The Southern Ontario/WNY Radio-TV Forum / Does Anyone Remember These Two Late Broadcasting Veterans?

**Posted by RadioActive** May 5, 2024 8:50 am

Occasionally, I'll read the obits in the Saturday Toronto Star and discover names of broadcasting veterans I have to admit I've never heard of. Two of them appeared this weekend and I wondered if anyone here worked with them or recalls what it was they did.

The first is a woman named Ilga Breikss, who apparently worked at CKOC, CHAM, and CHFI/CFTR. It doesn't say exactly what her job was, but she was also involved with the Hamilton Philharmonic. She was definitely an old timer in the biz - she passed away at just over 99 years old.

The second name is a bit more contemporary, although the notice indicates he died in 2023. Donald Joseph Gauthier began his radio career at CFCL in Timmins, moved on to CKSO, CJCH, CHIC, CKAT, CKTB and CJRN. He also hosted a show called "Time To Talk" on CKO in the 80s.

I'm always sad when anyone passes away and condolences to any family members who may somehow stumble onto this site. But I wonder if anyone here ever worked with them or recall them in the biz.

**Posted by Ale Ont** May 5, 2024 8:56 am

I have never heard of them. But, many change their names for professional reasons.

**Posted by RadioActive** May 5, 2024 9:54 am

I figured it was a long shot, and there's no guarantee the first name even worked on air, so it may be someone most of us wouldn't know unless they were at the stations in question at the same time. Always sad to see broadcasting people sign off.

**Posted by Bill101** May 11, 2024 6:38 am

According to the Hamilton Spectator, Ms. Breiks was selling advertising in the 1950's. Don Gauthier was a long time reporter for the North Bay Nugget in the 1960's and 1970's. He had a couple of stints on CKTB in the early 80's. He even ran for mayor of St. Catharine's at one point.

**Posted by PSJ** October 6, 2024 12:16 pm

Ilga worked as the Head Copywriter at CHAM in the early 70's. She hired me as a part-time writer when I was in university. She was also a natural at upselling the clients if she came up with a solid campaign. Talk about a win/win.

**Posted by ig** October 6, 2024 4:46 pm

Ilga was the 'women's director' at 'RB for a while in the late 60's and then moved into sales before heading to Hamilton.

And the author of 'our kitchen secrets'

[url]https://www.trimdadimdbooks.com/products/author/Breikss,%20Ilga,%20Robezgruntniece,%20Astrida[/url]

Last edited by ig (October 6, 2024 4:52 pm)