Biography

A man of many talents, John’s broadcasting career encompassed a wide range of positions. He was an announcer, writer, producer, interviewer, book reviewer, cooking show host and men’s fashion commentator. After attending Lorne Greene’s Academy of Broadcast Arts, 1947-48, he began his career in 1949 at CFGP, Grande Prairie; thence to CFAC, Calgary, CKYL, Peace River, and on to CFRN, Edmonton, in 1955.

Highlights of John’s career included interviews with Beverly Sills, Pierre Berton, Harry Belafonte and other notables.

In 1974, after twenty-five years in broadcasting, he moved into Public Relations with the Alberta Government and earned his PR accreditation. His assignments took him all over the world.

Later, he was involved in seminars advising companies on how to deal with the media in emergencies. John retired in 1989. Because of his many satisfying years at CFRN, he still feels his most personal ties to Sunwapta Broadcasting.

filed 2006

From the Family

Barron, John Edward
May 22, 1924 – March 25, 2013

Born in Langdon, Alberta, John grew up in a typical small-town environment, and finished high school in Calgary. After a very short time in a seminary, he joined the RCAF during World War II and became “Sparky” in communications, traveling across Canada eight times by train.

After the war, graduating from Lorne Green’s Radio Academy, he began his career in 1949 at CFGP, Grande Prairie; then CFAC, Calgary; CKYL, Peace River; then CFRN, Edmonton in 1955. A man of many talents, John’s broadcasting career encompassed a wide range of positions. He was an announcer, writer, producer, interviewer, book reviewer, cooking show host and men’s fashion commentator. Highlights of John’s career included interviews with Beverly Sills, Ma Murray, Rise Stevens, Pierre Berton, Harry Belafonte and many other notables.

In 1974, he joined the Alberta Public Affairs Bureau and worked in Transportation, Economic Development, Northern Affairs, Education, and Advanced Education. He earned his PR accreditation through CPRS. His assignments took him all over the world. He retired after being involved in the 1988 Calgary Olympics.

He continued to be involved in seminars advising companies on how to deal with the media in emergencies.

John was active in the community with over 60 years as organist for Catholic churches in Edmonton, including the Assumption, St. Joseph’s, Spruce Grove, St. Thomas More, St. Theresa’s, and most recently St. Anthony and St. Agnes parishes.

He leaves behind his partner, Jim Ross, of 48 years, his two faithful dogs Tomi and Tux, and many friends. He was predeceased by his three sisters (Anele, Victoria, Patricia) and two brothers (Victoria and Valentino), but leaves a very large family of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and several great-grand nieces and nephews.

John passed away peacefully in his own bed at home March 25.

If wished, donations can be given to the Mazinkowski Heart Centre in John’s memory.

Obituary

BARRON, John Edward
May 22, 1924 – March 25, 2013

Born in Langdon, Alberta, John joined the RCAF during WWII and became known as “Sparky” in communications. Graduating from Lorne Green’s Radio Academy, after the war, he started at 1949 at CFGP, Grande Prairie; then CFAC, Calgary; CKYL, Peace River; then CFRN, Edmonton in 1955. John’s broadcasting career included announcing, writing, producing, interviewing, and TV guesting. In 1974, he joined the Alberta Government Public Affairs Bureau in several departments. He retired after being involved in the 1988 Olympics.

After retiring, he was involved in seminars advising companies on emergency media relations. John was active for over 60 years as organist for Catholic churches in Edmonton, most recently St. Anthony and St. Agnes parishes.

He leaves behind his partner, Jim Ross, of 48 years and many friends. He was predeceased by his three sisters (Anele, Victoria, Patricia) and two brothers (Victor and Valentino), but leaves a very large second and third generation of family. John passed away peacefully on March 25, 2013.

A Memorial Service will be held Monday, April 1, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church, 10826 62 Avenue N.W., Edmonton.

Donations may be given to the Mazankowski Heart Centre in John’s memory.

To sign the book of condolences please visit www.evergreenmemorial.com

Published in The Edmonton Journal on March 29, 2013