Gary Russell of Vista Radio has announced his retirement after a 35-year career in Prince George.
After graduating from BCIT in 1982, Russell started on the graveyard shift, moved up to mornings on 94X (CIRX-FM), then PD and eventually ended up (in 2005) as Regional Cluster GM/GSM for all 10 Vista stations in Northern BC.
His last day will be June 29. Our thanks to Broadcast Dialogue for the alert.
I don’t think I’ve ever met Gary, but everyone I know who has worked with him says he was an absolute prince of a man, great mentor and pivotal in their career development. Congratulations to a true pro on a wonderful almost 4 decades in the biz.
Gary is a wonderful man who always has time for everyone. A radio pro, a solutions guy, and a great guy to bounce ideas off. He’s gonna be missed I’m sure.
…And he always seemed to have a little baggie of something to take away the stress of those long Doug Short announcing classes!! Sooooooo…..there’s me……Shane Straub (MIcheals) ….anyone else from the ’82 class still standing?
Institution in PG. the ‘other Gary Russell’. One of the good guys.
More time to golf now Gar. Love to hear one last time before he dials out, see eye rex.
all the best buddy
Doug
Had so much fun with Gary when I moved to Vancouver from the Island to attend BCIT. ripping around Kits on our bikes, His old VW. The Cave! The “on air club” Where’d the time go! congrats Gary….hope you have an awesome retirement. Looks like I will be up in PG a lot more now. Happy trails pal!
Thanks Gary for giving it all to the radio industry . Let’s go golfing buddy cheers wayne