Got the sad news via Gord Lansdell’s Northwest Broadcasters recent news page that a retired CBC engineer Dick France had passed last October 30, one day short of his 90th birthday.
I remember Dick from his earlier days in engineering under Charlie Smith at CKWX. He was part of the technical team at my alltime favorite radio setup upstairs at 543 Seymour, which came equipped with three control rooms, and a Playhouse with audience seats for live programming like the Crone Safety Club, and Evan Kemp and his Trail Riders on Saturday nights.
He left private radio to join the corporation in the later 1950s as a Film Sound Technician. Dick was part of the production team for CBC Vancouver programs Cariboo Country (1960), The Education of Phyllistine (1964), The Beachcombers (1972-1990), Canadian Gardener (1989) and Spilled Milk (1995). He was also with CBC Toronto during the early ’90s before returning to Vancouver.
I didn’t keep in touch with Dick as the years passed, but it was a kick to see his credits as audio tech on numerous CBC programs. He was a good guy, an engineer who always tried to accommodate requests and suggestions from the announce staff, and I extend my condolences to his family.
