Tim Klassen, 56, on Oct. 23, of a heart attack. Klassen had a 30-year career in broadcasting which started at CKRD Red Deer in 1981. Over the years, Klassen held roles from imaging producer to morning show host, moving on to K-97 (CIRK-FM) Edmonton, CKIK-FM (now CFGQ-FM) Calgary, CHFM-FM Edmonton, 100.3 The Bear (CFBR-FM) Edmonton, CJFM-FM Montreal, CJMX-FM Sudbury and CKMX-AM Regina. In 2002, he left Canada for Dubai, United Arab Emirates to act as station manager and morning host at Channel 4 FM. He left the broadcaster in 2007, to form Entertainment Media Professionals, his own audio/video production company.
Fred Ennis, 71, on Oct. 21. Ennis started his career at CKLW Windsor across the border from his childhood home of Rochester, Michigan. His booming delivery took him to CHUM Toronto, news management at CHNS Halifax and then CFGO Ottawa in 1976. He was later named bureau chief for News Radio, the CBS-affiliated network. Ennis concluded his career as the Ottawa Sun’s first “Page Six” columnist, and as a commentator on CFRA Radio. He ran unsuccessfully for office twice, in the Nepean, ON mayoralty race in 1997 and for Ottawa City Council in 2010.
Kirk Ryan, 58, on Oct. 15. Ryan worked in sales and marketing at Calgary radio stations CJAY 92 and QR77 (CHQR-AM) from 1986-1998. In the late 1990s, he decided to leave broadcasting and became the owner-operator of The Bean Scene in Strathcona. Ryan ran the shop for 12 years, opening two subsequent locations in Lakeview and Princess Island. In 2013, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma brain cancer. Despite surgery that left Ryan with partial paralysis and limited use of his left arm and hand, he remained positive until the end.
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