Philip Tompkins, 61, on May 18. Tompkins joined Kingston’s CKWS-TV (now Global) right out of Loyalist College in 1983. He went on to a 35-year career with the station as a videographer, editor and producer. Following his retirement from the station in 2017, he became a partner in SpotOn Media, producing video and web content.
Darren Dutchyshen, 57, on May 16. Originally from Regina and raised in Porcupine Plain, SK, Dutchyshen started sportscasting at STV Saskatoon, and then IMTV in Dauphin, MB. From there, he spent seven years as the host of ITV’s “Sports Night” in Edmonton. “Dutchy” as he was known by his colleagues, had been with TSN since 1995, starting as host of the weekend editions of “SportsDesk” and “CFL Live.” He went on to host “Sportscentre” for three decades, often the late-night edition alongside Rod Smith and later Jennifer Hedger. He took Sportscentre on the road as part of the “Kraft Celebration Tour,” in addition to co-hosting boxing show “In This Corner” with trainer Russ Anber, and hosting Olympic Prime Time during the London 2012 and Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games. Dutchyshen first announced his cancer diagnosis in September 2021 when he took a break from the network. His family said in a statement issued by Bell Media that he died “surrounded by his closest loved ones.” “His sharp wit remained until his final moments, classically delivering plenty of jokes – most of them pretty good and all of them inappropriate.” Read more here.
Jim Fraser, 75, on May 15, of cancer. Fraser started his broadcasting career at CKAY Duncan, BC in 1969. He eventually moved on to CHUB Nanaimo and by 1973 was hosting the station’s morning show. In 1984, he joined CKWX Vancouver where he was well-known as the host of afternoons on the home of “Real Country.” In 1994, he joined the morning show on CJJR-FM Vancouver where he remained until 1997. Fill-in work followed on CKKS-FM and CKNW, before Fraser departed to the Sunshine Coast and CKAY-FM Gibsons where he hosted mornings from 2006-08.
David Gazer, on May 14. Gazer, who went by the on-air handle of “Dave Melbourne,” started his radio career with a part-time job at CKCY 920 AM Sault Ste. Marie in 1975, while studying journalism at Sault College. From there, he succeeded in landing a news position at CKLW Windsor where he was hired by the station’s legendary news director Byron MacGregor. He wrapped up his 25-year career with stints at AM 640 (CFRB-AM) and 680 News (CFTR-AM) in Toronto.
James “Jim” Farrell, 91, on April 11. Born in Iroquois Falls, ON and raised in Nipigon, Farrell went on to a long career in broadcasting in Winnipeg after his graduation from the Radio & Television Arts Program at Ryerson Institute of Technology. Farrell joined CJAY-TV Winnipeg, which became part of the newly-created CTV network, as a news reporter and co-host of “Your Government” and live outdoor sports show “Manitoba Sportsman.” He went on to become news director at CKRC radio and later co-anchor of CKND-TV’s “First News.” Farrell also served as a track announcer at Assiniboia Downs and served as president of the Manitoba Harness Horseman Association.
