Art McDonald Coins “The Friendly Voice”

but Dad’s was more introspective and undemonstrative. Art was quick— silver and volatile. When he applied for the job, he had just returned home from Boston where he had been working for the Edison Company, first as an accountant and then as an announcer. Prior to that he had been with the Bank of Nova Scotia, eventually achieving the rank of Assistant Accountant. Since his return from Boston, he had been work— ing as Office Manager for the II. Hughes Company, Ltd., of Souris, Art’s home town.

Anyone who knew Art would realize that working as a full time accountant would be a killer for him. He was too flamboyant, too crea— tively restless. An office job would have to be part of a larger and more stimulating package. Within that context, an office management job per— formed by Art would be meticulously accomplished. For example, when Keith Morrow—a few years later actually than the period I am describ— ing now—was waiting for an interview in the outer office of the Brace Block, he nonchalantly sat back and put his feet up on the desk. Art came through, saw him, and fixed him with a penetrating stare from his piercing blue eyes, and roared at him, “Who do you think you are? Get those feet off that desk at once——this is a place of business!”

Art was thirty—seven when Dad interviewed him. They were both super—salesmen. Dad realized that Art was in many ways a tormented soul, an unfulfilled talent looking desperately for a chance. Art had a university education, having attended St. Dunstan’s in Charlottetown; this, plus his business and broadcasting experience added to his daring and energy was exactly what Dad needed to make things work. Art was

a maverick who could pull things off and pull others into line if he had to.

“I’m looking for a man who will build this station up. Who will organize the staff the ofi‘ice, and the programs. In fact, if he proves himself will be Director and next in rank to me,” Dad said to Art.

“I’d like to try that, Colonel.” Art answered.

“Okay. Come in as soon as you are ready.”

Art, in addition to the other qualities I have mentioned, was an Islander through and through. He loved Souris and was proud of his r00ts there. He knew what Prince Edward Islanders liked and he set

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