Fundraiser set up in memory of late broadcaster Larry Updike

A fundraiser has been set up in memory of late Winnipeg radio personality Larry Updike, who passed away last week.

The longtime Winnipeg rock jock and talk show host died in hospital on June 20, following a cancer diagnosis he had received just a week earlier and subsequent surgery. He was 69.

His friends and family have now organized a GoFundMe campaign benefitting Updike’s autistic son, Gordon.

“Gordon is 32-years-old, autistic and non-verbal,” wrote Updike’s longtime co-host Tom McGouran, who is leading the effort. “Developmentally he is at a pre-school level. Mary-Ann [Updike’s wife of 33 years] is aware he will outlive both his parents now.”

“Although Larry and Mary-Ann have saved as much as they could for Gordon’s future care, much more is needed, especially with Larry’s passing. If Larry or Mary-Ann or Gordon have touched you in any way, as they have all of us in his media community and countless others, please consider helping to ensure a good future for their beautiful son Gordon and some peace of mind for his Mom.”

Updike is best known as one-half of “Tom and Larry,” the morning show he hosted alongside McGouran on Power 97 (CJKR-FM) from 1982 to 1988 and then 92 CITI for another six years. Updike went on to host at 680 CJOB, where he was heard in mornings from 2000-09, and later helmed the afternoon show on CBC Radio One from 2010-13.

As of Thursday afternoon, the campaign had already raised $5,000 of its $50,000 goal.

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