Jim Archibald (Noreen Lodge) COURTENAY - Jim's broadcast career started in 1952 as announcer at CHSJ Radio in his hometown of Saint John, NB. In '56 he moved to CFNB Fredericton, NB. The lady who was to become his first wife and mother of their 4 children was his control room operator at CHSJ. They married in '57 and moved to Swift Current, SK where he took the position of Chief Announcer at CKSW. They moved to CJOC in Lethbridge from '58 to '61 and finally to CFRN Radio Edmonton in '61 where he worked under the name Jim Roberts as announcer and talk show host until '83. After a bit of weekend newsroom work at CHQT Edmonton in '84, he left the business completely in '85 after 33 years. Jim and Noreen were married in Edmonton on Easter Sunday 2005. They moved to Courtenay in the summer of 2006.
Chuck Benson (Beverly) PARKSVILLE - Started his broadcast career in 1960 as a writer at CKYL, Peace River, AB, where in 1965 he won the Gold Leaf Award (now called the Juno) for Top Disc Jockey for Canada. From there, a brief stint at CFRN, Edmonton, AB as Promotions Manager for AM/FM Radio. Then in '62 helped open CKNL Fort St. John, BC. In '68 Chuck and two others (Ernie Mushtuk and Ernie Mykyte) started up Yellowhead Broadcasting Ltd out of Edson, AB, eventually ending up with satellites in Grande Cache, Jasper, Whitecourt and Hinton, AB. He sold his interests and moved to Vancouver, ending up with CFVR, Abbotsford as General Sales Manager, then Manager of CHPQ, Parksville, and eventually as a Sales Consultant with CIGV-FM in Penticton. Chuck is retired from broadcasting and living with his wife in Parksville.
Larry Brown (Kathryn) NANAIMO - Started his broadcast career at CHEK-TV in Victoria. After stints in Edmonton and Calgary he joined the CBC in Winnipeg in 1966. He produced and directed in the Music and Variety department for 5 years, including two years with the Guess Who. During that time he encouraged them to write their own songs, which they did, and soon they were too famous for the CBC. After a couple of years with "Reach for the Top" Larry moved to the Network Sports department. He left the Corp. in the late 1970s and has free-lanced ever since. Larry's credits include 5 Stanley Cup Finals, 6 World Junior Championships, 6 Grey Cups, 5 Olympics, the Pam Am Games and the Asian Games. For the last 9 seasons, before retiring in 2006, he directed the Vancouver Canucks on Sportsnet.
Gene Daniel (Mary) NANAIMO - 41 years in the broadcast industry from 1965 to 2006. He began his career as announcer/writer at CKNL in Fort St John, BC eventually turning to sales. Manager of CKNL`s sister station in Fort Nelson in ‘69. In ‘71 Gene returned to Fort St John as GM and in ‘72 joined with Neil McKinnon to purchase the Fort St John and Fort Nelson stations. This eventually evolved into Nornet Broadcasting. In 1976, the company expanded into Alberta and Gene moved on to manage CJOI in Wetaskiwn. Stations were added in Westlock, Slave Lake, High Prairie, Athabasca, St Paul, Wainwright, Cold Lake, Stettler, Brooks, Drumheller, and Crowsnest Pass. In ‘98, Nornet merged with Okanagan Skeena and a year later was bought out by Telemedia. An opportunity in 1985 to buy CHUB in Nanaimo and CHPQ in Parksville/Qualicum, saw Gene move to Vancouver Island. With the McKinnon family, he formed "Benchmark Ventures" which eventually merged with CKEG Radio in Nanaimo to become Central Island Broadcasting and later Island Radio. The Eagle in Courtenay and Campbell River, the Lounge in Parksville, and The Peak in Port Alberni were all added to the fold before Island Radio sold the company to the Pattison Group in 2006. Gene began a sideline business - Gee Dan Productions promoting concerts throughout BC and parts of Alberta.
Sandra (Sandi) Digras - PARKSVILLE - Born in Chicago, Illinois, Sandi came to Ottawa, Canada in '71 as the wife of a French Diplomat. She worked in Public Relations and Special Events at the Hudson Bay Company. In 1983 she became Director of Public Relations for the Westin Hotel and in '87, joined the historic Chateau Laurier where she retired in 1996. She entered the radio biz on Standard CJSB in '93 with her own weekly talk show then moved the show to CFRA, a Chum station in 1996-98. In 1997, she developed a social column for the Ottawa Sun was a feature travel writer for a number of magazines and newspapers. She and her late husband, Jean retired in 2004 and moved to Vancouver Island.
Phyllis Edwards (David) COMOX - Grew up northwest of Edmonton, AB. During high school she was an avid photographer and student council Fine Arts Minister, where she discovered she liked to co-ordinate group activities, a talent she now uses for organizing community events. She has written weekly arts and business newspaper columns; published an arts newsletter; produced, hosted and narrated a variety of Cable TV and commercial video productions. For the better part of the past 25 years, she has chosen the entrepreneurial route, providing communications consulting and marketing assistance to a variety of clients; ..."develops & delivers on-line and real-time health education programs."
Roy Geldart - CAMPBELL RIVER - Started his 40-year radio career in early 1964, by setting up the record library at the fledgling CBZ Fredericton. He quickly fulfilled his ambition to get on the air by becoming the summer replacement announcer. He left his home province of NB that fall, to become a rock DJ at CKBW-Bridgewater, NS. In late '65, it was back to Fredericton as a jock at 50 KW CFNB; switching to news in '67. On to CFBC Saint John in '70 as a reporter; moving up to News Director. He moved on to ND duties at CKCW Moncton in '73 returning to the CBC in Saint John in '81 as a reporter; retiring in 2002. Then, he was soon doing weekend mornings for a couple of years at CFMH, the UNB-SJ 50-watter. Roy moved to Campbell River in '04 and now limits his on-air activities to the Amateur Radio Bands as Ham Operator VE7DXU
Robb Glazier (Sandy) QUALICUM BEACH - Bitten by the "broadcast bug" when offered doing play-by-play on KIRO-AM (74-75), then on CJJC, Langley for the New Westminster Bruins (75-77); Vancouver Whitecaps (76-77). Hosted CKVU TV's "SPORTS PAGE" (77-79); back to Seattle as Operations Manager with the Breakers junior club, and broadcaster on KAYO. Hosted sports and was a news reporter at KSTW-TV; free-lanced as host on NHL hockey; play-by-play of NASL and MISL soccer (80-82); did radio for the Seattle Sounders. Moved back to Vancouver ('83) joining CFUN; transferred to CFRW Winnipeg ('85) where he covered the Blue Bombers and was News Director. Inducted into the Manitoba Media Roll of Honor in 1998. Robb and his wife, Sandy returned to the West Coast after 18 years in Winnipeg and now reside in Qualicum Beach.
Sandy (Courtney-Browne) Glazier (Robb) QUALICUM BEACH - Sandy worked for London Weekend Television (England) on The Rolf Harris, David Frost and Russell Harty Shows. Worked privately for Dougie Squires (choreographer/producer/director) on productions at the London Palladium, Julie Andrews and Lulu Specials as well as many other shows. One of the organizers of a special gala show at the Drury Lane Theatre to raise funds for the victims of the Tower of London bomb. Moving to Canada in 1974, she worked for CKVU-TV on the Vancouver Show, CBC-TV Sales and CBC Radio Production in Vancouver, CKY-TV in Winnipeg and KIRO-TV Sales in Seattle. Robb and Sandy moved to Qualicum Beach in July 2003, built a house and moved in September 2004.
Jim Harris (Linda) NANAIMO - Started his media career at Carleton University working on the school newspaper and yearbook. In 1966, a summer job as a news photographer with the Ottawa Journal extended into 1967. That spring he joined Photo Features, who had a contract with the Toronto Star to produce news and editorial photos in the National Capital. It was back to school in 1969 to finish his degree in Journalism. During that time he worked freelance with Canadian Press, UPI and the Ottawa Citizen. In 1970 he joined CBC Ottawa as a reporter in both radio and television. In 1972 he had an offer to work in PR for the federal government in Halifax, where he met his wife Linda. In Halifax he worked for Manpower and Immigration, Secretary of State and Canada Post. The Toronto Star, in '76, offered him a position as an Assignment Editor and the family moved to Toronto. The feds called again in '78 and it was back to the Maritimes as regional Manager Communications with Indian Affairs, leading two years later to a transfer to Ottawa. In 1986 he became head of Media Relations with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) and retired from there in 2002. He and Linda moved to Nanaimo in 2005.
Frank Hladik (Arlene) QUALICUM BEACH - Frank worked under the radio name Jim Ryan, first at CKSA LLoydminster (1964) where he eventually did every board shift including news man; CBC news, weather and TV production. One year later he was in Regina (CKRM) doing the afternoon show. Next year (1967) Calgary (CFCN) where he did the rolling home show for the next 8 years. In 1990 Frank moved to the USA where he sold advertising at KTTW FOX TV in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In 2000 back to Canada where he and his wife bought a 5 acre ocean front home on Shaw Hill. Back selling newspaper ads for the Oceanside Star in 2001. Changed over to the Beacon Magazine in 2004. Since 2014 - delivering flowers for the Qualicum Beach Flower Shop.
Ron Hykaway (Carol) QUALICUM BEACH - Broadcasting career started in 1961 in Winnipeg at CKY, part time news reading, writing and voicing commercials. In '69, he joined a group of entrepreneurs at the newly formed Yellowhead Broadcasting Co. operating CJYR/CKYR Edson-Jasper. Starting as account executive, he later became Sales Manager and did play-by-play for hockey, curling, skiing, snowmobile races and golf. In 1974 Ron moved his family to Duncan on Vancouver Island where he assumed the duties of General Manager at CKAY. In 1977, he joined CJVI, Victoria as account executive also doing remote broadcasts. In 1978, Ron and partners Wax Williams and Jim Blundell, purchased CKKR Radio, Rosetown,Saskatchewan where he assumed the duties of General Manager. Sold his portion to his partners, and joined the CBC Television affiliate in Swift Current as Sales Manager.
Henry Irizawa (Judie) COMOX - Started TV career in his hometown, Kelowna at CHBC TV. After working as a Professional Ski Patroller at Whistler Mtn., he was hired at CBC Vancouver in the Spring of 1970 as a TV technician, moved into TV Sports production two years later. Directed Hockey Night in Canada, Commonwealth Games, Canada Games and many amateur sports. Left CBC in 1976 to go help Daryl Duke launch CKVU. There I directed anything and everything that appeared on the Vancouver Show. Was offered a position at BCTV to direct Canucks Hockey, Alan Hamel Show, Alan Thicke Show, Variety Club Telethons, Jack Webster Show, Opening Galas for BC Place stadium and GM Place arena and much more. At the same time, directed for CTV network on their coverage of NHL, LPGA and Seniors Golf, Olympics, Terry Fox funeral, Royal Tours ,etc. When BCTV lost the Canucks contract in 1998 he left to work for Rogers Sportsnet on Canucks, Oilers and Flames telecasts as a freelancer. Since then he's worked on Summer and Winter Olympics (Korea the last one), Pan-Am Games, Asian Games, IIHF World Hockey championships, Curling, MLS Soccer, golf, track & field, etc. Just signed two year contract with Rogers Sportsnet to direct more NHL.
Diane Langdon (Jack) NANAIMO - Fresh from high school in 1963, Diane started her career as copywriter at CKRD Radio in Red Deer, Alberta. She moved to Edmonton and started work at Sunwapta Broadcasting in 1965. Here, experience was gained not only at CFRN AM and FM, but TV as well. CFRN was a happy place in these early days. After an absence to stay home with children, Diane returned to CFRN and continued work both in TV and at CKXM until 1989. A flurry of short-lived jobs, Bridal Fair (highest sales in Canada and the US), Real Estate (hasn't everyone tried it?) and finally magazine publishing. Wedding Bells, a national bridal magazine which later became international, offered a position to Diane as Associate Publisher in Edmonton in 1996. In 2008 Diane along with husband Jack moved to Nanaimo, the pearl of the Island. Here new interests took over: quilting, book clubs, and sailing. Diane and Jack bought a 34 foot Hunter sailboat in 2010 and have had great experiences in and around the Island, the Sunshine Coast and the San Juans in Washington.
Noreen Lodge (Jim Archibald) COURTENAY - Noreen started as switchboard/ receptionist at CFRN Radio Edmonton in 1960 and did some control room operating on the side. She moved to CFRN-TV in '62 and soon was put in charge of all switchboard/receptionists at the station until her retirement in 1995. She was greeted by many at the 50th Anniversary of CFRN-TV in late 2004 as she had been the first and sometimes last person everyone saw when arriving or leaving the station and she got to know everyone and everyone's family. One of the announcers she had to put up with in those days was a fellow who went by the name of Jim Roberts. She now has to put up with him as Jim Archibald, only this time as a husband-in-training.
Howie Meeker (Leah) PARKSVILLE - Howie started his media career in 1957 as a Sports Announcer at CJON-AM, St. Johns, NFLD. The following year he was named Sports Director for radio-TV and newspaper. In 1969 Howie started in Montreal with Danny Gallivan and Dick Irwin on Hockey Night In Canada. This evolved into a 25-week plus playoff schedule for CBC's Hockey Night. In 1974 he won the Gordon Sinclair Award. 1977 saw the beginning of his Colour Analyst career with the Vancouver Canucks. In 1998 Howie was named to the Hockey Hall of Fame in the Broadcast category as winner of the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award. In 2011, Howie received the Order of Canada Award.
Bernie Pascall (Judy) PARKSVILLE - is a member of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame and the BC Hockey Hall of Fame. He started his broadcasting career in Flin Flon, Manitoba at CFAR as Morning host and Sports Director in 1957. TV experience includes CHAT-TV Medicine Hat, CJAY-TV Winnipeg, CFTO-TV Toronto and BCTV in Vancouver. The longtime Sports Director of BCTV has an extensive on-air background in TV, Radio and internet sports broadcasting exceeding 45 years. He broadcast the play by play of the NHL Vancouver Canucks for several seasons, 12 Junior Hockey Memorial Cups and World Hockey Championships.
Verne Prior (Lois) PARKSVILLE - Following a brief exposure to broadcasting as part of the student union radio club at University of Manitoba, Verne was hired in 1957 as the third employee -- and first News Director -- at CFSL Radio in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, a brand-new radio station. Moved in '58 to Regina and joined the CBC (CBK Radio) as Operator-Announcer. In 1960 he joined CKCK-TV as staff announcer. Hired by CKRM Radio in 1964 as "morning man". On to Saskatoon in '65 to join CFQC-TV as staff announcer; quizmaster on Reach for the Top for seven years. Re-joined CBC (CBKST) in Saskatoon as staff announcer in '71. A year later Verne moved to Winnipeg to again work for CBC (CBW/CBWT). Left broadcasting in '73 for 28-year career in public relations.
Beth (Pinder) Ross (Gary) An Island girl, Beth enjoyed theatre and arts in high school, moving into television at Victoria Cable on Shelbourne in 1978. Playback with video tape pause sliders didn't stop her from continuing the pursuit of lights, camera, action as she attended Camosun College Applied Communication for 2 years, graduating in 1981 as a Media Generalist. January '81, Beth began in the network world of CHEK TV as an ENG assistant (Electronic News Gathering) on the news/sports crews. Bit work with Barry Casson Productions of Victoria doing continuity on "Lost in the woods" and 'Making it Happen" was interesting but couldn't keep her from discovering life in the central Island area. A move to Qualicum Beach in '82 slowed down her career a little as family took priority, and she resumed her interest in theatre. In 1987, Beth began work at Community Programming for Cowichan Cable in Parksville. In 1991 she married Gary Ross and was suddenly raising 5 children ages 2-7. Progress? Closed the Parksville studio and production began from the Nanaimo studio base, evolving into "The Daily". 4 stories a week as well as a year in front of the camera hosting the show. "Producing, shooting, reporting & editing stories mainly for Oceanside throughout the week was always interesting and rewarding." 23 years was a long time making connections and serving the central Island with programming. In 2011, still very involved in the community, Beth started her own video production business. Work now includes mostly corporate videos but Beth loves the family side of production as well, producing 'Family Legacy' videos and also doing event coverage. 'Telling stories for people never seems to slow down.' Find Beth on FaceBook, check her WEBSITE, or give her a call at 250-228-2384.
Al Shaver (Shirley) QUALICUM BEACH - A native of London, Ontario, Al's broadcasting career began in May of 1948 at CJOY in Guelph, ON where he did a morning show called "Shave With Shaver" and also got his feet wet in sports broadcasting with play-by-play of Guelph's entry in the Ontario senior intercounty baseball league. From Guelph to CJCJ in Calgary, CHAT in Medicine Hat where he met and married Shirley Parker, CFRN Radio and TV in Edmonton, CKGM Radio and CFCF TV in Montreal, CKWW in Windsor, CKEY in Toronto, WCCO and KSTP in Minneapolis/St. Paul. Most of his 48 years in broadcasting were spent covering sports including Edmonton Eskimos football for 11 years, Montreal Alouettes football for 2 years and the Minnesota North Stars of the NHL for 26 years. Shaver was inducted into the Hockey Hall-of-Fame in ‘93 and the Minnesota Broadcasters Hall-of-Fame in ‘96 when he retired.
Don (Thomas) Reiffenstein (Jackie Rollans) QUALICUM BEACH - Born in Gleichen, AB, Don began his broadcasting career in 1948 as staff announcer at CJCJ, Calgary. Moved to CJOC Lethbridge in 1949, then CKRD Red Deer in 1950, both as staff announcer. From 1952 through 1973, he worked at CFCN, Calgary as announcer, chief announcer, Director of Special Events, Program Director, and General Manager. 1973 through 1983 - General Manager, Vice President Great lakes Broadcasting, CFCO Chatham, Ont. He returned briefly to CFCN as GM in 1983/4, then moved to Edmonton (1984-1993) initially as General Manager, Access Network's CKUA, then as President and CEO of the Corporation. The Alberta Gov't decided to privatize its broadcast holdings, ending an interesting, at times frustrating, but always absorbing and fulfilling career in Broadcasting.
Dennis (Wax) Williams (Fay) PARKSVILLE - After a 12-week broadcasting course in Edmonton in 1960 with Al Shaver as the instructor, Dennis went north to work part-time with the CBC Northern Service in Fort Smith N.W.T. (CBHX). In 1962 a new radio station in Fort St. John, BC (CKNL) was the next stop where he earned the nickname "Wax" (playing stacks of wax on the air). In 1968 Chuck Benson asked him to come to Edson, Alberta as the morning man of the new Yellowhead Broadcasting station (CJYR). After a 10-year stint with YR Radio he joined two colleagues in purchasing a station in Rosetown Sask. After 22 years operating Rosetown (CJYM) and Kindersley (CFYM) he sold the stations. In 2005 Wax moved to Parksville where he promotes his wife's (Fay St. Marie) art career. WEBSITE: Fay St. Marie