Harold Loster
September 27, 1927 – November 22, 2008
Inducted 1994
Primary Outlet
Winnipeg Tribune, Winnipeg Sun, CJOB
Harold Loster was a distinguished Manitoba sports journalist and columnist whose career perfectly blended technical expertise, community leadership and a deep love of sport.
Born in Winnipeg on Sept. 27, 1927, he grew up in the North End and attended Machray School and St. John’s Technical High School.
Loster began writing about sports in the late 1950s under the mentorship of Jack Matheson, initially contributing to the Winnipeg Tribune. He quickly became a leading voice in turf journalism, covering horse racing at Assiniboia Downs and beyond. Over a span of 31 years with the Tribune and later the Winnipeg Sun, he became known for his “Best Bet of the Day” selections and his memorable, colourful headlines.
Outside of racing, Loster was deeply involved in the bowling community. He authored the long-running Write Up Your Alley column, covering both five-pin and tenpin bowling, and served on the executive of the Winnipeg and Manitoba Five-Pin Bowling associations. He was also instrumental in the founding of the Sportsman’s Curling League at the Granite Curling Club and coached minor hockey teams, reflecting his commitment to youth sport.
In addition to his print work, Loster lent his voice to radio as a horse racing announcer on CJOB during the 1950s and ‘60s. He was named Bowling Writer of the Year in 1979 and was inducted into the Manitoba Bowling Hall of Fame. His leadership extended to administrative roles, including serving as publicity chairman for the Winnipeg Bowling Association and being named an honorary official of the Manitoba Horse Racing Commission.
Harold Loster was inducted into the Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association Media Roll of Honour in 1994. He passed away on Nov. 22, 2008, at age 81.
Born in Winnipeg on Sept. 27, 1927, he grew up in the North End and attended Machray School and St. John’s Technical High School.
Loster began writing about sports in the late 1950s under the mentorship of Jack Matheson, initially contributing to the Winnipeg Tribune. He quickly became a leading voice in turf journalism, covering horse racing at Assiniboia Downs and beyond. Over a span of 31 years with the Tribune and later the Winnipeg Sun, he became known for his “Best Bet of the Day” selections and his memorable, colourful headlines.
Outside of racing, Loster was deeply involved in the bowling community. He authored the long-running Write Up Your Alley column, covering both five-pin and tenpin bowling, and served on the executive of the Winnipeg and Manitoba Five-Pin Bowling associations. He was also instrumental in the founding of the Sportsman’s Curling League at the Granite Curling Club and coached minor hockey teams, reflecting his commitment to youth sport.
In addition to his print work, Loster lent his voice to radio as a horse racing announcer on CJOB during the 1950s and ‘60s. He was named Bowling Writer of the Year in 1979 and was inducted into the Manitoba Bowling Hall of Fame. His leadership extended to administrative roles, including serving as publicity chairman for the Winnipeg Bowling Association and being named an honorary official of the Manitoba Horse Racing Commission.
Harold Loster was inducted into the Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association Media Roll of Honour in 1994. He passed away on Nov. 22, 2008, at age 81.