Eric McCleery

ERIC JOHN MCCLEERY After being diagnosed with cancer only one month ago, Eric passed away on Sunday, July 18, 2004. Born in Melbourne, Australia on the 18th of September, 1926, he is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Gail Einarson-McCleery O.F., Honorary Consul for Iceland, and by his two sons Andy and Cameron, from his first marriage to Joan (deceased 1971) and four grandchildren, Sean, Lauren, Christopher and Esther. He also leaves Joanne (Cam's wife) and in Australia his sister Lois, his niece Liana and nephew David, and in Vancouver Gail's daughter Lesley and her family. Eric was studying to become an aeronautical engineer but as World War II came to a close and the cold war began, he found a career in international broadcasting as a news announcer for Radio Australia. Eric then became a pioneer of Australian television being one of the first three producers at the Australian Broadcasting Commission in Melbourne. He produced and directed documentaries and variety programs for five years, notably live multi camera broadcasts of several plays. Arriving in Canada in 1961 with his first wife and two children, he joined the CBC and produced shows such as 'Let's Speak English', 'Country Calendar' and 'This Land'. At the CBC Eric was again a pioneer, producing CBC's cutting edge program 'Analog', the first business analysis and stock market program of its kind. Eric retired after 25 years of service. Although he was a Canadian citizen for almost forty years, Eric delighted in his Australian heritage and many of the friendships 'down under ' he kept throughout the years. During Eric's brief illness he received many visits, e-mails and calls from all around the world which cheered him greatly. He enjoyed wonderful memories. The family thanks the staff at St. Joseph's Health Centre, in particular Dr. Jon Blondal, and the caring staff and volunteers at St. Michael's Palliative Care Unit. Friends may call at Turner & Porter, Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor St. West, at Windermere, east of Jane subway from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 pm on Thursday, July 22. Service the following day, Friday, July 23, 2004 at Morningside-High Park Presbyterian Church, 4 Morningside Ave. Toronto at 2 p.m. Cremation and interment at a later date. Reception to follow in the church hall. In Eric's honour, flowers or donations to Morningside Presbyterian or The Icelandic National League of N.A. or the Canadian Cancer Society (Ontario chapter) would be gratefully accepted.