John Ansell joined BCIT for the first time as a student, graduating in 1969. He worked in radio at CKWX, in Television at BCTV/CHAN and in Audio Visual at Langara College, before joining the faculty of BCIT in 1976. He started here as an assistant instructor in Television, but a few years later moved back to his first love, Radio, and became program head in the Radio Program in 1985.

John led the Radio Program for almost 15 years, until he fell sick in late 1999. Under his tutelage, the Radio Program expanded operations of Campus Radio Station CFML to 24/7 during the school year. In the early 90's, John led the integration of digital technologies to Radio Program operations. Legions of students appreciated John's tough and demanding standards, and grew to call him a true friend. For many, John was the "organizer" of our bi-annual Reunions, and many said they came back "...to see how Johnny was doing."

Ken started as an instructor for television and within four months became head of the program. He retired from BCIT in 1983 after 16 years.

In his free time he enjoyed being an amateur magician and used this in class to "break the ice" or as a "thought starter" for his students.

Ken was also a member of the Half Century Club with the British Columbia Association of Broadcasters (BCAB).

Ken was quite active in his retirement in the rock hound area and personal computers.

Ken died Aug. 13, 1991, at the age of 72.

Laurie founded the Broadcast Department at BCIT in 1964, and led the team in this area for a decade, retiring in the mid-`70s. Laurie brought to BCIT a distinguished background in the broadcast industry, much of it with the Selkirk chain, and led the development and early growth of our programs from an initial intake of around 30 students to more than 100 new students a year by the mid-`70s.

Those of us who learned our craft under Laurie remember him as a strong, supportive. demanding, friendly and competent professional. After retirement, Laurie continued a long active involvement with BCIT as a member of the Pioneers Club, and joined us regularly for our Broadcast Reunions and Open House events.

Laurie Irvine passed away in January 2002. He influenced a generation of broadcasters in this province. He will be remembered fondly. He will be missed.

Rick did many things in his life including sailing, selling cars and housebuilding.  But he fell in love with radio and pursued his passion as a career in the 1960s on Vancouver Island.

In 1984, Rick moved to BCIT as a member of the Radio Program faculty, and often said it was the most satisfying job he'd ever had. Rick was mentor to many, with his friendly smile and his encouraging approach. Rick's influence spread across BCIT. He had friends throughout our institution and throughout the broadcast industry.

Rick will not be forgotten. Many practicing broadcasters today can look back on the influence Rick had at the earliest stages of their career, and say "What a great guy!"

Bill was an extremely popular instructor in copywriting and announcing, who retired in 1984. Following his retirement, Bill and wife Mary spent about half of each year in California and the other half here in B.C.

Bill was a famous man! He was know as "JOHNNY CANUCK' to thousands of servicemen in the Second World War who tuned in to the BBC to hear his wonderful tenor voice singing their favorite tunes.

He returned to Canada and started working in radio on the prairies where he won numerous awards for his work.

When he moved to Vancouver. he began in the advertising agency business where he was responsible for such memorable advertising campaigns as "I like the girl at checkout number three!" (SUPERVALU), "Two, two mints in one!" (CERTS) and "When you eat your Smarties, do you eat the red ones last?" (SMARTIES).

In the mid-seventies, Bill moved to BCIT, first in Marketing, and then to Broadcast. Of all the instructors in this department, Bill was the best-loved. He was an extremely supportive instructor - encouraging, reinforcing, and always positive. He loved his students. and they in turn loved him.  Bill Smith passed away July 28, 1992. We'll miss him!