Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Southpoint Sun - 7
A life spent in local media by C. Scott Holland His life revolved around the media, and for over half a century, he was a vital part of the local media. Whether it was radio, newspaper and television, his roles in each one reflected professionalism to the highest degree. His love of his two communities — Essex (his birthplace and childhood home) and Leamington (his place of residence) was paramount. In the wake of his death last week, Bill Gay has left behind an incredible impression upon the people he’s known. His death has affected his many alumni friends at CHYR and throughout the media world in Essex County. Former CHYR DJ and program director, Chuck Reynolds (a.k.a. Paul Bunnett-Jones), was a long-time friend and said, “I am devastated. We had developed a strong friendship during my 22 years at the station and that friendship ex-
tended right up until the last time we talked just days before his passing.� Tributes were pouring in from CHYR alumni and everyone felt the same. Bill had a gift to listen to you, to offer support and wisdom. His demeanor was calm, sensible and full of hope. Bill Gay was a young man when he first started working at Leamington’s original radio station, CJSP, in 1965, reading news and spinning records. He soon moved into the advertising department where he was responsible for not only getting area businesses to buy ads, but was in charge of the weekend operators who came in on Saturdays and Sundays. The Sunday crews did everything from manning the sound mixer for the church services, to operating the main studio board and airing the special weekly ethnic shows, hockey and football contests. Bill was a big part of the
radio station’s growth and change as it expanded its power to CHYR with capabilities to broadcast 24 hours a day in 1967. He was still an integral part of the station when it became an FM station in the mid-1990s and remained there until 2001. However at that time, he did not stop being an important part of local media. He shifted his focus to writing editorial pieces about the community for the Leamington Post and when CFTV was formed, he became the face and voice of their newscasts for many years. He even started his own media company called Media Marketing. As an Essex native, he was a member of a group of heritage-minded citizens who helped raise money and restore the Essex Railway station - a place which he loved and helped run often manning the station in case visitors came. For several decades he was a member of the Windsor-Essex
County Historical Society and Heritage Essex. For the last dozen years he had been a member of the Leamington & Mersea Historical Society and had been its Train Station Restoration chairperson. He kept his ties to Essex, and was a past Essex councillor, a chairperson of the Essex Fun Fest and with the aid of Bill Sherk, put together some car shows as part of the Fun Fest. HIs dual Essex-Leamington connection was only strengthened further by his passion for this area’s history. His footprint has been left and it is one that will not be washed away. He is survived by his wife Marlene MarkhamGay, his children Elizabeth and James Gay as well as step-children Kelly Kickham, Todd Markham and Denise Gillan and their families. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
Monday to Friday, and online service requests remain available at leamington.ca/reportanissue.
Pet of the Week LITTLE ONE
Hello my name is Little One. I’m a reserved 8 year old golden oldie who is looking for his furever home. I’m shy with strangers and I need some time to warm up. I typically like to stay put in one spot and lounge around. I don’t have much interest in getting up and moving around so when it comes time to give me love I hope you’ll get up and come to me so I don’t have to move. I like to be pet from time to time and I don’t go out of my way for affection, sometimes I’m just too busy trying to relax in bed to be bothered. I like to do my own thing and sleep in small spaces around the house like cardboard boxes and watch everything from a far. I’m easily spooked by loud noises so I will need a calm/low activity adult household.
Windsor/Essex County Humane Society 519-966-5751 windsorhumane.org
COLD WEATHER!
LAC
Create. Sustain. Celebrate.
artNEWS Leamington Arts Centre - 519.326.2711 - leamingtonartscentre.com
onVIEW The LAC is currenlty closed to the public in accordance with the provincial lockdown orders. Please visit www.leamingtonartscentre.com or follow us on Facebook for the latest updates and re-opening plans. For curbside pick up of art supplies please email info@leamingtonartscentre.com
artBOARD 8x10: AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST Deadline extended to Fri Jan 29. During lockdown entries can be left in our mailbox or mailed in. Enter 8×10� printed photos in the categories of abstract, weather and architecture. As part of the entry fee all photos will be professionally matted and displayed in the gallery in February. Prizes in each category sponsored by Framing by Anna & Speedprint. Membership Renewal: Renew now, get 10% OFF art VXSSOLHV HYHU\ GD\ DOO GD\ PDQ\ RWKHU EHQHÀWV
Generous Supporters: Southpoint Sun & the Municipality of Leamington
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Donate blood
Leamington Blood Donor Clinic Leamington Lebanese Club 447 ON-77, Leamington Wednesday, February 3 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. Book ahead. Book now. Visit: blood.ca Download: GiveBlood app or Call: 1 888 2 DONATE or 1 888 236 6283 Follow us and keep updated. @LifelineWindsor @windsoressexblooddonors
Stop Pet Skin Issues: 129 Erie St. S. Itching and Redness Leamington ...We Have 519-325-1112 Products For This! Join us on Facebook
Leamington Arts Centre
U:21 Members Exhibit + Sale: Call For Submissions Enter 4 works free with a new/renewed membership.
Leamington suspends in-person services LEAMINGTON — In response to the further restrictions outlined in the declaration of a second Provincial Emergency, the Municipality of Leamington will no longer be offering access to municipal services by appointment, effective Thursday, January 14, 2021. This service level change is being undertaken out of an abundance of caution to help mitigate the risk of transmission of COVID-19 within our community. Although the Leamington Municipal Building is closed to the public, municipal staff remain available to assist and service customers by electronic means. Customers can contact the Municipality by phone at 519-326-5761 or use the municipal website at leamington.ca to access municipal information and services. Phones and emails will continue to be answered during regular business hours of 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM from
Bill Gay (left) with the late Wayne McLean at a CHYR reunion in recent years. Photo by Scott Holland
Visit blood.ca to learn more.
