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Robert "Bob" Goyetche (1969–2016)

Robert "Bob" Goyetche was a pioneering figure in the Canadian podcasting community, a respected IT professional, and a multi-talented individual whose contributions spanned media, technology, and community-building. Known for his early involvement in podcasting in Canada, Goyetche co-founded influential initiatives that united and supported podcasters across the country and world. He also had a successful career in IT, specializing in areas such as business intelligence, enterprise resource planning (ERP), and technical consulting.

Early Life and Career

Bob Goyetche was born in 1969 and lived in Deux-Montagnes, Quebec, Canada. His IT career began in the early 1990s with roles that established his expertise in systems management and technical operations. At Bristol-Myers Squibb (1991–1994), he served as a Senior IT Operator, managing software and hardware maintenance on IBM AS/400 systems, programming in CL, RPG/400, and COBOL/400, and taking charge of system security and disaster recovery planning.

From 2000 to 2002, Goyetche worked as the Manager of Technical Services at Syntax.net, where he supervised a team of consultants and managed projects in JD Edwards implementations, network architecture, and business intelligence. This role included liaising with internal and client management teams, addressing issues from project scope to billing, and overseeing projects from pre-sales to completion.

IT Leadership at IBM

Goyetche joined IBM Canada in 2002 as a senior consultant and spent over 14 years in various roles:

Senior Consultant (JDE/CNC), Project Manager, Delivery Manager (2002–2012): Goyetche led JDE/JD Edwards CNC teams for multiple client accounts across sectors such as oil and petroleum, outdoor power products, paper products, government, retail distribution, utilities, and manufacturing. His responsibilities included technical delivery, security management, performance tuning, change management, and end-user training.

Account Manager, Global Services (2012–2016): In his role as an Account Manager, Goyetche supported clients in achieving business and IT objectives, fostering growth and innovation, and building solid relationships across staff levels from line employees to upper management. Known for his ability to integrate technical knowledge with interpersonal skills, Goyetche was recognized as a top performer at IBM multiple times.

Social Media and Podcasting Contributions

Goyetche was a pioneer in Canadian podcasting, credited with helping to create and develop the country’s podcasting community since he began podcasting in 2004. He co-hosted The Bob and AJ Show and The CatFishShow, and was involved in multiple initiatives that shaped the podcasting landscape in Canada:

ROGIC Podcast Network: Goyetche founded ROGIC, one of Canada’s first podcast networks, which provided a platform for Canadian podcasters to share and promote their work.

Canadian Podcast Buffet: In 2005, he co-founded this weekly podcast with Mark Blevis. Canadian Podcast Buffet provided updates on Canadian podcasting and social media, covering legal issues, industry tips, and techniques. The show was referred to as a “must-listen” for anyone entering the Canadian podcasting scene.

Podcasters Across Borders (PAB): Goyetche co-founded Podcasters Across Borders in 2006, Canada’s first large-scale conference for new media producers. Initially focused on podcasting techniques, PAB evolved into a three-day media and ideas conference known for its welcoming community and diverse content. Held in Kingston, Ontario, and later Ottawa, the conference featured speakers such as Chris Brogan, Mitch Joel, Tod Maffin, Julien Smith, and Jowi Taylor, and attracted international participants. PAB ran annually until 2012.

In 2006, Goyetche also took over CanadaPodcasts.ca, the main directory for Canadian-produced podcasts, which became a resource for listeners and creators seeking Canadian podcast content. His contributions earned him recognition from the Canadian Podcast Awards and other media.

Bitnorth 2011: “Your Story Deserves to Be Told”

At the Bitnorth 2011 conference, Goyetche gave a talk titled "Your Story Deserves to Be Told", where he encouraged people to share their personal stories as a way to connect with future generations. He highlighted the discovery of an audio recording made by a friend’s great-grandmother that shed light on family history and shared how another friend’s blog about cancer helped him understand his own father’s experience with the illness. Goyetche emphasized the therapeutic benefits of storytelling and encouraged attendees to document their experiences for both personal insight and legacy.

CreatorCamp and Other Endeavors.

In 2010, Goyetche founded CreatorCamp, a series of unconferences focused on the creative process across various forms of media and arts, from audio and video to woodworking and photography. CreatorCamp was designed to encourage cross-disciplinary learning and emphasize the act of creating for self-expression and personal fulfillment.

Beyond his professional achievements, Goyetche was a father, husband, musician, amateur radio operator (VE2PDT), photographer, and outdoorsman. His website, bobgoyetche.com, offered insights into his dual life as an IT professional and social media advocate, and included disclaimers expressing his views independently from his employers.

Personal Life and Passing

Bob Goyetche passed away suddenly on November 10, 2016, at the age of 47. He was survived by his wife, Cathy Bobkowicz, and their son, Simon. He is remembered fondly by many friends, family members, and the podcasting and amateur radio communities. His funeral service was held at Complexe Funéraire Guay in Saint-Eustache, Quebec, with donations directed to a trust fund for Simon’s university education.

Legacy and Impact

Goyetche’s impact on Canadian podcasting and social media has left a lasting legacy. His work on Canadian Podcast Buffet, Podcasters Across Borders, and CreatorCamp helped shape the podcasting community in Canada and inspired a strong network of creators. CBC’s program Spark described him as a "podcasting pioneer," and fellow podcasters such as Mitch Joel and Dave Delaney acknowledged his influence on their work and the broader community.

References

This draft aims to be comprehensive, covering Bob Goyetche’s professional achievements, podcasting contributions, and lasting impact.

Joel, Mitch. "What About Bob? (RIP Bob Goyetche)." Six Pixels of Separation, November 16, 2016. Available at: https://www.sixpixels.com/articles/archives/what_about_bob_rip_bob_goyetche/

"Robert Goyetche Obituary." Legacy Remembers, November 12, 2016. Available at: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/robert-goyetche-obituary?id=19990178

"Tribute to podcasting pioneer Bob Goyetche." CBC Radio Spark, November 18, 2016. Available at: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/spark/335-the-lonely-generation-and-more-1.3853837/tribute-to-podcasting-pioneer-bob-goyetche-1.3857832

Canadian Podcast Awards, Community. Available at: https://canpodawards.ca/awards/community/

Delaney, Dave. "Consider Vulnerability: RIP Bob Goyetche." Dave Delaney, November 14, 2016. Available at: https://www.davedelaney.me/blog/consider-vulnerability-rip-bob-goyetche

Hall, Leesa Renee. "2009 Podcamp Toronto Organizers Did an Amazing Job." Leesa Renee Hall, February 23, 2009. Available at: https://leesareneehall.com/2009-podcamp-toronto-organizers-did-an-amazing-job/