Victoria News
The first time you meet Bob Grainger it can be intimidating. The retired Black Press newspaper executive is an imposing presence.
But ask anyone who has worked with Grainger and they’ll say you couldn’t meet a nicer guy.
“He definitely has a game face that is rough and tough, but he cares more about people and newspapers than anyone,” says longtime friend and co-worker Mark Warner, who has known Grainger for 22 years.
To Grainger, it’s always been about the people and “doing a good job.”
So, it shouldn’t be surprising that Grainger was honoured with the prestigious Eric Dunning Award for Dedication and Service to the Community Newspaper Industry, when the B.C. and Yukon Community Newspaper Association met for its annual convention on Saturday, April 25.
“I’m very surprised about the award,” says Grainger, 71, a Saanich resident.
From hardware salesman to being the right-hand man of Black Press founder David Black – Grainger’s 33 years in the newspaper business has been colourful.
It began in 1976 when Black was the owner and publisher of the Williams Lake Tribune and was in need of a sales manager.
It took a little convincing, but before long Grainger joined up with Black and a unique partnership was formed that would last more than 30 years.
In 1978, Grainger became the publisher of the Williams Lake Tribune and by 1980 he was the president of Cariboo Press.
In 2000, Black Press had expanded greatly taking in most of B.C. and Washington State, not to mention Hawaii, and Grainger took on more responsibilities by becoming president of the Prairie Group as well as Cariboo Press.
He was named chief operating officer in 2002 and moved to Victoria from Williams Lake to work alongside Black.
Black said Grainger was a quick study and an asset to the company.
“I’m not surprised he stayed around for so long. I was always able to give him new challenges, and he got the job done,” Black said.
“He was a lot of fun to be around, too.”
Grainger always remained committed to his community, and expected the same from his newspaper staff.
Since his retirement, he’s played it low-key. He does a little fishing, hunting, golfing and has had more time to devote to his woodworking hobby.
One thing he does miss about working, though, is the people.
“I miss people amazingly. It was the best ride. It was the best thing in my life,” he says