After 24 years on country radio and a career that dates back to pop radio in the 1970s, Country 105 Odd Squad morning host Doug Veronelly in Calgary is hanging up his hat.

Veronelly, whose two morning foils include Robyn Adair and Dan Carson, was such a hit with listeners that they were named the Canadian Country Music Association's Major Market Personality of the Year 14 times, as well as winning a coveted Country Music Association Award for International Personality of the Year in 2005.

The Odd Squad also regularly participated in community fundraisers, most recently raising $1.6 M through the Caring for Kids Radiothon, which benefits the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation.

“It’s a bittersweet ending for me. Leaving my radio family is hard but at the same time, I am very happy to be able to spend more quality time with my family at home,” said Veronelly in a statement. “I thank everyone at Country 105 and all of our listeners for their support and kindness over the last two decades. It’s been a great run.”

Veronelly had been off the air quite frequently since the late spring, explaining that a serious illness in the family had warranted his attention in a post on the station's website on May 27.

While this wasn't expressed as a reason for his retirement, he will be sorely missed.

Country 105 PD Phil Kallsen was magnanimous in his praise as to how integral he was to the award-winning Odd Squad.

“Doug’s open mind, large radio presence, and stability has allowed The Odd Squad to grow into what it is today,” says Phil Kallsen, Program Director, Country 105. “We send a heartfelt thank you to Doug for his many years as part of the Country 105 family and wish him all the best on his retirement.”

The Corus-owned Country 105 promises to give listeners a chance to say goodbye and wish Veronelly well in a future Farewell To Doug show, time to be determined.