Legendary Ottawa Radio Host Lowell Green Passes Away at Age 89
Longtime Ottawa radio personality Lowell Green has died at the age of 89, as confirmed by his family in a Facebook post on Sunday, February 15, 2026. Green, best known for his influential role at CFRA, passed away suddenly on February 14, with his family requesting privacy during this difficult time.
A Storied Career in Broadcasting
Lowell Green was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1936 to Canadian parents before moving to Arthur, Ontario, where he grew up. He later attended Macdonald Agricultural College of McGill University. His radio career began in Brantford, with subsequent stints in Montreal and Sudbury before he joined 580 CFRA in 1960, where he became a household name.
For many years, Green hosted The Lowell Green Show on CFRA, earning a reputation for promoting common sense and creating what he called an island of sanity on the airwaves. He officially retired in 2016 but continued contributing to the station until 2019. In 2021, he took his show online, running it until November 2022. Two of his notable broadcasts are preserved at Library and Archives Canada, highlighting his lasting impact on Canadian media.
Community Activism and Legacy
Beyond broadcasting, Green was a dedicated community organizer. In 1965, he organized a campaign to help save the Centennial Flame on Parliament Hill. The following year, he led an initiative encouraging listeners to send bottles of polluted Rideau River water to Queen's Park, which ultimately contributed to the formation of the Rideau River Conservation Authority in 1966.
Green also advocated for safer gun laws after a shooting at St. Pius X High School in 1975. Additionally, he founded the Ottawa Sunday Herald in 1983, which later evolved into the Ottawa Sun, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to local journalism.
Remembering a Broadcasting Icon
In their Facebook announcement, Green's family emphasized that he will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to sensible discourse and community betterment. His sudden death has left a void in the Ottawa media landscape, with tributes expected from colleagues and listeners alike.
As news of his passing spreads, many are reflecting on his decades of service, from his early days in radio to his online ventures. Green's legacy as a voice of reason and a catalyst for positive change in Ottawa remains indelible, marking him as a true pioneer in Canadian broadcasting history.
