SIGN-OFFS:
Russ Thompson, 82, Jan. 16 of cancer. Born in Montreal, Russ had a 40-year career in Toronto radio and was a well-known TV spokesperson. Over the years, Russ worked for CKEY-AM, CBC Radio Toronto and CKFM-FM, wrapping up his career at Easy 97 (CJEZ-FM) in 1992. Throughout his career, Russ also represented brands as a commercial spokesperson for GM, Timex, CN/CP, Belvedere and Proctor and Gamble, among others.
Greg Hinton, 54, Jan. 24, peacefully in his sleep at his home on Howe Island, ON, after a two-year battle with cancer. Hinton started working in broadcasting in 1986 and started a nearly 30-year career with CHUM Radio (now Bell Media Radio) in 1988. For the past 13 years, he served as vice-president and general manager of Bell Media’s two Brockville radio stations 104.9 JRfm (CFJR-FM), 103.7 BOB FM (CJPT-FM) and Kingston stations 98.3 Fly FM (CFLY-FM), 98.9 The Drive (CKLC-FM). He was responsible for helping transform 98.3 FLY FM into a perennial #1 radio station in Kingston and for overseeing the launch of 98.9 The Drive, Kingston’s Essential Alternative in 2007. Hinton’s earlier career highlights included time as an on-air personality for various formats and as a program director, music director, promotions director and station manager. A graduate of both the University of Windsor and the radio broadcasting program at Fanshawe College, Hinton was heavily involved in the Kingston, Brockville and 1000 Islands communities, including the Algonquin College Radio Advisory Committee, the Loyalist College Radio Advisory Committee, the Greater Brockville and Area Ad & Sales Club and the Brockville Chamber of Commerce, among many other organizations.
