By Dana Reynolds

P.A. honours “The Doc of Rock”

Jan 19, 2017 | 7:42 AM

Last night, Prince Albert said goodbye to one of its favourite sons. Neil Headrick signed off of 900 CKBI for the final time Dec. 23, but the city sent the 33-year veteran off right with a night at the E.A. Rawlinson Centre of photo montages, live performers, and of course, Neil’s favourite tunes.

There were two themes to the evening: Muppet Show hecklers Statler and Waldorf, as the running joke was Headrick and fellow CKBI personality Don Mitchell were the station’s version of the pair, and the second, mentioned numerous times, was how the humble Headrick hated focusing on himself.

“Neil cautioned his attendance could not be counted on,” GM Karl Johnston said to a chain of laughter, as few might have heard Headrick ask before the event began “is it over yet?”

The man who discovered “The Doc of Rock” back in 1984, Jim Scarrow, emceed the event and also managed a few playful barbs at Headrick’s expense.

But the jokes weren’t just on Neil.

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A real-life Statler and Waldorf roasted audience members from the auditorium balcony, from police chief Troy Cooper to Mayor Greg Dionne.

The evening included videos of office Christmas parties past, including Headrick’s best Elvis impression, audio clips from memorable CKBI callers, a light razzing from younger sister, Lois, and musical performances from television and stage performer Sheldon Bergstrom. Bergstrom sang a memorable rendition of Neil’s favourite song, Beyond the Sea.

But perhaps the most poignant moment came from former Victoria Hospital Foundation CEO Rob Dalziel. Through the power of radio, Headrick helped raised millions of dollars for local organizations through events like Give a Little Life Day, Jail n’ Bail and Radio Bingo. Dalziel called him a champion of the community and genuine giver, which he said was “evident in the way he treats everyone. He’s a true gentleman.”

For the man who gave so much, Headrick and wife Sheila were gifted a trip to the home of the King of Rock n’ Roll – Graceland. When asked what advice he’d give to aspiring radio personalities, Neil simply shrugged and said, “hang in there. Enjoy every day, because then it’s not a job.”

For more photos of the event, visit paNOW’s event gallery.

Dana Reynolds is paNOW’s managing editor. She can be reached at dreynolds@jpbg.ca or tweet her @danitska.