George Balcan

George Balcan
Born George Adelard Alfred Balcaen
June 29, 1932
Died May 4, 2004 (aged 71)
Known for radio broadcaster and artist
Awards Order of Canada

George Balcan, CM (June 29, 1932 – May 4, 2004), born George Adelard Alfred Balcaen, was a Canadian radio broadcaster and artist.

Balcan was one of the most recognizable voices on the airwaves of Montreal for 30 years. Born in St. Boniface, Manitoba in 1931, Balcan first worked as a sketch artist in the engineering department of the Canadian Pacific Railway in his native province.

Balcan began his broadcast career in 1951, when he was the first announcer to sign on with CKDM, a radio station in his hometown of Dauphin, Manitoba. He was later discovered working at CKOC in Hamilton by H.T. “Mac” McCurdy, who brought Balcan to Montreal in 1963 to serve as the afternoon host on CJAD. He then became the station’s morning man in 1967. Balcan moved to cross-town competitor CFCF in 1973, where he also served as an on-air host for their television service. He then returned to CJAD as morning man in 1975, where he remained until his retirement in 1998 — the longest ever to hold the position in any Montreal radio station.

He became an accomplished pastel artist and was a member of the Pastel Society of Canada. His works have graced the walls of the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa. In 1991, he and his family established the George Balcan Bursary at Concordia University, and awards given to Fine Arts students pursuing a major in painting and drawing. Balcan worked tirelessly in his community in support of many causes, including the fight against breast cancer, and for juvenile diabetes research.

Balcan was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 1996. In 2005, he was inducted into the Canadian Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame. He died on May 4, 2004.

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