Dennis Barkman
Born
Barkman loved music,
started a boy's band and began a career in broadcasting in nearby Altona. (Southern Manitoba Broadcasting Co. - CFAM)
In the mid sixties, Dennis purchased 30% of Fraser Valley Broadcasters Ltd.
from Bill Teetzel and became Vice-President and
served as Sales Manager. In 1969, together with six employees purchased
the remaining shares of the company from Murdo MacLachlan and Bill Wolfe and as the majority shareholder
became President of the company.
Barkman was involved in all phases of radio
- he read the news at historic station CHWK at
His skill was in selling a quality station to the
advertisers and hiring people who would assist him in the growth of his
broadcast empire. In 1972 he negotiated a deal whereby
(CHWK, CFVR, CKGO, CKOK, CKOO,
Dennis's thirty year career in broadcasting lasted
until 1987 when BCAA appointed him president of this large automobile based
organization.
1977 board member,
1984 board chair,
1987 president
He was known for his charm, friendliness and
"way about him" that was appreciated by employees and management.
While in the Greater Vancouver area - he was
involved with the Board of Trade, Chamber of Commerce, Vancouver Thunderbirds
men's barbershop quartet and associated with the BCIT Board of Governors.
Dennis Cornelius Barkman
died March 11, 1995 of a brain tumour after less than a year of treatment