A man with a familiar voice to many in Southern Manitoba will be laid to rest today.

Harvey (Harv) Jacob Kroeker passed away Sunday, June 30th at the age of 74 after a short battle with colon cancer.

Kroeker was heard on CFAM Radio 950 Altona, AM1250 Radio Steinbach and CJRB Radio 1220 Boissevain for decades going back to the 1960s. In a career spanning 45 years, he was the voice of local, provincial and federal elections as well as the Flood of '97 and many important points in Manitoba's news-making history.

"(Kroeker) had the most recognized news voice in Manitoba," said Golden West CEO, Elmer Hildebrand.

Over the years Kroeker read thousands of news stories, bringing the latest in local headlines to every corner of Southern Manitoba. His voice was synonymous with accurate, authoritative news coverage, and his approach and passion for the role influenced the development of countless reporters who worked alongside him over the years.

"As a young news reporter at the time, I appreciated Harv's eye for detail and his ability to keep stories simple," said Dean Penner, who joined Kroeker in the CFAM newsroom in 1984. "His writing was short, concise and to the point, but I think his presentation of the news was his greatest strength. He cared about the listener, which could be heard in the calm and deliberate style in which he delivered the stories of the day. Our news team often leaned on his experience and knowledge which he was always willing to share. He'll be missed."

In 2006, Kroeker was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) Canada, one of the highest honours handed out by the organization.

The funeral service for Harv Kroeker will take place Friday, July 5th at 2:00 p.m. at Altona EMM Church, with viewing one hour prior. Burial will follow the service at the Altona Cemetery.