The Late Otto Lowy
Tribute
Hon. Francis William Mahovlich: Honourable senators, last week Canada lost one of its greatest storytellers. Otto Lowy, host of CBC radio's musical series "The Transcontinental," passed away at the age of 81. For 22 years he took us on a weekly journey through Europe, on one of the CBC's most popular shows.
Mr. Lowy was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia, came to Canada in the early 1950s, and settled in Vancouver where he dedicated himself to the arts community. He was one of the first members of ACTRA and, at one time, served as national director.
This most remarkable individual received many awards throughout his lifetime. In 1994, he was awarded the Austrian Gold Cross of Merit for Science and the Arts and also received a Great Honour Medal for Services to the State of Lower Austria. He was inducted into the British Columbia Entertainment Hall of Fame in 1998, in recognition of his work in broadcasting over the last 50 years.
In 1999, the Czechoslovakian Association of Canada awarded him the Masaryk Award for his contributions in creating awareness, in Canada, of Czech music and history. He also received the Czech Republic's President's Award, personally brought to Canada by Czech President Vaclav Havel. A great Canadian broadcaster, actor, writer and director, Mr. Lowy will be fondly remembered by all his loyal listeners.
Last Sunday, my wife and I enjoyed the last program of "The Transcontinental." They played Bob Hope's theme song, "Thanks for the Memory," which was sung by Vera Lynn. I hope, honourable senators, you will join with me in extending our deepest condolences to Mr. Lowy's family.
