I remember the day I first met Lloyd Robertson in October 1976, almost exactly 50 years ago. He had walked out of then-Vice President of News Don Cameron’s office and we were introduced. I was speechless and a bit starstruck by this very handsome man with the booming melodious voice - and the natural ability to talk to anyone about absolutely anything. What you saw offscreen is what you got onscreen. Lloyd transitioned effortlessly to easy banter when the red toggle light on the camera came on, making his a truly unrivalled talent. He was a man who was blessed with a photographic memory. He would reach deep into the recesses of his brain to pull out facts and figures, dates and names, even in his 90s — while most of us couldn’t recall what we’d eaten for breakfast. I have a photograph of Lloyd holding my youngest daughter when she was a few months old. I had taken her into the studio to introduce her to everyone. He beamed as he held my baby in his arms, just the way I imagine he had held his four daughters when they were little and the grandchildren ... even a great grandchild. Family was important to Lloyd. So important – he would leave the studio and go home for dinner every day to his wife Nancy and the girls. A nightly touchpoint – so they’d know despite the demanding, sometimes all-consuming nature of the job – he was there for them. A truly extraordinary working relationship And he was there for me as well, providing wise counsel as I worked my way up to CTV National News Weekend Anchor – bearing witness to my growing pains and cheering on my successes. Ours was a truly extraordinary working relationship — and friendship in a business where competition and jealousy can alter the collegial tone of newsrooms. He was a huge supporter of women journalists — mentoring, encouraging and applauding our trajectories — a true champion at a time when men were dominant in the field. For decades and decades, he was my “work husband.” We were famously joined at the hip, as in Lloyd during the week and Sandie on weekends. Some viewers were even convinced that we were Mr. and Mrs. so easily did praise about the other roll off the tongue. I don’t think you will find anyone who had anything unkind to say about Lloyd. He was not just the consummate anchor, but a genuinely nice man who cared about the people within his sphere. When my husband Michael died, it was Lloyd who insisted on sharing my devastating news with viewers. “Our hearts go out to our Sandie,” he said. He took a very painful moment for me and handled it with grace and kindness. We really were a tight-knit work family and staff didn’t want to disappoint him. Some would overanalyze Lloyd’s face at the end of their reports to get a sense of whether he approved or disapproved of their daily offerings. It was a badge of honour to get the Lloyd stamp of approval. And to be a member of his inner circle, part of the team who on Thursday nights would meet at a nearby hotel bar for something he called “sippers,” a time to drink to their well-being. Friday night ice cream Lloyd always covered the cost. He also made Friday a treat night and would bring in gallons of ice cream to share with staff. It was an expectation those of us who filled in for him were expected to uphold. Believe me they would take me to task if I walked in the door empty-handed. I was asked today about a stand-out memory of Lloyd at his finest. I remember 9/11 as clearly as if it was yesterday. I was a panellist on Canada AM when the planes hit the World Trade Center Towers. We kept talking until Lloyd got to the studio to begin CTV News live coverage of that terrible day in history. He was on the air for more than 14 hours — the anchor we needed to help us navigate the horror; to help us stay centred as the information began to filter in. The nation tuned in to watch Lloyd, the avuncular uncle, father, grandfather, the everyman and were comforted as he guided us. After Lloyd retired, we stayed in touch. I treasure the photographs taken when he joined in celebrating my 50 years with CTV News. I teased him about beating his 35-year record with the news division — which reduced him to laughter. People who have seen the photographs tell me our bond as colleagues comes through. Our January birthdays are three days apart - a touchpoint for us also every year. Here’s our last exchange, which I don’t think he would mind me disclosing with you. Dear Lloyd, I wish you a very happy birthday. Just know that I hold you and the marquee of more than 60 years of CTV News as a benchmark for excellence. It’s what drives me to pass forward the lessons of the past, now more than ever considering the challenges the industry faces. You led the team during the halcyon years and taught us so much about professionalism. I hope to pass on those lessons to others. My very best to you always, Huge Hugs, Sandie xo Thank you Sandie for such a sweet and thoughtful note. I think about you often and see you regularly. I always treasured our time as colleagues. You were so friendly and supportive. Keep up the great work as you hold high the banner. Happy January birthday to you!! Love, Lloyd.
