and talk show host.

Rick Howe (right) and his producer Katie Hartai (left) all masked up

In 2011, the NEWS 95.7 staff (and then HRM councillor Dawn Sloane) all decide to be Rick for Howe-o-ween

Whether swearing or singing, Howe was definitely a lively character around the radio station.

His co-workers will miss his love of the Habs, his hatred of pineapple on pizza, his frequent attempts to get a free lunch from management and his daily battle with the office printer.

Rick’s wife, former CBC journalist Yvonne Colbert, retired earlier this year and the pair will be moving to their seaside cottage.

“I’m going to spend time with my wife and family here on the South Shore. We’re going to do a little bit of travelling around the province, seeing the backroads of Nova Scotia,” he said of his plans for the future.

Howe’s final day at NEWS 95.7 will be Friday, Sept. 3, where he’ll return to the radio studio and be joined by his regular guests for one last show.

Perpetually clad in a ball cap, Hawaiian shirt, well worn blue jeans and sunglasses, Rick prioritized his legion of followers, frequently inviting them to be active participants in his show, and that will also be a big part of next week’s broadcast.

“Just reminisce a bit and probably shed a tear or two,” he said. “I’m getting a little teared up right now just talking about it.”

It will also give Rick the opportunity to say, one last time, his signature phrase “If you’re not outraged, you’re not paying attention.”

In 2012, Rick Howe received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the RTDNA Atlantic Awards, where this video was shown: