Frank Dolphin, one of the original news reporters at CBC-TV in Edmonton, died early on Tuesday morning. He was one of the good guys ... some would say the best of the good guys.
What follows is Bill Laing's email about his passing:
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I knew I'd have to write this unwelcome news at some time, but I had no idea how difficult it is to write about the loss of a long time friend and colleague who has been such a special person to so many of us who knew Frank Dolphin.
Frank passed away just after midnight this morning, February 5th. Marg and many of Frank's family were with him at his bedside in the University Hospital.
Frank had been hospitalized four times over the last month with pneumonia.
I first met Frank when he and I worked in the newsroom of CHED radio in Edmonton in 1959. Frank was already a veteran in the Press Gallery at the Alberta Legislature. We worked together on the Lamont tragedy when a train hit a school bus at a level crossing on a frigid minus 40-dgree morning in January 1960, killing 16 students.
Frank was one of the originals in the CBC newsroom when CBXT-TV Edmonton signed on in October 1961. Frank is the most honest, caring and helpful person I know. I think everyone who knows him will say the same thing.
Over the years he covered just about every beat and type of story.
I'm sure for him the highlight of his professional life was an assignment to do some stories in Israel.
Frank's faith wasn't just a Sunday thing, it guided him every moment of each day.
When Canada repatriated the constitution, Frank was sent to London, and managed to get into the tower of London and get pictures of the original British North America Act, an Act of the British government setting up Canada as a sovereign Dominion in 1867. He chuckled when he told us about it. Frank had been denied Access to the document, so he and the cameraman went to the Tower as tourists. He asked one of the guides where the BNA document was, and the man took him to a desk in the Tower, pulled out a drawer, and left Frank and the cameraman to handle The original and take whatever pictures they wished!
As a TV journalist Frank had a great gift for telling compelling stories. And the people he interviewed always said afterward how they appreciated his fairness, discretion and sensitive reporting.
He also had stints as Editor of the Western Catholic Reporter, and after retiring from CBC, set up a private writing service where his work included the writing of books for clients, including a former cabinet minister.
Frank turned 85 last September. He is survived by his wife, Margaret, four sons, two daughters and many grand children.
Funeral service will be at St, Joseph's Basilica in Edmonton, Monday February 11th at 10.
There is a viewing at 9 and a reception will follow the service. Long time family friend Father Mike McCaffery (spelling?) will officiate.