BLACKADAR

Harold (Hal) Eugene Blackadar passed away with his family by his side on 6 October 2025 at the age of 84 years.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years, Susan; children: Jeffrey (Christine), Janelle, and James (Pauline); grandchildren: Colbe, Alexandra, Maile, Peter, Samuel, and 

Hamish; sister, Inez Williams, as well as numerous relatives and friends.

Hal was born in New Canada, Nova Scotia to Clifford and Leilah Blackadar. Hal, his sister Inez, and half-brother Eldridge started their education in a one room schoolhouse at a time before electric power reached their family’s farm in 1949. Hal began his career in radio broadcasting with a weekly student radio show at CKDH in Amherst, NS while attending Mount Allison university in the late 1950’s. He later worked at CKBW in Bridgewater, NS and joined CHNS in Halifax in 1962 as a news reporter. It was in Halifax that Hal and Susan met, and they were married in 1963. Hal later became an announcer, promotions director and sales manager. In 1970, as program director at CHNS, he launched CHFX-FM, the first full-time country music radio station in eastern Canada. He became the general manager of both stations in 1972. Hal, Susan, and their children moved to Ottawa in 1983 where Hal managed CKOY and CKBY. In 1990, Hal, Susan and their two youngest children moved to Oakville, Ontario, when Hal became president of Key Radio limited, a division of MacLean Hunter. In 1995, Hal joined Shaw Communications and managed CFNY in Toronto. In 2000, he became Vice President, Ontario Radio, for Corus Entertainment. In 2003, he was named Vice President, Human Resources for Corus. In 2011 Hal became President, Radio for Corus until 2012, when he retired. Later in 2012, Hal completed his career in radio, managing four Corus radio stations in Vancouver. Hal enjoyed working with the talented people in the radio business through a career that spanned a half century. He also enjoyed travelling with Sue to various destinations, including home to Nova Scotia. In more recent years, they visited Florida during the winter where Hal and Sue enjoyed guests, golfing and being outdoors.

Hal devoted time to charitable organizations and entertainment industry bodies, including the Royal Ottawa Health Care Foundation, United Way, Digital Radio, and the Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings (FACTOR).

A family gathering will be held.

Memorial Donations may be made to Parkinson Canada (https://www.parkinson.ca/get-involved/), Oakville Hospital Foundation (https://www.haltonhealthcare.on.ca/donate) or local United Way (https://www.unitedway.ca/donate/).

The family wishes to thank the staff at Amica Bronte Harbour and the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital for their care and friendliness.

Condolences may be expressed via the website https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/glenoaks/obituaries/harold-hal-blackadar/148942.html