Gordon Breen

Gordon William Breen was born in Quebec City December 23 1930 to parents James Joseph and Angela Breen (Fackney). He was the youngest of 4 with older siblings Sylvester, Mary and Louise. He attended St. Pat's school. His love was sports and he played many while growing up and his playing fields were the Plains of Abraham as he lived near there. Upon graduation from high school he applied to be a sports writer for the Quebec City newspaper. They were not hiring. But, the person told Gordon that there was a new english language radio station that was hiring. So he went there and was hired. So began his broadcasting career. He was there for a year or so. Did sports play by play when Jean Beliveau played his junior hockey in Quebec City.

He moved to Sudbury and then Montreal continuing his radio path when a full time position became available in Sherbrooke, Quebec. CKTS were the call letters and he was there for some 30 years. He did it all there. Was a DJ, a newscaster, but more importantly, and his love, was as a play by play announcer. He announced the games of the Sherbrooke Beavers Senior hockey team over CKTS for many years. Also, was with them when they went to 2 Allan Cup championships in 1965 and 1966. He broadcast games for the Sherbrooke Little League team that represented Canada at the Little League world series in 1968 at Williamsport Pennsylvania. He broadcast Bishop's University Hockey and Football games. Broadcast games from Finland in 1976 when the Sherbrooke Beavers Junior hockey team represented Canada in the precursor to what is now the World Junior Hockey Championships.

The early 1980's saw him moving to Ottawa where he worked at CFRA as a newscaster. A few other stations in the Ottawa area rounded out his long career (98.5 the Jewel being the last) which spanned some 60 years before his retirement.

His involvement in sports continued in the Ottawa area. He was the PA announcer for Ottawa Rough Riders football team, Ottawa 67's hockey and Ottawa Lynx baseball. He could often times be found after a 67's game discussing the game and other sporting topics with coach Kilrea and others in coach's office.

His greatest sports love was golf. For many years a member of the Sherbrooke Golf and Country Club and, in Ottawa, at the Carleton Golf and Yacht Club. He truly loved being on the golf course and chatting with his playing partners and anyone else who strode by.

He did observe history at one point in Quebec City. There was the Quebec Conference in August 1943 where Churchill met with Roosevelt during the war. He said that he walked down to the Citadel from his home and while there saw a motorcade of cars leaving the Citadel. He clearly saw both of those great men of the 20th century in their respective cars as they drove by him standing on the sidewalk. He remembered that moment all his life.

Gordon is survived by his 4 children Bob, Susan, Cathy and John (Jody), his partner Jill Teeple and her daughters Sally Devine (Bill), Stephanie Munn (Rob). Gordon and Jill share 13 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

A private funeral will be held for family members only. If you wish to make a donation such can be done to CHEO.

If you wish to contact a family member regarding Gordon do so to the following: Robert [email protected]