Brent Loucks ends 40-year run on Saskatoon morning radio

For decades, people in Saskatoon and area have been waking up to Brent Loucks’ voice.

After 40 years of “4 a.m.,” Brent has decided it’s time to sleep in.

Since breaking the news to listeners he is stepping back from the morning show on 650 CKOM, Brent has received an outpouring of gratitude, congratulations and well wishes through calls, texts and handwritten cards and letters.

On his final morning show Friday, he heard from some of them first hand.

Jim Taman, the president of the Western Canada Montreal Canadiens fan club, was a frequent guest.

“It’s kind of ironic. You picked today to retire. Feb. 4, 1988, that’s the day I started the fan club, 34 years ago, and you’ve been with us all the way through from Day 1,” Taman said.

“I just want to wish you all the best in your retirement because you, kind sir, are a very special person.”

“Thanks for many years of great service,” wrote Cameco CEO Tim Gitzel. “Many of us counted on you every morning to set a positive tone for the day and you never let us down.”

Loucks has been a well-known figure in Saskatoon since he started as the morning news anchor on CKOM in 1982. He then took on the role of news director and in 1984, together with Penney Murphy, became part of the very successful Brent and Penney Morning Show. He’s been getting up early ever since.

Brent has touched a lot of lives. Long-time colleague and C95 morning show host Shauna Foster says Loucks was a mentor.

“I was the original work daughter,” Foster laughed. “I would not be where I am today (without you). Brent, you’ve taught me so much about love of your community and love of the people in our community. I carry that with me every day.”

Brent’s long-time producer, Brittany Caffet, helped co-host his final morning show along with his wife, Penney.

“He has such a memory for names. If you’ve interacted with him, there’s a pretty good chance he’ll remember you. It’s remarkable,” Caffet said.

“As much of an impact Brent has had on everybody else, I feel like so many of the listeners have had an impact on him.”

All of those kind words have left Loucks feeling humbled.

“To the listeners, I can’t begin to say thank you. I’m honesty gobsmacked. I’m blown away by so many of the comments, the emails, the texts,” Loucks said as he signed off the morning show for the final time.

“To this point in my career, I’m amazed how many people are out there that listen to us. I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart.”

Loucks says he’s looking forward to more time with family as well as still being on the radio — but not quite as early.

He’ll continue to be heard on CKOM doing weekend shows and occasional fill-in work.

650 CKOM is excited to have Rock 102’s longtime morning show host, Shack, join the CKOM Morning Show starting on Monday.