Who was Jerry Forbes...other than Dad?

Jerry Forbes was actually Murray "McIntyre" Forbes but his name was changed to "Jerry" for on air purposes.

He was born in Innisfail, Alberta (1923)  to parents Stanley and Beatrice Forbes - and passed away in September of 1981 at age 58.

He also had a brother Jack who passed away at the young age of 47.  Jerry was married twice; first to Noreen Elizabeth Mooney - and they had three boys - named Martin (Marty), Gordon, and Gerry.

A second marriage to Margaret Sooter brought son Danny; and daughter Kerry in to the world.

*Early 1950's - Marty and Gord

Jerry spent the bulk of his radio career at CHED in Edmonton, launching it in 1954 - and moving through the system to become General Manager of the station.  He spent 28 years in the building, leaving in June of 1981.

A tall man at 6' 5" he was often with 'pipe in hand' and was known as quite a talented performer, often singing and dancing.  His love of music was immense and favored the Big Band era, and a few of his favorte artists include Ray Price, Nancy Wilson, Louis Prima, Ella Fitzgerald and Dinah Washington.

His other loves included a voracious appetite for reading; and he highly enjoyed his 1971 Corvette Sting Ray convertible - often driving throughout the US during his holidays.  

Marty with Tommy and a picture of Dad

Some of his best friends in Edmonton counted among the 'elite' of the city, including Senator Tommy  Banks, Dr. John Callaghan, Dr. Larry Sterns, and many others.  The group were often seen at Tita's Restaurant and their Saturday afternoon gatherings were quite legendary to say the least.

Dad 'stylin in the middle'...

Jerry - Nat King Cole - John!

CHED became quite a powerful radio station in Edmonton, and as it grew celebrities would often drop by the radio station for interviews prior to appearing in town.

Above he is seen 'shining the shoes' of legendary singer/piano player Nat King Cole alongside John Barton, former CHED announcer.

Don - Dad - Contest Winners - Phil

This shot was taken with a CHED prize winner and The Everly Brothers.  Later, when Don and Phil Everly appeared at Expo '86 in Vancouver I was able to get them to autograph this picture as they remembered the shot of Dad, as they said, "towering" over them.

Rockabilly singer Ronnie Hawkins was a big fan too - and called him "the silver haired gentleman."

Jerry loved practical jokes and participated in some 'classics.'

One of the best was when he was involved in was a prank on the aforementioned Dr. Sterns who had an Oldsmobile Cutlass convertible that he would often leave with the top down in the U OF A parking lot.  Jerry and the boys decided one day to 'fill it to the roof' with Quaker Oats puffed wheat cereal; putting the top up; and leaving a bowl, a spoon, and some milk for him to enjoy!

CHED produced many great programs and promotions over the years but none bigger than Santas Anonymous  - and his famous "A Creature was Stirring" - was produced by Bob McCord and aired on 630 CHED for the past 40 some years saluting those who helped make Santas so successful.

TRIBUTE from the Canadian Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame site:

In regards to Santas Anonymas

"It was Jerry's belief that radio should use the power it had to serve the community. He launched Santas Anonymous from a humble beginning in the basement of the radio station, by delivering 300 toys to the needy children of Edmonton in the first year.

The Santas Anonymous program was still running more than 40 years later, and hundreds of volunteers were needed to deliver more than 25,000 toys each year.  

Jerry wrote and voiced a tribute to those who distributed the toys called "A Creature Was Stirring" and the campaign was kicked off each September with a 2,500-motorcycle rally that circled the city.

At CHED, Jerry was also known for his Good Guy program, his daily humanity editorials, and for his strong singing voice.

The city of Edmonton honoured Jerry by naming four city streets after him in the late 1980's in the Riverbend Falconer Heights area: Forbes Street, Forbes Close, etc. 

All three of Jerry's children followed his footsteps into the broadcasting business. 

By 2005, the CAB Quarter Century Club included four members of the Forbes family.

Jerry Forbes was named an Honorary Lifetime Member of The Western Association of Broadcasters in 1993.

---

Other information is available at:


www.jerryforbescentre.ca

Twitter:  @jerryforbescntr - @santasanonymous

Facebook:  JerryForbesCentre

Noreen - Neil Sheehy - Gerry - Gord - Marty!