Frauenfeld, August
Biography
Known on-air as Austin Fields, August’s career began as a student obtaining a B.A. degree in radio broadcasting at Bob Jones University in South Carolina, and as a summer school graduate at the National Broadcasting Institute in Chicago.
Starting as a continuity writer at CKRD, Red Deer, in 1949, he proceeded to CKPR, Fort William, as announcer and PR Director; then to CKOM, Saskatoon, as announcer and night news editor.
Back in Edmonton, Alberta in 1953, August paired part-time announcing at CFRN, with acting in CJCA’s Beaver Playhouse.
During his career, he was both interviewer and interviewee, counting as a highlight interviewing The Happy Gang. August was frequently on the other side of the microphone after his retirement from broadcasting in the early sixties. He was interviewed about his work as Director of Child Welfare, Government of Alberta; as Director of Westfield Youth Centre, Edmonton; and as Director of Oak Hill Boys Ranch, Bon Accord.
One moment he’ll always remember from his broadcasting days was when, during a devotional program on CKPR, he introduced a visiting minister from Kakabeka Falls as the minister from Kakafeka Balls. Red-faced, he carried on!
filed 2006
Obituary
FRAUENFELD, August (February 25, 1925 – March 21, 2007) August Frauenfeld has decided to leave us on his voyage of a lifetime to be with his heavenly Father. August left peacefully on March 21, 2007 after battling cancer for several months. His children Janice (Rick) Comrie, Celeste, Paul, Patrice (Paul) Hojka, Angela, his eight grand-children, and friend and former wife Evelyn Laws will miss him dearly. He also leaves to mourn two sisters, Sarah Fibke, Sally (Herb) Liske, many nieces, nephews, cousins and cherished friends. Special thanks to August’s close friend Gordon Dickau who was there for him on a daily basis through his illness. August was born in Bruderheim, Alberta, son of Reinhold and Adeline Frauenfeld. He graduated in 1949 from Bob Jones University South Carolina with a degree in Radio Broadcasting, drama and music. He worked in radio for a few years as “Austin Fields”. He started his public service in 1952 with the Alberta government as a public trustee, social worker and was instrumental in opening and directing Westfield Diagnostic and Treatment Centre (now -Yellowhead Youth Centre). After retiring, he became the director at the Oak Hill Boys Ranch in Bon Accord, Alberta until the age of 72. He then continued at Oak Hills as a Board Member and volunteered his time as a member of the Youth Justice Committee. August dedicated his life to his family, church, friends, community, and the children of Alberta.
