Al LeBlanc worked part-time at CJIC-FM in the early 1970s and followed that with a long career at what was then called the Separate School Board where he headed up what was known as the Audio Visual Department, where he much expanded the use of videos, films, slides in the classroom.

He spent 40 years in Sault Ste. Marie and the obituary says, “Born in Quebec, and moving often in his youth, Allen settled and lived in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario for over 40 years, working as an educator, cheering for the Soo Greyhounds, mastering the art of finding treasures at yard sales and auctions, and most important to him, raising his family.

He proudly completed his MBA, taught university courses, learned to swim in his late 30’s, was hard to beat at Jeopardy, and could usually be found with several newspapers at his side. After retiring he spent his years often travelling Canada coast to coast visiting family and friends before finding a new home in the city of Lethbridge, Alberta.”

Station Manager at the time, Paul Fockler recalls, “Allen was a delight to have around the radio station. No problems, no issues. He appeared after school for his operators shift in FM He quietly went about his job. Always dependable and always cheerful and cooperative.

“I didn't get to know him all that well personally, because I recall he was with us for only a brief period of time.”

Art Osborne remembers, “Al was just slightly ahead of my time at 119 East Street but I recall him being in FM when I did high school reports in the late 1960s on CJIC AM when evening announcer Norm Blakely was filling the airwaves with his unique music mix that favoured rhythm and blues.

“I remember Al as being very ‘cool’ and his Jaguar car was part of that to me. Those days at CJIC and people like Al dramatically influenced me to make broadcasting something I wanted to do.”

Rick McGee says, “I remember him doing some PA work for a few Greyhounds games somewhere in the sixties. The job was usually handled by John Mislan. Al’s role with the hockey games could well have stemmed from his work/interest in radio, though that's only speculation on my part.

“And, I did get to work some with Al when he was the Catholic board’s media (as in audio-visual services, as it was typically then known) director and we were on a committee together. Certainly always thought of him as a bright, capable fellow.”

Special Announcement:
https://www.sootoday.com/obituaries/leblanc-george-allen-7987595

As part of making Sky Studio more complete, this issue also acknowledges and adds to our honour role, Jim H. Hyland and William A. Hyland, sons of Jim Grant Hyland and Eileen, founders/owners of the original Hyand Broadcasting.

JAMES HOWDEN HYLAND, (JIM) at 72 passed peacefully in his sleep Monday evening, January 28, 2013, at his home in Belleair Bluffs, Florida. Jim was born on July 6, 1940, to JAMES GRANT HYLAND I, and EILEEN MELBA AVERY HYLAND (deceased) in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. Jim was predeceased by his brother, BILL HYLAND, and is survived by his sister, LINDA HYLAND, four children, LEILA HYLAND SCHUMANN, ASHLEY HYLAND KATZ, JAMES GRANT HYLAND, and TIMOTHY FITZGERALD, their respective spouses, Bill, Chuck and Rita and eight grandchildren.

In his youth, Jim was an avid hockey player and as a Freshman in college scored the highest number of goals for the Princeton Tigers. He started his career in New York City at Morgan Guaranty and then took a Chicago based position with White, Weld & Co. In 1978 Jim moved into business for himself and acquired a small lighting company in Rosemont, Il. Today the company, now known as AMGLO KEMLITE is a global, world class lamp manufacturing company where Jim has inspired his dedicated employees to love the lighting business as much as he did. He relished the challenge of design, enjoyed reading, world events, financial and political interests, helping the needy and being a friend who gave guided advice and support. Jim stood by the quote of U.S. Admiral H.G. Rickover of 1961 “RESPONSIBILITY”.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Monday, February 4, 2013, with visitation from 3:00pm to 5:00pm at the Moss Feaster Funeral Home, 13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, Florida, followed by a gathering at the Holiday Inn Harbourside, Pelican Room, 401 – 2nd Street, Indian Rocks Beach, Florida, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Additional services will be held in Illinois at a date to be determined.

Jim’s famous words were “IF YOU CAN’T MEASURE IT, YOU CAN’T MANAGE IT” and that is how he lived his life with direction and purpose.

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Amglo Kemliote remains a global company, described online this way: “Established in 1935, today Amglo is a leading global manufacturer of specialty lamps. The Chicago area-based company services O.E.M. manufacturers and distributors in industries including aerospace, locomotive, medical, vehicular, obstruction and more.”

James H. Hyland

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/largo-fl/james-hyland-5405322

Allen LeBlanc

Karen MacDougall Johns

Terry McPhee