Longtime broadcaster John Barton, who left his unique mark with listeners in Red Deer, Edmonton, Vancouver, Toronto and Victoria, died in Victoria in April at age 82, after a two-year battle with leukemia.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday August 9th from 1 to 4 pm at Rotary Welsh Park at 2949 Island Highway in Qualicum Beach.
John Barton, then & more recently, courtesy Edmonton Broadcasters
Originally from Saskatoon, John grew up across the prairies in Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton and Red Deer. His broadcast career began at 17 in 1949 at CKRD in Red Deer — where he gained great all round experience.
In ’51 he moved to Edmonton as ‘Morning Man’ on CFRN.
In late ’53 he returned to Red Deer for a stint as program manager at CKRD.
In 1955 Jerry Forbes lured him back to Edmonton and CHED, where for nine years he was ‘The Morning Mayor’ as well as a stint in marketing and National Sales.
In 1964 he moved to CKWX Vancouver for the morning show, as well as a daily quiz show on BCTV.
In 1967 another move to Ted Rogers’ CHFI in Toronto for four years.
Back to Vancouver in 1971 for two more years as program manager of CJOR, plus a couple of CTV game shows, What’s the Good Word and Hot Hands over the next four years.
In 1973 he was hired for mornings at CKDA Victoria, as well as the talk show ‘Barton & Company’ on CHEK-TV for five years until 1982.
After 26 years in broadcasting ‘enough-was-enough’ and he became Creative Director of Victoria’s Copeland Communications until he retired in 1992, moving to Qualicum Beach in 1994.
In ’94 book illustrator and drawing teacher Malaspina College Parksville and The Old School House Qualicum.
Two years ago John was diagnosed with leukemia. In order to be near Victoria’s Royal Jubilee Hospital and the necessary blood transfusions that would extend his life John sold his Qualicum Beach home, and moved back to Victoria, where his brave battle ended, and he passed away April 5th 2014.
Thanks to the BC Radio History website for the details of John’s career itinerary.
John was a terrific talent. A great broadcaster, fabulous artist, and amazingly creative. Not to mention a really nice person. RIP Mr. B.