His first opportunity as a director came in 1955 when he filled in as a summer
replacement for the regular director. Turning
down a surprise offer to transfer to Scottish Television proved to be an
excellent career move, as Bill was soon afforded the opportunity to become
director at the Ottawa station.
In 1960, accepting a directing job offered by Ernie Bushnell at a new television
station, CJOH, Bill moved his family to Ottawa, and directed the very first
program aired on the new station. From
the small studio on Bayswater Avenue, Shorgas Barn Dance brought a new ear of
television to Ottawa. This was
Bill’s introduction to musical shows, and they soon became his passion.
For the next thirty years, Bill continued his personal growth and
dedication to perfection in the television milieu.
Bill’s first personal experience with directing a musical show was “Barn
Dance”. Bill loved to be at the
center of musical programming, and his many projects included Cross Canada Barn
Dance and the Family Brown Country shows. Bill
is remembered for his charm and wit as well as his ability to help all who came
under his direction to relax, allowing the production of first class material.
Unfortunately, the end of an era in the television industry came in 1995
when Bill passed away in July of that year.