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It’s not often you’re invited into the home of a dying man.

So I wasn’t sure what to expect as I walked up a front step and rang a doorbell in River Heights on Friday.

What I heard inside was laughter, and stories of days gone by.

And The Voice.

The Voice remains unmistakable, if a little weaker than it was in its prime.

The remarkable thing is, Bob Picken’s prime lasted until he was nearly 86 years old.

The Winnipeg broadcasting legend was diagnosed with terminal cancer in September, 11 days before his birthday.

“It was a bit of a shock,” Picken said from the hospital-style bed set up in his living room. “But at the same time, I knew you only live here for so long. I guess I took it to heart. I’ve done my thing. I can look back at a lot of good, fun and games, a lot of wonderful people throughout the world.

“I will live out my days as best they are and I will be very grateful for what God has given me.”

What God gave him on this day was a steady stream of visitors and the warmth of family visiting from out of town.