Rev. David Mainse, the founder of Canada's longest running daily talk show, 100 Huntley Street, has died at the age of 81.

Rev. Mainse passed away on September 25, 2017, at 81 years old after a five-year battle with MDS leukemia according to a release from Crossroads Christian Communications Inc. (Crossroads).

"Rev. Mainse lived the last years of his life (even while he fought the disease) as he’d lived his entire life: proclaiming the Good News – to any and all who would listen – that Jesus loved them," the release said.

He was affectionately known as "Canada's Pastor," and had used broadcasting to proclaim the message of Jesus since 1962.

“David’s greatest hope was not rooted in this world, but in eternity,” says Crossroads Christian Communications Inc. Chairman Gil Scott. “His desire to see others come to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ was his highest calling. He will be dearly missed by the Crossroads family, and by the millions of Canadians whose lives have been touched by his public ministry.”

“He was passionate about people, about Canadian unity, and about ecumenical dialogue,” says Lorna Dueck, Crossroads Chief Executive Officer. “That passion led to innovation. David used the platform of daily television to model open, respectful conversation on faith among citizens from coast-to-coast. And his cross-Canada tours, designed to encourage Canadians, made broadcast history.

"When Rev. Mainse launched 100 Huntley Street in 1977, he did so with an on-air team that included a Jesuit priest and clergy from a spectrum of Protestant denominations," Crossroads says. "It was as a result of Rev. Mainse’s vision (which was motivated by a desire to see Christian programming in primetime) and his team’s arguments before Canada’s broadcast regulator in the early 80’s, that the CRTC determined there was merit to the idea of allowing religious groups to own and operate broadcast stations, an opportunity that had not existed in Canada for 50 years. The CRTC subsequently amended the Broadcasting Act and later called for applications for religious channels."

“On behalf of the board of Crossroads, we mourn his passing, and extend our deepest sympathies to his family,” says Chairman Gil Scott. “But we also celebrate, confident in the belief that David is with his Savior and Lord.”

A funeral open to the public will take place in Toronto, ON this Saturday.
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