Dwayne Johns

Passed away on April 9, 2014 at 89 years of age. Beloved husband of the late (Grace) Ilene deacon-Johns. Loving father of Dennis; Dwayne Jr. (Sandra); David (Virginia) and the late Carol. Dear grandfather of Christopher, Matthew, Rodger, Elisabeth, Cassandra, Daniel, Anthony and one great grandchild. Predeceased by his parents Ethel and Albert. Dwayne started his career in radio in 1940 and served in the Air force from 1944-46. He retired in 1987 and spent his winters in Mesa and summers in Okotoks with his great love Catherine Slabodian. Many thanks to Revera, Veterans Affairs and C.C.A.C and Para med for their assistance. Donations to the Kidney Foundation would be appreciated. Cremation arrangements entrusted to Westmount Funeral Chapel (1001 Ottawa St. s. 519-743-8900) Memorial Service to be announced at a later date.

Dwayne was born at home in bed at 325 23rd St. Brandon, Manitoba. He had his tonsils removed on the Kitchen table, because his Train Man father didn’t like doctors and hospitals upon discovering this he passed out.

His hobbies as a boy were kites and mode; planes, Air Cadets and a newspaper in school. He met his life long friends Gord Garrisow and Bob Trotter at the school that was across the street.

At 16 he got a part time job at CKX, where he was known as sterling. After a break down at the station, he was sent to the transmitter room to broadcast, thus beginning a radio career. During the war he worked a radio Tec in Newfoundland & Labrador, after mustering out he found a job in Kitchener radio with his friends Gord and Bob. He then worked in Windsor and Sarnia. Where he met the Duchess and were married. Soon they moved out to Ottawa where they began a family, make believe ballroom time, Spunky & whirling sterling and became the first Rock Jock in Ottawa. Ottawa became a high point in his personal and professional life. Celebrities, peers and fans called him friend.

In 1961, North Vancouver was a low point for him professionally and personally. He put his family above all and returned to Ontario.

Starting at the bottom turned into a career move. Unexpected, he met Don Hilldibrand. Bruce and Betty Frazer took in our family at our lowest point. Our family will forever remember the charity, love, hope and kindness given at that time.

Keith and Ilene moved to Orillia and a slow day at 10 Frances CHYM was born. Jingles I.D.S promos and M.O.R. this was the station he worked in the late 40’s.

Kitchener became the personal and professional high point of his life. As his family grew so did his success in radio management of CHYM & CKGL . Numerous awards, accolades, and milestones he presided his retirement in 1987.

But life like radio is timing….

Duchess fought cancer until she lost the battle in 1989but even with his children and grandchildren close by he suddenly felt alone.

He then met Catherine Slabodian; she was his soul mate, love and happiness this was to be his final chapter.

“So keep smiling and don’t get caught in the on slot. “