PETER KENELM DICKENS

1929 - 2022

DICKENS, PETER KENELM It is with profound sadness that the family of Peter Kenelm Dickens, announce his peaceful passing, on Saturday, January 15, 2022, at Scarborough General Hospital, at the age of 92. Born May 28, 1929 in London, Ontario, he was the third child of Harry Blundell Dickens and Ida Temple Silk. He was predeceased by his wife, Margaret Helen Dickens (McKay) and brother Harry Brian Dickens (Moira). He will be lovingly remembered by his sister, Lois (John predeceased), son Gary (Judy) and daughters Debbie (Romeo) and Linda (Larry). As a devoted grandfather he leaves behind his grandchildren Peter (Erin), John, Monica, Derek, David (Rebecca), Adrian, Michael (Diana), Christopher (Shannon) and Julie (Jessica). Great-grandfather (GG) to Walter, Alice and Harper. In spring of 1947, while isolating at home with the mumps and listening to the radio, he learned of the Academy of Radio Arts, a broadcasting school started by CBC announcer and later actor Lorne Green. In May 1948, he completed the course as a "Graduate of Distinction". He was then hired as an announcer for CHLO in St. Thomas, Ontario, where he eventually became Assistant Manager. In May 1958, he auditioned and a won a newscaster's job at CHUM in Toronto, where he handled the vital morning newscast responsibilities for the next 11 years. In 1969, he transferred to the new CHUM FM station and helped establish its news policy. The opportunity to be a News Director arose with an offer from CFGM in Richmond Hill, in October 1972, which he accepted. In June 1977, he joined CFRB and in early 1978 became part of the popular morning news show with Wally Crouter where he remained until his retirement on May 14, 1994, exactly 46 years to the day after his very first radio broadcast. To celebrate his retirement, he enjoyed a train trip to British Columbia and a 2-week cruise to Alaska with his wife Margaret. Although he lived a very long and joyful life, unfortunately his health recently declined and he was affected by COVID and we lost our father earlier than we had hoped. Due to COVID restrictions, no visitation or funeral will be held at this time and a celebration of life will take place at the Toronto Hunt, on what would have been his 93rd birthday, May 28th. Online condolences may be left at www.mcdbrownscarb.ca