Late last night, a few random updates started popping up on my facebook, saying Matrin Streek had died.

Wait, what? Martin Streek, from 102.1, who’s voice I had heard for as long as I can remember blasting from my stereo ? A posted link via Toronto Mike led to a chilling and cryptic post that Martin, after leaving a saddening, “So…I guess that’s it…thanks everyone…I’m sorry to those I should be sorry to, I love you to those that I love, and I will see you all again soon (not too soon though)… Let the stories begin.” as his facebook status update, had apparently taken his own life.

Facebook was now covered with questions, demands of verification, condolences…checking back to Mike’s site, my heart sank when he replied to his own original post with a Twitter update from a friend of Matrin’s confirming that this was, in fact, true. Another friend who was formermly employed at 102.1 called Alan Cross, currently on air. Another confirmation.

Two months ago, Martin was fired from 102.1 after over 20 years “in a round of downsizing”, along with Barry Taylor, another household name in local rock radio. He was the host of several live-to-air events in both Toronto and Burlington, and hosted several shows on-air, most notable were his weekly countdowns.

Today on 102.1′s All-Request Nooner, rather than requests, a mix-tape mashup of songs dedicated to Martin were played for the full hour.

12:56pm Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros Redemption Song
12:48pm Rusty Wake Me
12:44pm Rage Against The Machine Guerrilla Radio
12:41pm Nine Inch Nails March Of The Pigs
12:32pm Jane’s Addiction Jane Says
12:27pm The Tea Party Fire In The Head
12:22pm Smashing Pumpkins Mayonaise
12:18pm Nirvana All Apologies
12:09pm Johnny Cash Hurt
12:07pm Sloan The Good In Everyone
12:01pm Tool Forty Six And 2

The radio station has a memorial page set up in his honour for anyone who wishes to comment.

I first met Martin in December at a Jager event we were doing at The Phoenix. I immediately felt comfortable around him, which if you know me, is rare. Thousands of people felt the same way – he was kind, caring, funny, and every other positive attribute you could possibly fix to a man. He will be deeply missed, and the Toronto radio scene will never be the same without him.

Now that the news has gone completely public, people are blaming the loss of his job as the reasons for his death. Sadly, no-one will ever really know. My heart goes out to his friends and family.

RIP, Buddy.

Rest In Peace, Martin. We’ll miss you.

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