J-School Professor Dies

NewsLaura Beeston — Published January 10, 2012

Concordia broadcast professor Ross “Coach” Perigoe died from a brain tumor on Tuesday night.

Teaching in Concordia’s journalism department for over 25 years, Perigoe also had a lengthy and active journalism career.

Perigoe was one of the youngest national current affairs radio producers on CBC. An estimated 6 million Quebecers tuned in to his coverage of Quebec’s 1981 election, and he was the Ottawa TV bureau station manager at the age of 32.

Many of his students and colleagues posted their shock and condolences on Facebook and Twitter when they heard the news. Student-oriented and passionate, it was clear Perigoe struck a chord with those he worked with.

“He lives now through everyone he touched,” said Concordia journalism student Jessie Mathieson. “Students will take Advanced Radio at Concordia and never have met the man that created the department’s best class. I am honoured to have had the opportunity.”

Perigoe received the Michael Monty Award for excellence in broadcast teachings and mentorships from the Radio Television News Directors Association in 2009.