Eddie Dearden
September 8, 1927 – March 29, 2024
Inducted 1990
Primary Outlet
Winnipeg Tribune, CJOB
Using only his two index fingers, Edmund “Steady Eddie” Dearden built a remarkable career and became a beloved name in Manitoba’s sports journalism landscape.
Dearden began his journalism career in 1944 at the Winnipeg Tribune as an apprentice in the composing room. Fresh out of Centennial High School and following the loss of both parents, Dearden entered the workforce at a young age with determination and grace.
In 1959, he transitioned to a full-time journalist role at the Tribune. Despite never taking a formal typing course, he wrote his stories using just his two index fingers, a method that became part of his trademark work ethic.
In 1965, Dearden expanded into radio, freelancing for CJOB and covering golf, a sport he loved deeply. It was during this time that he coined his signature broadcast greeting: “This is Steady Eddie Dearden teeing it up for ’OB Sports.” By the mid-1970s, he was also covering the Winnipeg Jets and providing colour commentary on CJOB.
Known for his polished demeanor and gentlemanly nature, Dearden was described by colleagues as classy, meticulous and soft-spoken. Even while camping, he was known to bring his electric shaver.
“He was a true gentleman; he always dressed nicely,” recalled former Winnipeg Sun journalist Jim Bender.
Dearden served as president of the Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association before retiring in 1990. His contributions were recognized not only by the MSSA, but also across several sports communities. He was inducted into the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame and Museum in 1994 as one of its founding members, the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame in 2001 and the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame and Museum in 2007.
Eddie Dearden was inducted into the Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association Media Roll of Honour in 1990. He passed away on March 29, 2024, at the age of 96.
Dearden began his journalism career in 1944 at the Winnipeg Tribune as an apprentice in the composing room. Fresh out of Centennial High School and following the loss of both parents, Dearden entered the workforce at a young age with determination and grace.
In 1959, he transitioned to a full-time journalist role at the Tribune. Despite never taking a formal typing course, he wrote his stories using just his two index fingers, a method that became part of his trademark work ethic.
In 1965, Dearden expanded into radio, freelancing for CJOB and covering golf, a sport he loved deeply. It was during this time that he coined his signature broadcast greeting: “This is Steady Eddie Dearden teeing it up for ’OB Sports.” By the mid-1970s, he was also covering the Winnipeg Jets and providing colour commentary on CJOB.
Known for his polished demeanor and gentlemanly nature, Dearden was described by colleagues as classy, meticulous and soft-spoken. Even while camping, he was known to bring his electric shaver.
“He was a true gentleman; he always dressed nicely,” recalled former Winnipeg Sun journalist Jim Bender.
Dearden served as president of the Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association before retiring in 1990. His contributions were recognized not only by the MSSA, but also across several sports communities. He was inducted into the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame and Museum in 1994 as one of its founding members, the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame in 2001 and the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame and Museum in 2007.
Eddie Dearden was inducted into the Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association Media Roll of Honour in 1990. He passed away on March 29, 2024, at the age of 96.