Dan was a longtime friend of 40 years.  We worked on many amazing radio projects together over the years.  Gone way before his time...but his legend lives on.  Here's Dan's official obit from his and wife Julia's website mycollingwood.ca.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dan Plouffe on Monday February 27, 2023, at the age of 70 following a challenging decline. Dan was a husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, brother-in-law and friend.

He was the beloved husband and best friend of Julie Card. Loving father to Christopher (Jenna), Matthew (Caitlin) and Jeffrey and stepfather to Suzan (Michael), proud grandfather of Jett James. He will be remembered by his brother-in-law Christopher Card.A celebration of Dan’s life will be held at The Georgian Bay Hotel on Sunday, March 5th from 2PM - 4PM.As a father, Dan inspired his kids to follow their passions. Instilling a love for travelling skiing and the value of friendship. The importance of family dinner every Saturday during ski season is something our family will always hold dear.

Many will remember Dan as a Promoter, Innovator, Entrepreneur.

As a young man, Dan began his career in the mid-1960s as an on-air production operator at CKWS Radio in Kingston. After leaving his hometown of Kingston, Dan moved on to stints with VOCM Saint John's and CKGM Montreal before joining CHUM Toronto the country's leading Top 40 radio station. It was during these early years of the 70s when Dan created a radio program syndication company named Footprint Productions and was the recipient of the highly prestigious Billboard Magazine award for Best Syndicated Radio Documentaries.

Next up for Dan was the opportunity to become the studio manager for Morgan Earl Sounds where he set up the ultimate production facility using only the very best audio equipment and a team of talented sound engineers. Here he continued to create ground-breaking radio commercials and special programs for several years including a co-production with CFTR Toronto after which he became the Promotions Manager for CFTR helping propel the station to the number one Top 40 spot in Toronto.

After his stint in radio, Dan was ready to take the giant entrepreneurial step with the founding of Firstcom Marketing. Along with his partners, Firstcom's staff of account executives, production, and commercial artists set out to produce point-of-purchase materials, customer-oriented promotions, and special events for the retail operations of national clients.

Over the next 20 years with Dan at the helm, Firstcom grew in clients, staff, and reputation. Dan was always challenging his staff to think of the next big idea, encouraging them to embrace new technologies and innovative concepts for their clients. As Firstcom's client base grew in numbers and variety, Dan expanded the agency's capabilities by adding a call centre. By the end of the decade, Firstcom's many successes were recognized by the industry and it came as no surprise that an offer of purchase was made and Firstcom became a part of the Young & Rubicam network of agencies.

Dan was a mentor to many and a very generous employer who understood the importance of rewarding both team and individual contributions and loyalty. In an industry where people constantly jump from agency to agency, Dan was able to create the kind of culture in which many key staff members stayed with Firstcom for 10-15 years. It is also a testament to the environment that Dan and his senior management team promoted that many of the Firstcom employees remain friends to this day.

In the early 2000’s Dan and Julie chose to make their weekend residence in Collingwood their permanent home and together they launched mycollingwood.ca in 2005.Dan was a volunteer with the Blue Mountain Special Olympics Alpine Team, Theatre Collingwood, The Collingwood Elvis Festival, The Collingwood Library to name a few organizations.

A celebration of Dan’s life will be held at The Georgian Bay Hotel on Sunday, March 5th from 2PM - 4PM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Theatre Collingwood in recognition of Dan Plouffe. Friends may visit Dan’s online Book of Memories at www.fawcettfuneralhomes.com The family would like to extend tremendous thanks to the caring staff at Pine Villa and Barrie Manor Enhanced Retirement Community.

Last edited by Doug Thompson (March 1, 2023 7:27 pm)