“Dazzling” Don Daynard has signed off at the age of 88. The retired CHFI Toronto morning man passed away Thursday after a lengthy illness.
Daynard began his broadcasting career as a junior copy boy at CFOS Owen Sound in 1953. From there, he made stops at CHEX-TV Peterborough, CKCR Kitchener, CJET Smiths Falls, and briefly CFGM Richmond Hill, before landing in Toronto where he spent the rest of his 50-year career. Daynard was on-air at CFRB, before joining CKFM in 1969 where he had a 12-year run with “Daynard’s Drive-In” in morning drive, in addition to hosting Saturday evening show “Lookin’ Back.”
Daynard moved to the CHFI morning show in 1987, initially hosting the show solo, until being paired with co-host Erin Davis. He semi-retired in 1999, continuing to host “Saturday Night Oldies” on the station until 2004.
“Toronto lost a great voice, and for CHFI – a forever family member,” wrote Troy Scott, 98.1 CHFI Content Director and National Content Director, AC for Rogers Sports & Media, in a post to social media. “Don was our 1st monumental morning host who made CHFI the dynasty it is today. As soon as Don crossed the street from CKFM to 98.1 in 1987, he moved the meter…Dazzling Don Daynard IS a legend, and will always be CHFI’s 1st Hall of Famer. He will be missed.”
CHFI midday host Michelle Butterly paid tribute to Daynard in a station montage, describing him as a “force of fun everyday.” She recalled his legendary retirement send-off that saw thousands of listeners line up around Sheridan Centre, concluding with Daynard mounting a white horse and riding off into the sunset to the refrain of Roy Rogers’ “Happy Trails.”
98.1 CHFI presents a tribute to legendary – Don Daynard. Happy trails to you friend. 🎙️💙 #DonDaynard 1934-2023
🎙️: @MButterly 📽️: CHFI 📷: Boris Spremo, Ken Faught, Tony Bock, Rick Eglinton, John Mahler – Toronto Star via Getty Images pic.twitter.com/UZUvlINDMZ
— 98.1 CHFI (@981CHFI) April 21, 2023
Daynard also dabbled in film and television, hosting a TVO series in the 1980s discussing and reviewing feature films. He played a radio announcer in 1981’s Porky’s (in fact he’s the first voice heard in the film) and a newscaster in 1986 Charles Bronson vehicle, Act of Vengeance. He also guest-starred on a single episode of Canadian sitcom King of Kensington in 1977 and appeared in an episode of The Littlest Hobo in 1980.
The legendary Don Daynard has passed away. For 10 years I sat shotgun as he and Erin steamrolled their way to #1 in the 90s. It was magical and he was magnetic…a lovable, cheeky storyteller who pushed all the boundaries. In many ways he was bigger than the station itself. pic.twitter.com/hFF6ScZ9fH
— Ian MacArthur 🇨🇦 (@ianthegeneral) April 21, 2023
I’m so sorry to start your day with such sad news. I’ll find the right words to say for Monday’s vlog, but to hear CHFI’s announcement of the passing of the man who took us to #1 and opened all the doors for me as we journeyed to the top, go to https://t.co/DKFQFih1qN pic.twitter.com/PGIXZPnCxt
— Erin Davis (@erindavis) April 21, 2023
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