Sky Studio, page 2
S K Y S T U D I O
Recalling those who contributed to Sault Ste. Marie broadcasting…
We remember one, we remember them all.
April 13, 2024
previous issue January 2, 2024
This edition of Sky Studio is dedicated to Allen LeBlanc
Al LeBlanc worked part-time at CJIC-FM in the early 1970s and followed that with a long career at what was then called the Separate School Board where he headed up what was known as the Audio Visual Department, where he much expanded the use of videos, films, slides in the classroom.
He spent 40 years in Sault Ste. Marie and the obituary says, “Born in Quebec, and moving often in his youth, Allen settled and lived in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario for over 40 years, working as an educator, cheering for the Soo Greyhounds, mastering the art of finding treasures at yard sales and auctions, and most important to him, raising his family.
He proudly completed his MBA, taught university courses, learned to swim in his late 30’s, was hard to beat at Jeopardy, and could usually be found with several newspapers at his side. After retiring he spent his years often travelling Canada coast to coast visiting family and friends before finding a new home in the city of Lethbridge, Alberta.”
Station Manager at the time, Paul Fockler recalls, “Allen was a delight to have around the radio station. No problems, no issues. He appeared after school for his operators shift in FM He quietly went about his job. Always dependable and always cheerful and cooperative.
“I didn't get to know him all that well personally, because I recall he was with us for only a brief period of time.”
Art Osborne remembers, “Al was just slightly ahead of my time at 119 East Street but I recall him being in FM when I did high school reports in the late 1960s on CJIC AM when evening announcer Norm Blakely was filling the airwaves with his unique music mix that favoured rhythm and blues.
“I remember Al as being very ‘cool’ and his Jaguar car was part of that to me. Those days at CJIC and people like Al dramatically influenced me to make broadcasting something I wanted to do.”
Rick McGee says, “I remember him doing some PA work for a few Greyhounds games somewhere in the sixties. The job was usually handled by John Mislan. Al’s role with the hockey games could well have stemmed from his work/interest in radio, though that's only speculation on my part.
“And, I did get to work some with Al when he was the Catholic board’s media (as in audio-visual services, as it was typically then known) director and we were on a committee together. Certainly always thought of him as a bright, capable fellow.”
Al and his Jag above; below, Sault Star 1979 story
As part of making Sky Studio more complete, this issue also acknowledges and adds to our honour role, Jim H. Hyland and
William A. Hyland, sons of Jim Grant Hyland and Eileen, founders/owners of the original Hyand Broadcasting.
JAMES HOWDEN HYLAND, (JIM) at 72 passed peacefully in his sleep Monday evening, January 28, 2013, at his home in Belleair Bluffs, Florida. Jim was born on July 6, 1940, to JAMES GRANT HYLAND I, and EILEEN MELBA AVERY HYLAND (deceased) in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. Jim was predeceased by his brother, BILL HYLAND, and is survived by his sister, LINDA HYLAND, four children, LEILA HYLAND SCHUMANN, ASHLEY HYLAND KATZ, JAMES GRANT HYLAND, and TIMOTHY FITZGERALD, their respective spouses, Bill, Chuck and Rita and eight grandchildren.
In his youth, Jim was an avid hockey player and as a Freshman in college scored the highest number of goals for the Princeton Tigers. He started his career in New York City at Morgan Guaranty and then took a Chicago based position with White, Weld & Co. In 1978 Jim moved into business for himself and acquired a small lighting company in Rosemont, Il. Today the company, now known as AMGLO KEMLITE is a global, world class lamp manufacturing company where Jim has inspired his dedicated employees to love the lighting business as much as he did. He relished the challenge of design, enjoyed reading, world events, financial and political interests, helping the needy and being a friend who gave guided advice and support. Jim stood by the quote of U.S. Admiral H.G. Rickover of 1961 “RESPONSIBILITY”.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Monday, February 4, 2013, with visitation from 3:00pm to 5:00pm at the Moss Feaster Funeral Home, 13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, Florida, followed by a gathering at the Holiday Inn Harbourside, Pelican Room, 401 – 2nd Street, Indian Rocks Beach, Florida, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Additional services will be held in Illinois at a date to be determined.
Jim’s famous words were “IF YOU CAN’T MEASURE IT, YOU CAN’T MANAGE IT” and that is how he lived his life with direction and purpose.
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Amglo Kemliote remains a global company, described online this way: “Established in 1935, today Amglo is a leading global manufacturer of specialty lamps. The Chicago area-based company services O.E.M. manufacturers and distributors in industries including aerospace, locomotive, medical, vehicular, obstruction and more.”
William A. Hyland
1974
Eileen Hyland
Memorial 1979
We Remember One – We Remember Them All
TED ALLEN
SCOTT ALEXANDER (DARBISHIRE)
FRAN ARONSON
HELEN CONWAY ARVONEN
AUDREY ASHTHORPE
JOHN BAIRD
SUE BARBER
LOU BARNES
WILLIAM BARROW
JOHN BELL
MIKE BELEC
WILF BELEC
AL BESTALL
CLARE BESTALL
HERB BENNETT
NELLIE BLACK
NORM BLAKELY
BOB BLAIR
RAY BOUCHER
RAYMOND ‘BUTCH’ BOUCHER
JOE BOYLE
ANGELO ‘SKEETS’ BRAIDO
MINA BROWN
JOHN DAVID CAMERON (RALPH GLASSFORD)
JOHN CAMPBELL
AL CARRUTHERS
DAVE CARTER (CARTNER)
TONY CHIPMAN
JIM CHORLEY
ART CHRISTMAS
GERRY CLIFFORD
PEGGI MCNEIL CLIPPERTON
JOAN COLLINS
STAN CORBETT
DAVID CORBETT
SUSAN M. CORBETT
BILL COWLING
CHRIS COYLE
DAVID CRAIG
TED CUNNINGHAM
GEORGE DALLEY
FRANK DELBOSCO
RAY DELISLE
TONY DERESTI
MITCH DROLET
BILL ELGIE SR.
PHYLLIS ELLIOTT
JOSEF ERSCHEN
DR. ROBERT EWING
JOANNE FARKAS
MAUREEN FOCKLER
FERN FORTIN (McDERMOTT)
HOMER FOSTER
JIM FRANZ
GEORGE FRASER
JAMES ‘JIMMY’ FULLER
EVELYN ‘EVY’ FULLERTON
DANNY GALLIVAN
FRANK GARDI
PATTI GARDI
DON GIBSON
BOB GILRAY
CLINT GOODWIN
CARMEN GRECO
DOUG GRECO
BARB GRIFFIN
GEORGE GULLEN
VIC HAFT
BILL HAIGHT
RAY HAINES
BUD HALL
JOHN HAMPTON
GORDON ALLAN HILL
HELEN DORIS HILLSTROM (PAVELICH)
DAVE HOLLINGS
KEN HOPPER
PAULA HUCKSON
EILEEN HYLAND
GRANT HYLAND
JAMES HYLAND
WILLIAM HYLAND
DAVE IRWIN
TOM ILEY
FRED IVES
LARRY JACKLIN
WANDA JACKSON
MARG JANES
BOB JENKINS
ALBERT JONES
SALLY JONES
GEORGE JONESCU
LEO KARA
EDWARD (BUDD) KENT
BILL KERNAGHAN
JERRY KLOSS
RAY KOIVISTO
MARCEL LACOSSE
ALLEN LEBLANC
CAROL LENOARD
PAUL LENOARD
BERT LUCIANI
JERRY MACDERMID
BOB MACDONALD
NORM MACDONALD
MURRAY MACGILLIVRAY
MICHAEL MAHN
GWEN MALLORY
ANDY MANTHA
GINO MARCON
ITALIO (JOE) MARINELLI
PHIL MAKI
TARZ MASCARDELLI
LIONEL MCAULEY
RAY MCAULEY
MAC MCCURDY
DAVE MCDOUGALL
JUDY MCDOUGALL
MAC MCEWEN
RAY MCGEE
TERRY McPHEE
SANDY MCPHERSON
DANIEL MEADOWS
JOHN MEADOWS
MR. JUSTICE PAUL H. MEGGINSON
MARLENE MERVYN
LARRY MICHAELS (MANDZIUK)
HELEN MILLEN
ALEX MITCHELL
ALF MITCHELL
BEVERLEY MOONEY
PAUL MORRIS
BARB NOVICK
LOIS NYLANDER
HELEN O’CONNOR
LOUISE O’NEILL
ROD OLSON
TYE PALLACK
FRANK PARSONS
DAVE PATTERSON
KLAUS PAULIC
DICK PEPLOW
JIM PHILLIPS
BABS PITT
GRACE PITT
SAM PITT
STAN PRATT
RITA PURDY
BOB QUINN
DON RAMSAY
LOVERNA RAMSAY
MARG RAMSAY
RON RAMSAY
RUSS RAMSAY
STEVE RAY (PINE)
PETER RAY (RAKOBOWCHUK)
RANDY RAVLICH
JACK REID
JOHN RHODES
JANE RICHARDS
ROD WAYNE RODRIQUEZ
DIANE ROGERS (PEPLOW)
GEORGE ROY
DICK SANDERSON
BARRY SARAZIN
KARL SEPKOWSKI
CALVIN SHAULE
DON SFORZA
DON SIMS
BRUCE SMITH
EVA AILEEN SMITH
ALFIO SPADONI
PAULINE SPOONER
ERIC THORDSEN
MATT THORPE
WAYNE TURNER
FERN VALOIS
EB VANCE
ROBERT VENN
BOB & ZELDA WARNE
STEPHEN WEST
WARREN WEST
NEIL WHERLEY
JACK WHITBY
SYD WILLIAMS
KARL WILSON
JOHN WISHART
ANDREW WOLOSHEN (ANDY WALSH)
LOUIS WOODS
HARRY WOLFE
FRED ZIMMERMAN
ROLAND ZIN
Any additions, errors, omissions are regretted.... send information to art@artosborne.com
January 2, 2024
previous issue dated August 10, 2023
This edition of Sky Studio is dedicated to Terry McPhee
His laugh would be among the very first things most would recall as well as the good nature behind it. The smile radiating a genuine ‘great to see you’ was sincerely welcoming and helped start up what always would be a fun, enlightening and sincere conversation.
Sky Studio has a very bright star with the addition of Terry McPhee, age 68, who joined his broadcast colleagues December 29, 2023, leaving us all the glow of fond memories and friendship forever.
He started with CJIC in television first in the production end of operations and later in radio as what Program Director Art Osborne referred to, with a smile, as one of his ‘weekend whiz kids’ doing evening shifts in the early 1970s while going to high school. “Terry was well suited to a microphone with his blistering fast wit, enthusiasm, and love of music and his audience. Our times together, along many others, on the Rotary Club Easter Seals Telethons were a joy, working together on-air blessed with a terrific production crew, but especially because we had the opportunity to interact with of the stars of the shows, the children, youth, their parents and families. Decades later, some got together online in a message group and called themselves “Terry’s Kids” to keep in contact with him, demonstrating just how much he meant to them.
“His ad lib ability was spectacular and was known in Easter Seals circles around the province as legendary along with his extraordinary giving nature and Terry was recognized with Rotary’s highest award for all of that and more.”
His giving nature extended to service, fraternal groups and performing groups (highlighted in his ‘special announcement’), support for community causes and, in broadcasting, as one of the hosts for Easter Seals Superthons, television productions that raised thousands of dollars for the Sault Rotary providing services for youth with disabilities.
As a teenager he played football causing some problems requiring knee braces from time to time. In later years those knees would give out as other health problems began and for years got worse leaving him immobile, blind, and requiring weekly dialysis.
Even in earlier days as those challenges advanced, his good nature still shone and as he moved into a career with Ontario Lottery and ultimately as manager of the Sault Ste. Marie Casino making his way around the facility in his motorized wheelchair.
Jacob Woods, 1986 Timmy offered some reflections and asked his thoughts be presented as coming from all “Terry’s Kids” as he recalled, “I have vivid memories from my childhood regarding my friend and one of my heroes- Terry McPhee. As a child every March, I was always a part of The Easter Seals Telethon. After our segments us Easter Seals kids always wanted to stick around, not because we wanted back on TV necessarily, but it seemed to me that Terry was like the good, giving side of Robin Hood.
"He, Frank Gardi, Lou Turco, Art Osborne, Jill Braido, Jim Cronin and all the others plus, the production crew led by Jerry MacDermid, who made it all work. To me and all the ‘kids’ it seemed like there was magic in the air. Terry knew how to gently insist without being too pushy or offensive. Even after two long days Terry would thank each one of us for coming down. Terry, you'll be very missed I'm sure, by many people. I love you my friend, RIP... keep the fireside burning on the other side, I have many stories to tell.”
Joe Petrolo worked with Terry in broadcasting as well as Ontario Lottery. “Where does one begin with Terry. He was such a large presence. You knew when he was in the room. Broadcasting, radio to be exact, is when I first met Terry and he's certainly someone you don't forget. The years went by and we pursued different careers but our paths crossed again when Terry was hired as General Manager at Casino Sault Ste. Marie where I was employed at the time. He was now my boss. "Hey Big JP" were his first words to me. It was Terry who coined that phrase many years before in broadcasting. A tribute to Terry's time as GM is a heartfelt acknowledgement of the strong leadership and positive impact he had on the team and beyond. Terry took the time to learn about his employees and provide support and guidance when needed. Illness cut short his time as GM but not the impact he had on the organization and its employees. Terry's legacy will live on in all the lives he touched.”
Another colleague in broadcasting and with Ontario Lottery, Jim Cronin recalls, "I loved co-hosting the Easter Seals telethon with Terry for a number of years. He was the ultimate showman and knew how to get the phones ringing. He was great with the telethon “kids” and we watched them grow up on the air. I wish I had been able to spend more time with Terry through his illness. I will cherish our luncheons when I was able to drive him to the restaurant where his broadcast buddies were waiting. Even with failing eyesight he was able to identify everyone by their radio voices. He will be missed."
Broadcaster and former radio station owner Russ Hilderley recalls, “Terry and I shared several uncommon and deeply held mutual interests. He easily bonded with radio station "on and off-air" staff during his time as a promising announcer. His (teenage) talent at the "mic" playing the "HITS" of the '70's, was an asset on which CKCY could rely, to reach the 18-24 demographic! I was proud to be a mentor during those early years. In later years we enjoyed mutual friendships as fellow Kiwanis Club members. In 2001, I too, shared a link with the Bonin Family (wife Kitty). Terry McPhee has now become the latest inductee to SKY STUDIO, his passing is acknowledged by all those in the Sault Ste. Marie Fraternity of Broadcasters, simply stating............ "another tube has darkened.” Sky Studio can be viewed online, where all the names of our departed colleagues are enshrined.”
Lynn Hollingsworth, longtime Rotarian and involved over many years with the Easter Seal telethon remembers Terry with a great analogy to a band.
“I knew Terry through our years in Rotary. He was over six feet tall, a little heavier in those days. An imposing man! If one can be imposing in a jovial way, then that was Terry. When he attended Rotary meetings, he’d make an entrance bringing his positive energy. He never tipped toed into any room!
“I chaired the Easter Seals Telethon in the early nineties. I likened the on-air hosts to a great band that comes together once a year; performs their greatest hits, always ending the show with their signature hit blowing the audience away. Terry and Lou were always in the band! Later, Jill Armstrong/Braido and Jim Cronin became involved, along with others. Terry would have written or co-wrote all of the songs and was the lead singer.
“Each hour we would air the Provincial Easter Seal’s telecast giving us a twenty-minute break. I assumed the Band would use fifteen intense minutes to prepare for our next local segment. Not a chance! Maybe three minutes just prior to going live. “So, we have this company on the panel, Easter Seals Timmy, three cheque presentations and a matching opportunity. Got it.”
“They had played this gig before! Terry and the Band pulled this off every time. All showed compassion, respect, energy and sheer joy during each Telethon.
“They say that most of the on-air money is raised in the last hour, and “they” are right.
“Terry was the best! Could he bring it! He was our King of Rock and Roll, King of Pop, Chairman of the Board……….and a great Rotarian!”
Another former radio colleague and longtime friend, Hans Geenan recalls Terry’s sign off from every radio show he did in this tribute that Hans and wife Colleen posted:
“Dear Jill and family… our most sincere condolences on Terry's passing. I have such fond memories of our time together at CFYN which will last forever and although we only managed to get together the occasional time thereafter it was as if no time had passed. I’ll always remember his sign off at the end of his air shift....." Come get me Ma...I'm through."
Special Announcements:
From SooToday:
MCPHEE, Terrance James 'Terry' - Obituary - Sault Ste. Marie - Sault Ste. Marie News (sootoday.com)
From FirstLocal:
MCPHEE, Terrance James “Terry” - FirstLocalNews.com
From Arthur Funeral Home:
Terrance James McPhee Obituary - Sault Ste. Marie, ON (dignitymemorial.com)
Sault Star story by Brian Kelly
FirstLocal story by Craig Huckerby
Broadcast Dialogue newsletter
Terry and Lou Turco, 1986 Superthon
Former colleagues and friends: Jerry Penny, Terry, Joe Petrolo, Bill Allard
Terry listed with fellow broadcasters on a Dec 23, 1974 CJIC radio music chart
Joe Petrolo, Terry, Art Osborne
Link to a segment of the Lou Turco Weeeknd Club on Oldies 93FM -
a tribute to Terry
Issue #103 and 104 (MediaFest)
previous issue dated July 24, 2023
This edition of Sky Studio is dedicated to Allen Armstrong
(and also includes recognition of those in Gone But Not Forgotten from MediaFest event 1995)
Allen Armstrong who worked in accounting for CKCY radio and at Lake Superior Cablevision in the 1970s and 1980s, left for Sky Studio July 31, 2023, age 75.
Former colleague Helen Petrolo said, “I have wonderful memories of working with Allen at CKCY radio. He was a great guy, quiet yet could get you with a zinger when you'd least expect it. Rest in Peace Al.”
Somewhere after 1977 when CKCY was located at 119 East Street following broadcasting ownership changes, Al and I (Art Osborne) went on a road trip to CKNS in Espanola. There, and along the way, we stopped to make collection calls on some clients – a more unlikely pair of account collectors could never be found! While in Espanola my job was meeting with staff and talking about programming while Al continued with his calls. During the couple of nights we were there over a few beverages, we’d compare notes of our day. I saw Al’s humour and got to appreciate him as a kind and gentle guy, again a most unlikely bill collector, yet my recollection is that he was quite successful in his mission and brought back what accounting called, ‘a good bag of cash.’
Station Engineer Ray Rylatt recalls Al’s ‘cheeky grin’ and another remembers family times and fun at their camp.
.....
Special Announcements:
From SooToday:
https://www.sootoday.com/obituaries/armstrong-allen-7369317
From O’Sullivan Funeral Home: https://www.osullivanfuneralhome.com/memorials/allen-armstrong/5242570/
In keeping with the Sky Studio theme of,
‘remember one, remember them all’,
each current issue will also be used to acknowledge
others who have come to our attention.
In this issue we add 33 to Sky Studio from the 1995 MediaFest Reunion List published at that time.
TED ALLEN
HELEN CONWAY ARVONEN
TONY CHIPMAN
JIM CHORLEY
DAVID CORBETT
SUSAN M. CORBETT
DAVID CRAIG
TED CUNNINGHAM
GEORGE DALLEY
RAY DELISLE
PHYLLIS ELLIOTT
CLINT GODWIN
BUD HALL
VIC HAFT
KEN HOPPER
FRED IVES
LEO KARA
ITALIO (JOE) MARINELLI
RAY MCAULEY
MAC MCEWEN
TYE PALLACK
KLAUSE PAULIC
JACK REID
ROD WAYNE RODRIQUEZ
DICK SANDERSON
DON SFORZA
PAULINE SPOONER
MATT THORPE
ERIC THORDSEN
BOB & ZELDA WARNE
ROBERT VENN
LOUIS WOODS
ROLAND ZIN
There are other names to be added that resulted from a review made possible only with great assistance by Paul Fockler and Russ Hilderley.
Some of those names have yet to be added to Sky Studio while other names that came from their efforts were on the MediaFest list.
We also have some background on many provided by Russ and Paul - if you have a recollection or know of any information on the names above, please forward it so it can be included in future communications.
MediaFest publication from May 1995
Issue #100,101,102 July 24, 2023; previous issue dated April 6, 2023
This edition of Sky Studio is dedicated to George Gullen
(and also includes recognition of Al Carruthers and Rod Olson)
who joined former colleagues in Sky Studio July 20, 2023
( Al, March 2023; Rod, July 2022)
George Gullen, radio sales for Gilder Broadcasting in the 1970s and 1980s, left for Sky Studio July 20, 2023, age 80, following a decline in recent years with Alzheimer's disease.
Russ Hilderley says, “Just learned we have another tube gone dark! George was Safeway manager prior to joining Gilder staff on Jerry Penny's sales team. Safeway closed the Sault store, but George and family were entrenched in Sault life and did not want to stay with Safeway, a western chain!
“He was the consummate gentleman. Our entire staff embraced his teddy bear personality. Jerry, John Chambers and George shared similar values and life skills. CFYN and CHAS-FM grew in customers’ preferences with excellent communication.”
John Chambers recalls, “I was introduced to George, my first day at CFYN in our first set of offices located in the old CKCY building on Queen across from the Gardens. I think from our first day together we bonded and became fast friends and partners in crime!
“Hijinks always seemed a part of everyday life in radio, and George, fun loving as he was known, was our resident prank puller! And one such example was our " Letters to Santa!"
“Each Christmas for about two or three years, George (Santa) and I (Ralph the Elf) would get together in our production studio with Dave Webb our prod manager and read actual kids’ letters that we taped for on air use later. Let me just say that sometimes, hilarity and zaniness would ensue (those were the letters that NEVER made it to air!) But we would get actual calls each December at the station from kids, who wanted their letters read by Santa and Ralph the Elf!”
Jerry Penny says he knew George would be well-liked by staff and clients. “I originally hired George to our CFYN sales team and knew from the start that he would be an excellent salesperson and a great employee. He was really liked by his fellow workers and by his clients. I am going to miss that smile he always had… Goodbye to my friend George.”
.....
Special Announcements:
From Arthur Funeral Home:
George Gullen Obituary - Sault Ste. Marie, ON (dignitymemorial.com)
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In keeping with the Sky Studio theme of, ‘remember one, remember them all’, each current issue will include name(s) that recently have come to attention.
In this issue we add two more Sky Studio inductees who shared a CJIC 1050 microphone in the 1970s – Al Carruthers and Rod Olson.
Al did the all-night show at CJIC AM in the late 1960s/early 1970s and left for Sky Studio in March 2023. My (Art Osborne) recollection is Al left for CFCH radio in North Bay where I heard him doing afternoons when I arrived in that city to attend North Bay’s Cambrian College and its Communication Arts program. It wasn’t long before we were having a beer and Al told me the station was looking for a weekend staffer. Not long after that I was doing Saturday and Sunday evenings. I join many who have very fond recollections of Al was also always very supportive of me and others around him.
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A year ago, to the day almost at time of this announcement, ‘the Golden Jet of radio’ left for Sky Studio. Rod Olson left us July 23, 2022, at age 77.
He logged time in the 1970s as evening CJIC AM announcer and did some TV work. Those who recall the radio studios layout will notice the special announcement photo used – see photo and link below - was one taken of Rod in the AM studio with the CJIC microphone flag showing and the FM studio behind the glass.
The announcement refers to Rod as the 'Golden Jet' and Rod may have come to Sault Ste. Marie with that moniker or, as some will recall, it was attached to Rod by CJIC morning man and TV sports, John Rhodes. It was in the era when NHLer Booby Hull, with his sweeping blond hair and skating speed earned him the descriptor, ‘The Golden Jet’. In addition to his NHL time, Hull played for the Winnipeg Jets of the WHL. With Rod’s similar sweeping blond hair, it was a natural he attracted the Golden Jet of radio handle.
Joe Spina, who worked at CJIC as the same time as Rod and went on in later years to be a Member of Provincial Parliament for Brampton North in 1995, recalls, “I was doing the all-night shifts in AM after FM went to simulcast at midnight, weekends/ holidays and remember doing the morning FM show and looking through the glass and seeing John Rhodes on the AM morning show. One time I recall Rhodes saying, ‘Stayed tuned for the news at 10 with Rod Olsen, I mean Rod Charles. I don't know, we have so many rods on around here.’ I was killing myself laughing in my studio.”
Rod, known for his good and quick sense of humour, would have laughed at that too.
Special Announcement:
https://ottawacitizen.remembering.ca/obituary/rodney-olson-1085897510
Issue # 99 April 6, 2023; previous issue dated March 4, 2023
This edition of Sky Studio is dedicated to Patti Gardi
who joined former colleagues in Sky Studio March 29, 2023
Patti Gardi joined Sky Studio in her 83rd year on March 29, 2023
A contributor to the community in so many ways, she was honoured by the City with its Medal of Merit. Two media stories – links below – outline Patti’s community involvement leading to that recognition while here we focus on her contributions to broadcasting, especially through the Bon Soo Pageant, a major community event and spectacular television at the time. Without her guiding hand there would have been no pageant to televise.
The televised production was extensive at the time – the technical and creative skills needed to broadcast such a massive, live production from Sault College were expertly provided by those whose names you’ll recall, many now part of Sky Studio. Patti’s husband Frank was the executive producer and without him, there would have been no tv production of the pageant. Patti and Frank were quite a team, just the combined force needed to make such huge productions happen and get them televised.
There’s been no similar televised event since the last pageant in 1993 and there never will be again. Patti created a series of these pageant events that in turn became television milestones and now treasured memories of a broadcast era gone by.
Patti’s guidance over the years in pulling together hundreds of contestants, volunteers and others involved in the pageant is best described by former Bon Soo Queen, Sault writer and world traveller, Marianne Perry who tells us, “I met Patti Gardi as a young woman when I was a contestant in the Miss Bon Soo Pageant. She was our “go to lady.” Regardless of the question or concern, she responded with patience, grace and kindness. After I won the title, Patti (and her husband, Frank) continued their support and guidance. Patti’s organizational skills are legendary as was her compassion and sense of humour. For a decade plus, I was involved in many of the later Miss Bon Soo Pageant shows in a volunteer capacity working alongside Patti. An absolute professional, her care for the production and all of those involved was steadfast and true. Patti Gardi was an exceptional lady. I gained so much respect for her over the years and, like many, tremendous affection. She made our city and the world a better place. May you rest in peace. You will be missed and remembered. Thank you for your kindness, Patti.”
While the pageant was a grand event that made great television, it was also the core of the entire Bon Soo Carnival, as former Bon Soo General Manager Donna Gregg Shier reminds us. “I personally loved the Bon Soo Pageant. It was a wonderful “kick off” to the carnival. In early January, media became involved with the contestants and talk about what was “new for Bon Soo” began! The lead up to the Pageant got the community excited, due to the fact that January is a snow-bound, cold month…so Bon Soo was a welcomed distraction!
“Having the Pageant televised and hosted by media celebrities from MCTV put the carnival and Sault Ste Marie on the map!
“Patti Gardi was instrumental in making sure that the many components of organizing a Pageant were accomplished. Her husband Frank was the TV/ media person, but Patti was his partner in this extravaganza. She chaired the Interview committee, scheduling media interviews for the contestants, photo shoots, fashion, hair etc. She was an expert at the small details to help the contestants in any way she could…basically a “mother hen”!
“Patti was kind, fun and dedicated to these young women and became the chaperone for the Bon Soo Queen on her winning trip.
“She loved everything about Bon Soo…not just the pageant. She collected every button and dressed the part with her Bon Soo sweatshirt and scarf. Patti was a true blue Bon Soo fan and it was my pleasure to work with her over the years.
“The last Pageant was in 1993 as we celebrated Bon Soo’s 30th Anniversary. Pageants overall became unpopular. It was sad to see it go.”
Patti’s involvement with and contributions to the Sault Symphony demonstrated the same dedication she had to Bon Soo. And again, Frank was at her side presenting the Symphony to city through broadcasting, increasing its support and citizen involvement.
Dr. Bruce Anderson, player and board member of the Sault Symphony Orchestra describes Patti’s involvement this way:
"Patti was a driving force in the symphony for many, many years and her husband Frank, a noted broadcaster in the area, teamed together to provide excellent coverage for the Symphony. Her skills in all facets of management of the orchestra brought to the twin Saults a variety of musical events, from classical symphonies, to big Broadway shows like Evita and Jesus Christ Superstar, and singers such as John McDermott and even circus performers coordinating aerial stunts along with its music. The variety of the events would have flabbergasted many, but Patti relied on her years of managing people and detail work to always produce a stellar result.
“Patti's willingness to work above and beyond the norms always paid big dividends by coordinating special events like receptions after concerts and taking great care of visiting performers, like Howard Cable. Everyone enjoyed her hospitality and warmth. Her passing is a great loss to the community she loved."
Patti is with Frank again sharing another stage in Sky Studio with all the others who made magical, memorable, milestone moments happen in broadcasting.
.....
;
From SooToday:
From Sault Star:
https://www.saultstar.com/news/local-news/medal-of-merit-recipient-gardi-dies-at-83
Special Announcements:
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/sault-ste-marie-on/patricia-gardi-11225003
https://www.sootoday.com/obituaries/gardi-patricia-jean-patti-6781982
Photos above and below from Wendy Hamilton, former broadcast colleague, past Bon Soo Pageant contestant and a Twirlette (above in hula skirt) in the CJIC television studio with Patti being interviewed by Lionel McAuley.
From the Celebration of Life gathering, some of Patti's Twirlette memorabilia above and her various awards and Bon Soo items below.
Issue # 98 March 4, 2023; previous issue dated January 13, 2023
This edition of Sky Studio is dedicated to George Fraser
who joined former colleagues in Sky Studio April 25, 2022
Special Announcement:
https://www.morseandson.com/memorials/george-fraser/4915845/
George’s entry to Sky Studio came to attention March 2023 and its never too late to honour someone who was a former colleague and friend to many and known by many others in the community through his radio, television and community appearances.
Showing the connectivity that remains in the long-ago Sault broadcasting circle, former television and cablevision colleague Patty Page alerted us to this Sky Studio addition saying, “Actually, my sister Joyce, who also worked at the station and is married to George McMillan, who also worked at the station with George Fraser in sales.” Patty also contributed by getting us some background information.
As well as sales, George was a CJIC AM radio announcer and did television voice overs reading the ‘day book’ of commercials, tags and promos along with some television on air work. A radio show called, “Percolator Platter” with shared hosting by Grace Pitt was an audience favourite.
George McMillan was in CJIC TV sales with Jerry Nichols, Wayne Turner, Jim Franz, Paul Fockler and sales secretary Norma Wiggins when George Fraser joined them in the 1960s and he tells us, “ George's family was from Coniston (suburb of Sudbury). Gene Plouffe, Sales Manager at CJIC TV hired him for a position in sales while he was upstairs at CJIC Radio. He also owned a music store on Gore St but had to close it. He left TV sales and took another job in Sales but can't remember what the product was. He moved for a short time to Sudbury with this new sales job before moving to Southern Ontario.”
Long-time broadcaster and former radio company owner Russ Hilderley says, “I remember George as a gentleman salesman and an excellent DJ. He was full time for a long time in Hyland days.”
CJIC radio announcer in the 1970s, John Chambers – who’s uncle Eb Vance was Hyland company Vice President at one time – says, “I remember George Fraser very well. Listened to him quite a bit on CJIC 1050, plus the show he did with Grace. I also remember his face and voice on CJIC TV as well. He filled in quite often for Lionel McAuley and did newscasts on Telerama. My Uncle Eb had something to do with bringing Fraser to the station, back in the day!”
George was also one of the original creators, organizer and fan favourite on ice in the Clergy-Media Hockey games. (see link below)
A wonderful reflection comes from Artist Ken MacDougall who was in the Hyland Radio and TV company Art Department with Bob Jenkins and recalls, “George was a friendly and cheerful member of the Hyland media family and was always a welcome visitor in the Art Dept. An occasion that seems to return to memory was George entertained Bobby and I arriving in the Art room with a saxophone and gave us a lively “Stan Getz.” He was an integral and contributing fixture to the character and culture that our community was blessed with through Hyland Broadcasting.”
From 2017 a ‘Remember This’ article from the Sault Ste. Marie Library tells us of George’s role in the Clergy-Media hockey classics.
Remember This? Local media vs. the clergy - Sault Ste. Marie News (sootoday.com)
From George’s son Greg’s Facebook:
From Paul Fockler
Dianne Guerriero, Jerry Nichols, George Fraser
Sault Star story
Issue # 97 January 13, 2023; previous issue dated December 5, 2022
This edition of Sky Studio is dedicated to Frank DelBosco
who joined former colleagues in Sky Studio January 10, 2023
Frank DelBosco joined Sky Studio in his 86th year.
He’ll be recalled as a gentle person, always with a smile and a laugh. Those who worked with him will remember his quiet efficiency and determined work ethic. Frank made cablevision a viable business and a popular service in Sault Ste. Marie and grew its community channel as part of the package with legendary creative staffers such as Albert Jones and Bert Luciani among others, who brought their vast background in broadcast television from CJIC.
Frank was General Manager of Lake Superior Cablevision, originally created and owned by Hyland Radio and Television with offices on Queen Street that now house the Community Development Corporation. Cable television started in Sault Ste. Marie with Redifusion in the early 1960s that became Continental Cablevision offering the city’s first community television channel that featured Jane Richards interviewing those involved in community events and causes. Frank was there from beginning overseeing the administration, technical aspects and programming.
It wasn’t easy getting customers in the early days, as Frank said himself in a 2014 story by former Hyland Radio and Television’s Craig Huckerby in a SaultOnline story (link below). Frank called it a “hard sell” and door to door sales personnel were needed to convince potential subscribers paying for television was worth it. Frank even hosted a weekly show in Italian, “Profilo Italiniano” for several years on the Community Channel.
Patty Page says Frank was wonderful to work with and for during the 20-some years they were in cablevision together. Patty came to Lake Superior Cable from the Hyland Radio and Television switchboard starting in a clerical role and then becoming Office Manager, continuing on through the various ownership changes from Hyland to Maclean Hunter, then to Rogers (for one day) and then to Shaw. Patty and Frank worked together on plans for the building and relocation of operations from Queen Street to Manitou Park. Employment ended for office staff when the local office was closed by Shaw around 1995.
“Through all that time, different companies and staff, Frank always tried to make the operation a great place to come to work,” she recalls.
Diagnosed in 2016 with dementia, Frank and his family were supporters of and participants in fundraising efforts for the Alzheimer’s organization (see story link and photos below from 2018).
.....
Background story on Frank and support for Alzheimer Society, 2018:
Walk For Alzheimer's 'hits close to home' for local family - Sault Ste. Marie News (sootoday.com)
On local cable community channels, 2014:
These Guys Make Your Local TV | SaultOnline.com
Special Announcements:
DELBOSCO, Gianfranco 'Frank' - Obituary - Sault Ste. Marie - Sault Ste. Marie News (sootoday.com)
Obituary of Gianfranco DelBosco | Northwood Funeral Home Cremation...
(Names of two others who worked in cablevision came to attention while compiling this item on Frank. Eva Aileen Smith worked with Redifusion, Continental Cablevision and later Lake Superior Cablevision and would have worked with Frank. She passed away in 2005 at age 84 and is now also entered on our Sky Studio list. Eva Aileen SMITH - Obituary - Sault Ste. Marie - Sault Ste. Marie News (sootoday.com) And, Joan Collins who also worked in cablevision and recently passed away December 2022 at age 96 in Toronto is also now acknowledged on Sky Studio’s honour roll. Obituary | Joan Mary Margaret Collins | Kopriva Taylor Community Funeral Home
Issue # 96 December 5, 2022; previous issue dated Septermber 17, 2022
This edition of Sky Studio is dedicated to Joanne Farkas
who joined former colleagues in Sky Studio November 29, 2022
Joanne Farkas joined Sky Studio friends November 29, 2022 at age 80.
Her smile resonated through any room she was in and her brightness was always uplifting during her time with Algonquin Radio and TV on Queen Street and later at Huron Broadcasting on East Street, and always during her many involvements with and contributions to community events and causes.
“Generous, kind, left a large footprint, humour, humble,” are a few of the several kind descriptors left by many in their memory and condolences comments.
In the 1970s with CKCY AM and FM she was script writer and Traffic Manager. Colleague at that time, Russ Hilderley reflects that, “Sky Studio has a feisty entrant. She was an assertive, outspoken young woman in the sales department of CKCY's 1960 -70 era. Full of ideas and perhaps with so much energy, she had to try TV production. Joanne was her own supervisor and did it with gravitas.”
Helen Petrolo remembers moving into Joanne’s script writer role in 1971 and got the clunky Remington typewriter that came with the job. Helen recalls Joanne had not been able to get the station to acquire a new typewriter and so, ever always the one to get things done that needed doing, Joanne tossed the old one down the stairs. A new typewriter was quickly purchased.
During her time in television she was involved with television productions and commercial campaigns being part of a team that was awarded four national CanPro TV Awards for Excellence.
Colleague at that time, Wendy Hamilton recalls, "I never worked at the station with Joanne but I knew her work. Jo was a hero to me. A woman in broadcasting who was able to churn out quality tv scripts and keep up with the boys. She was a great writer. We became friends when she joined Cathy Shunock, Madge Sanderson and myself in the formation of the Oral History of Sault Ste. Marie back in 2011. Jo made a working lunch a whole lot of fun - I’m grateful for those times together."
Joanne also had great fun with long time friends Dianna Malysh, Shirley Real and Mari Eagle-Nichols who recalls Joanne would always say, “Let's do lunch! We did and sometimes even ate! Once at the then Holiday Inn here, we visited so much the staff told us lunch was over so, we continued on and did dinner!”
One always felt happier after an encounter with Joanne Farkas and that’s one memory all who knew her will share.
Special Announcements:
FARKAS, Joanne Margaret - Obituary - Sault Ste. Marie - Sault Ste. Marie News (sootoday.com)
Joanne Farkas Obituary - Sault Ste. Marie, ON (dignitymemorial.com)
1970s staff listing
Issue # 95 September 22, 2022; previous issue dated June 4, 2022
This edition of Sky Studio is dedicated to Dave Patterson
who joined former colleagues in Sky Studio, September 17, 2022
Long time country music supporter and media staffer Dave Patterson joined colleagues in Sky Studio September 17, 2022.
Dave is known and recognized by many across Northern Ontario and elsewhere for his long serving and dedicated role in creating and maintaining The Northern Ontario Country Music Association (NOCMA) as well as his time meeting clients’ advertising needs while with Sault This Week as well as serving clients and listeners while in radio. His online profile includes his 1976 through 1994 work association with Gilby Canada.
From the Northern Ontario Country Music Association website:
“Back in the 1960s Grace Kozak, a local well-known performer and promoter, started using the term "The Great Northern Opry" in her music shows, but she did not register that name.
“The organization that gave birth to the country music effort in Sault Ste. Marie, was the original Country Club and was created by the efforts of Al Mooney, George Pinder and Carol and Dave Patterson in 1989. From that, The Sault Ste. Marie and District Country Music Hall of Fame was formed back in 1991, by those same founders, with Don Ramsay as the first inductee.
“In 2000, the original Country Club was replaced by The Northern Ontario Country Music Association (NOCMA) and the Sault Ste. Marie and District Country Music Hall of Fame was replaced by The Northern Ontario Country Music Hall of Fame with Carol & Dave Patterson, as founders registering both the new names. The Great Northern Opry, registered by the Patterson's in 1993 remained intact, but now with country talent being inducted from across Northern Ontario.” Northern Ontario Country Music Association :: History (nocma.ca)
Dave was with FM 100.5 in the early 1980s and later at Q 104. He also spent many years at Sault This Week in sales.
Former broadcaster and sales representative for radio/television and later print, John Chambers says, “Dave and I were friends and working acquaintances for close to 30 years. He was very friendly and would go out of his way for anybody. I’ll miss him.”
“Very good memories working with Dave in formation years of the Country Club,” recalls colleague and former broadcaster Bruce Krause. “His enthusiasm benefited his organization and Q104 at the time as well. Condolences to his family. His legacy will continue.”
Musician Ric Datson commented, “He helped keep country music alive for Northern Ontario over these 30 plus years and we appreciate all you've done. I have been honored to be the drummer for most of the shows since day one, with the induction of Don Ramsay into the Hall of Fame, doing all the singing contests for the Country Club with New Country, the great Northern Ontario Tour with the Texas Street Band, and backing up countless performers with Mike Case & White Stallion. Rest In Peace and thank you Dave for your love of country music. You will be missed."
Deb Kaye, a Sault Ste. Marie recording and performing star internationally was inducted into the Northern Ontario Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005.On her Facebook she posted, "I am so sad to hear of the passing of one of the most tenacious men I have ever known..He lifted the country music scene of Sault Ste. Marie into the atmosphere. Against all odds and nay sayers, he managed to create a way to honour and celebrate the many talented artists in our city in ways that we never dreamed possible. Dave Patterson! He was made of country music right down to his boots.Thank you sir for your commitment to us and to the music of Ontario. My heart goes out to his whole family. There are no words that soothe at this time. We are here ... standing by you."
Dave left us as he was dancing to and enjoying country music at a Saturday matinee event.
(Thanks to James Warner-Smith for efforts in the Messenger Group, source for some of the recollections included in the above.)
Tribute story by Brian Kelly, Sault Star:
https://saultstar.com/entertainment/local-arts/patterson-recognized-northern-country-talent
From ShawTV, 2017 a video with Dave, Al Mooney and George Pinder.... Northern Ontario Country Music Association - YouTube
Special announcements:
https://www.sootoday.com/obituaries/patterson-william-david-dave-5841646
William Patterson Obituary - Sault Ste. Marie, ON (dignitymemorial.com)
Issue # 94 June 20,2022; previous issue dated January 27, 2021
This edition of Sky Studio is dedicated to Judy McDougall
who joined former colleagues in Sky Studio, June 4, 2022
Many kind and generous words of praise have been offered about Judy McDougall as she joined colleagues in Sky Studio June 4, 2022.
Common themes from those who worked with Judy surround her welcoming, supportive nature and ability to do many functions at the radio station, always pitching in when needed.
Johannes (Hans) Geenen recalled, “So sad...I worked with Judy a number of years... just first class all the way...Terry McPhee and I were heavily involved with the Musical Comedy Guild while employed at CFYN..we needed a seamstress for one of the shows..Funny Girl..Judy said she would help out and ultimately took on the whole task with help..what a trooper...always willing to pitch in...she'll be missed. R.I.P. Jude....”
Mike Beckwith worked at CFYN/CHAS 1977-78 and says, “I was only 17 and she made me feel welcome, she handed out the cheques… she always was dressed nice and had a smile on! We had good talks and the Friday handing out of cheques blossomed into a half hour talk.......I will miss her.”
Scott Witty remembers her in the front office, “… always smiling and dressed to a tee. I believe her role was in traffic and in advertising. I was so young and working evening and weekends.“
Darryl Adams, still in broadcasting now in Cornwall, remembers Judy as fun to be around, “… seeing her bright smile when I walked up the stairs to the radio station on Queen Street. She was a gem and her memories of her kindness and laughter will remain in our hearts. Amazing lady. Rest In Peace Judy!”
John Chambers says, “So enjoyed working with Judy at CFYN, and all those wonderful summer bbq parties with the gang, out at the famous Goulais Bay camp, all those years ago! A true dyed in the wool, Orange and Blue Detroit Tiger's fan, Judy was a kind, funny and talented woman, who will be missed.”
“Tracey, your mom was great to work with,” says Liz (Baia) Boyle, adding: “Beautiful, strong, woman who was full of life. Hard worker but always had a sense of humor. Loved hearing her banter with Dave Macdonald over his Cleveland Indians. Don't tick her off or she'd have a few choice words for you especially if you brought in a commercial order last minute...right George and John? Her favorite place to be was Goulais. Judy loved to be at camp on her days off. Work just happened to get in the way. We had the pleasure of spending a weekend at camp to relax and enjoy camaraderie while having a few bevy and playing horseshoes. Highlight was good ol' Bob Wood wearing his "Real Thing" pants. A lot of great people worked together during our Gilder days, and Judy always made it a fun place to work.”
Vancouver CTV weathercaster and host, Marke Driesschen recalls, “Not only was CFYN my first job in radio, it was my first venture out into the world on my own. I'd left my home in suburban Toronto in the summer of 1979 to pursue my dream of working in radio. Sure, I was excited but there were also times of doubt, stress and loneliness in adopting to a new life in e new place. Judy was a warm, welcoming presence who helped you find your way around, make sure you did your paperwork so you could get you paycheck (which was pretty small, back then!) and keep you grounded and focused when you needed it. She was the den mother to all of us wayward radio orphans trying to make sense of this strange business we chose. Because of her kindness and caring, we all chose wisely. She helped make my first year in the business one of the best. Thank you, Judy.”
“Was saddened to learn of Judy's passing, says Dave Webb. “She was great to work with. My heartfelt condolences to the family. Rest in peace Judy. ❤⚘”
Special Announcements:
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/sault-ste-marie-on/judith-mcdougall-10778660/amp
https://www.sootoday.com/obituaries/mcdougall-judith-anne-5448691
(Thanks to James Warner-Smith for starting a ‘Judy Tribute’ Messenger group, source for much of the above.)
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