Lorne Starko
Bell Memorial - Inducted 2012
Lorne “Coach” Starko showed his versatility and worked in radio, television, and newspaper for more than 30 years. He not only loved his job, but he also loved sports, and was the voice of both sports and news. Lorne moved to Red Deer in 1981 to work for CKRD. In 2000 he became the senior news reporter for Zed 99 and CKGY Country Radio / NewCap Radio. Coach wrote many sports columns in local newspapers with an in-depth look at local athletes and teams. He also covered the Red Deer Rebels WHL Hockey Club and helped keep statistics for every home game.
Lorne started his career in Peace River in 1976. He then moved to Medicine Hat in 1979 for a two-year stint at CHAT Radio before moving to Red Deer where he was a fixture at city and county council meetings and just about everywhere else in Red Deer or Central Alberta where people were gathered for a news or sports event.
Lorne always believed in the local athlete and felt they should receive the recognition they deserved. His expertise and professionalism earned him the respect of his media colleagues and community members alike.
After Induction
Lorne passed away in 2009
