Aldred: From CBC to Hollywood and Back to Toronto

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Joel Walkden Aldred, D.F.C. Died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, October 12, 2011. He was born in Toronto on June 18, 1920. A longtime resident of Port Perry, Aldred was a distinguished man who leaves behind a giant footprint, from being a Businessman, Radio and Television Personality to an influential history maker in Broadcast Communications. Aldred was also a decorated Bomber Pilot in the Second World War, serving as Squadron Leader and acting Wing Commander. Famous for his voice, Aldred had an International Broadcasting career that lasted for over 50 years. He started as a Radio Announcer with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in 1945. Aldred claimed to be the first person ever fired from the CBC when in 1949, he referred to the network as a "socialistic monopoly", creating a political stir at the time. Undeterred, he went on to build a successful solo Broadcasting career with his photographic memory and handsome good looks. His career took off when television came into households. In the 1950s, Aldred became one of the highest paid and most in-demand advertising Broadcasters in Hollywood, performing live on-air commercials for the Chevrolet Division of General Motors and other major sponsors on the Perry Como Show, Bob Hope Show and the Dinah Shore Show. Aldred's commercials have received awards at Cannes International Film Festival. By the 1960s, Aldred was travelling to New York and Hollywood weekly from his Scugog Island Farm, clocking over one million miles in a five year period. In addition to advertising, Aldred provided narration for Television and Film publications such as Studio 57 (1955) and the Secret Door (1964). Aldred's passion for Broadcast Communications helped shape the face of Television Broadcasting in Canada today. In 1960, Aldred formed a Business Corporation, Aldred-Rogers Broadcasting, with the late Ted Rogers and they, with other investors (Telegram Corporation and Foster Hewitt Broadcasting), launched CFTO Television, which eventually became the CTV Television Network. As the first President at CFTO, Aldred was instrumental in modernizing television in Canada, bringing in the first colour TV broadcasting equipment. With all of his many accomplishments in Broadcasting, one of Aldred's proudest achievements was his national Canadian video "I am a Canadian", which was produced for Expo '67 and re-released in 1992. Aldred served as a Director and a Member of numerous Boards and Organizations including Rothmans of Canada, CFTO, WWF and the National Advisory Council on Aging and others. As a longtime ardent Nationalist, Aldred developed close relationships with two former Prime Ministers: Louis St. Laurent and John Diefenbaker and helped influence Policy as an Advisor. Aldred travelled extensively throughout the world as an Aide to Prime Minister Diefenbaker. They developed a strong personal friendship and Aldred was one of the Executors of Prime Minister Diefenbaker's will, helping to establish the Diefenbaker Museum. Aldred was predeceased by his wife Anne, brothers William and Norman and nephew Bill Nettelfield. He is survived by his sister, Kathryn Aldred-Nettelfield, various nieces and nephews, including Lynn Nettelfield, John Nettelfield, Teri Aldred, Janice Brenneman (Aldred), Kathryn Simmonds, Laura Chase, Greg Aldred and sister-in-law Judy Aldred. He will be sadly missed by his family and his closest friends, including Jerry Chamberlain, Miriam Price, Betty Penny and Douglas G. Baird. The family of Joel Aldred will receive friends at the WAGG FUNERAL HOME, "McDermott-Panabaker Chapel", 216 Queen Street in Port Perry (905-985-2171), on Tuesday, October 25th from 10--11 a.m. A Service to celebrate his life will be held in the Chapel at 11 a.m. Private interment Pine Grove Cemetery, Prince Albert. If desired, memorial donations may be made by cheque to the Port Perry Hospital Foundation. Memories and condolences may be left at http://www.waggfuneralhome.com

Published in the Toronto Star from October 18 to October 22, 2011