Written by: Scott Savard
Headline Photo by: Scott Savard
High River, AB (April 24, 2026) – The High River Flyers Organization is saddened and heartbroken after the recent news of local legend Gerald “Charlie” Brown’s sudden passing on April 11, 2026.
The Flyers have all of Brown’s friends and family in their thoughts during this difficult time and acknowledge what a loss it is not only to the Flock, for which Brown was the voice for many years, but also the town of High River as a whole, as the sudden passing of Brown will be felt throughout.
Flyers President Tim Bradbury had worked closely with Brown during his time with the Flyers and gave his thoughts on the loss that will be felt across High River and the Foothills.
“Charlie was a true legend. He interviewed me several times regarding the Flyers, and I honestly didn’t know he was (conducting an interview). We would have a conversation, and he would be conducting the interview, which would avoid the and erm’s and pauses,” Bradbury said. “When I heard the news, I felt stunned and a feeling of disbelief, a feeling of sadness, firstly for Tracy, Stevie & Maddy, then for our community of High River to lose a person that meant so much in many ways.”
Brown, while nailing the perfect music mixes during Flyers games, would also use his passion for the game in his arena announcing, which was felt by Flyers fans for generations. Brown, who was a radio host across Alberta and the nation, had a knack for making anyone who met him feel special. Any interaction with Brown, and a person would feel as if they met their new best friend. That kindness and genuine love for his community only made Flyers games that much more special as he helped build the culture at Bob Snodgrass Rec Plex.
“Charlie was “The Voice Of The Flyers” for many years. He connected with so many people associated with the Flyers organization. If guys weren’t playing, they would go up to the booth and talk with him,” he added. “Although Charlie retired from calling the games, we as a team will miss him very much. We know if we were stuck one night, if we reached out, if he could, he would help us. On our home opener two years back, we had Charlie do the puck drop. That photo was awesome, we will get hardened and put it on display on our notice board. I know he will be missed all over town. He did so much for many organizations.”
As for future tributes to the Voice of the Flyers, Bradbury explained that the team is currently looking into the best way to honour Brown but hinted that something could be coming down the pipeline.
“We will for sure be remembering Charlie as an organization. We have a couple of things we are trying to arrange. Obviously, we would reach out to the Family first out of respect,” Bradbury added.
