JAMES TERRY STRAIN

James Terry Strain passed away on July 31, 2025. Only son of Andrew James Strain and Helen Strain (née Torrance), of Toronto, he was predeceased by his parents and sister, Diane Varga. Terry was born in 1938 and was one of the original Canadian "Mad Men," beginning his career in the radio advertising business in the '60s at All Canada Radio Television Sales. It was at CFRB Radio in Toronto where he met Mary Susan Hagarty, from London, Ontario, and they recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary. In the early '70s, the family moved out west for Terry's new job running CJCA radio in Edmonton - not without some trepidation and the need to consult an atlas. It didn't take long for the vast blue Alberta skies and big-hearted people to convert these Ontarians to Westerners. The first wonderous trip to Jasper sealed the deal. In Edmonton, Terry started the first FM rock station, K97, led a trip of world business leaders to Egypt, sat on many boards including the Canadian Development Investment Corp, the Edmonton General Hospital Board (where he loved to take the nuns to Oilers games), and was a confidante to premiers, cabinet ministers, and judges. He had a brief stint between radio jobs as Chairman of the Alberta Liquor Control Board (sorry dad, we drank the good Caymus you were saving but we toasted you properly). When he retired in 2001, he was head of the largest radio company in Canada and a lifetime member of the Western Association of Broadcasters. Terry had a booming laugh, a gift for storytelling, and an irreverent sense of humour. He could remember toothpaste advertising jingles from decades ago. His crusty, sometimes abrupt exterior was just cover for an easy charm and authenticity, which drew people into his orbit. He was happiest when with his family or friends playing a game of cards or backgammon, wine or scotch in hand. He did not suffer fools or phonies but if he was your friend, you could ask for none truer. He would move mountains for those he loved. He leaves his wife, Mary Susan; daughters, Jennifer (Tony Morris), of Calgary, and Laura (George Chrones), of Edmonton; son, Andrew (Colette), of Calgary; and seven grandchildren, Alex, Ian, Matthew, Madeleine, Aiden, Sophia, and Lauren; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews (who know exactly where the horse bit them). Terry's retirement years were spent on Salt Spring Island, where he also leaves many dear friends. We thank the staff of the Lady Minto hospital for their kindness and care in his final days and Dr. Ron Reznick and Jean for their compassion and support over the last several years. The family will hold a private celebration in the fall. Donations in Terry's memory to the Salt Spring Island Foundation or the BC Cancer Foundation gratefully welcomed.