Jack Kyle, one of Vancouver radio’s most well-known on-air personalities, has passed away. He was one of the leading deejays in the golden era of radio. He and Jack Cullen helped keep CKNW on top for years. They were true characters, but very talented. Kyle was an inspiration for me as he really did create theatre of the mind with his broadcasts.
Over the years Jack had a series of different shows but the one that most will remember is the Rolling Home Show. He broadcast each Sunday from a custom CKNW mobile studio at the south end of the Pattullo Bridge in New Westminster. Everyone associated with classic cars and hot rods would listen each Sunday as we made our way to the drag races in Abbotsford where the airport is now located.
Jack also hosted a nightly show on CKNW when Owl Prowl host Cullen moved for a short time to C-FUN. He called the nightly show Sandman Serenade. Jack used the Chordettes hit Mr. Sandman as his theme. He was always cheerful on the air, the music he played was well researched and he would wrap a theme around each show.
Jack was born and raised in Victoria and moved to CKWX for a couple of years before moving to the top station at the time, CKNW. I knew Jack very well and at one time had the pleasure of dating his sister! He was a true radio broadcaster and loved every minute of his life on the air. He told me that his inspiration was Seattle deejay Gil Henry and he fashioned the Kyle Style after Gil’s. I will miss him. He was such an inspiration and as I write this I can hear him saying his signature on radio:
“Cheers, Customers!”
A service for Jack is scheduled for 2 pm Sunday, March 16 at Sullivan Mews, 15020 66A Avenue in Surrey.