As we prepared the spring issue I heard news that Arthur Black, a talented writer broadcaster who began his 30 year career at the CBC radio outlet on Miles Street was battling pancreatic cancer.
I immediately emailed the always affable Art to see if he would comment on the crazy times and experiences he had here. I was expecting him to describe the environment like an episode of WKPR in Cincinnati (which as I recall, it was). But in the 70’s and 80’s - our little CBC outlet had a cast of incredibly talented individuals. Who would have thought Louise Penny, the morning show host would go on to become a literary giant in crime writing novels and Lorne Saxberg would go on to become one of the first anchors to launch CBC Newsworld.
Two other notable hosts who worked along side Arthur were Terry Morris and Don Edwards. Terry, who still lives a few blocks from the station, had only kind words about Arthur and his accomplishments over the years, especially when he was tapped to create a nationally broadcast Saturday morning show called ‘Basic Black’, which turned into a huge hit. Edwards gleefully shared some stories about Arthur. "Arthur’s radio noon show originally aired hog reports" laughed Edwards. “Arthur would drive in from Nolalu each day and was notorious for bringing his dog to work.
I remember one day hearing a pounding below the floor of the studio while I was on the air. I quickly went to music, shut off the microphone and ran down the stairs to see what was going on. There was Arthur sitting at his desk, slouched over a typewriter with his hands over his semi-bald head yelling “I CAN’T WRITE!!!”.
But Arthur could write - he was a master of the short story, able to parse the shortest phrase.
Black went on to win three Stephen Leacock Memorial Medals for Humour, including one for his book ‘Pitch Black’ in 2006.
Arthur never did respond to my email, he was into the final days of his battle. He died on February 21st.
We were certainly lucky to have him as part of our community.
