Sadly there won't be many of us left who listened to or worked with Bill Fox, who passed away July 7th at age 94. His active years in Vancouver radio (at CKWX & CKNW) were the early 1940's to the middle 1960's. (Apparently he continued at CJJC Langley for another decade or two...can anyone confirm?)
Gord Lansdell at his Vancouver Broadcasters site credits Bill with being the host of the CKWX quiz show Red White & Blue before Cal George took it over.
And I can recall Bill reading a pretty mean newscast too, with a warm, ideal-for-radio voice.
Bill Rea hired him away in 1944 to be CKNW's first program director, which meant he pulled his share of air work too over the next 20 years. Two of the shows he hosted were the Fair Sex Quiz (1944) and the Alberta Slim Show (1947-52.)
When he left NW in 1963 he found employment with Joe Chesney at CJJC Langley.
Sadly I don't know the origin of the nickname Barometer Bill. I can only assume it grew out of some assignment as CKNW's weatherman.
According to his official obituary in the Vancouver Sun he was a kind man who loved his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Etta, of 70 years. Sons, Rick (Aileen) and Harv (Dee), grandson Christopher (Stacy) and granddaughters Shannon, Darcy, Corinna & Victoria. Pre-deceased by brothers Jack & Morley and grandson, Ryan Avery Fox in 2010.
A celebration of life is being planned for the family this fall at Qualicum Beach, where Bill & Etta resided for the past 28 years.
Sadly I never met Bill Fox, but I'd have to believe that listening to his air work in my early years helped inspire me to pursue a career in radio which I've never regretted.
I met Bill once, a few years back, and he was such a funny man. He spoke fondly of his years in radio. I was Ryan Fox's girlfriend, and he looked up to his Grandpa very much.