"I heard the news today that a dear friend for
many decades, Roy Jacques, had 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 max in general. (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.
Don North, a former ABC news reporter tried to get Roy back to Dieppe for the anniversary
of that failed 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 CFUN 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."
Red Robinson