Roy Jacques , a dear friend for many decades, has died at the age of 94.

I first met Roy in 1957 at CKWX . We hit it off immediately. I guess he saw through the rock and roll teenage deejay to something of substance. He even allowed me to produce his daily World Today prime time evening news for a few months in 1958. He had a wry wit. He was always so healthy even though he smoked a pipe, enjoyed his alcohol, and lived life to the fullest. Maybe there is a secret here on how to live to 94 and beyond!

His life story would make a wonderful movie. He had done so many different things in his life and was always in love with the English language.

Former ABC news reporter Don North tried to get Roy back to Dieppe for the anniversary of that failed WWII invasion. Sadly, Roy was in no shape to travel, having endured a severe case of shingles. He never fully recovered from that experience. However Don captured some of Roy’s history on video, hoping to make a documentary on the man’s incredible journey.

I kept in touch with Roy, never forgetting his solid contributions to my career over the years. We worked together at both CKWX and later at C-FUN when I was program manager. Even though he was getting on in years, his relationship with the young on-air staff at the station was incredible, which speaks to his empathy with people.

Roy would often talk about the days in England when he worked for Reuters news agency and his friendship with Edward R. Murrow , the broadcast correspondent for CBS in London. I am sure he would agree that he had an incredible journey. His pathway was littered with interesting people and circumstances. God bless him.

Goodbye old friend.

photo courtesy bcradiohistory.com