David John Vincent
The family of DAVID JOHN VINCENT is saddened to announce his passing away on Tuesday, March 13, at the age of 75. He remained his characteristic sharp-witted and good-humoured self throughout his life.
David was born in Northampton, England after his pregnant mother was evacuated from London to avoid the German bombing. He then grew up in Orpington, Kent, the eldest of four children (Michael, Trish, Eileen).
David began a long career in radio as part of the Pirate Radio movement. Under the pseudonym “David Sinclair”, he and his fellow pirates broadcasted pop music from decommissioned sea-forts or offshore boats to millions of listeners throughout Britain and Europe. Shortly after the UK government passed the Marine Broadcasting Offenses Act in 1967, David moved to Canada to continue his broadcasting career in radio and television. Eventually settling in the Edmonton area, David had three sons (Christopher, Stephen, Ross).
With his considerable experience he turned his hand to teaching, helping to train a new generation of radio personalities. As the industry changed, so did he, and he applied his affable charm to a vibrant career in sales.
David published his Pirate Radio memoirs “Making Waves” under his radio pseudonym in 2015. At the urging of his children, David recorded an audiobook of “Making Waves” in 2017, sharing his great talent and remarkable voice one final time.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Cross Cancer Institute and the Foyer Lacombe for their tremendous care.
David was one of our oldest and dearest friends. Our kids adopted him as their “Uncle Dave” when we worked together at CKSO in Sudbury ON in 1968. We were destined to work together again in 1972 at CFRN in Edmonton and we remained close down through the years. Our deepest condolences to the Vincent family.
I fondly remember playing in the backyard with Christopher and Stephen during the brief Edmonton summers while our parents talked and laughed. These are some of my earliest memories and I am sorry to hear of his passing. My deepest sympathies to your family, and I hope Dave and my father are reliving old times together now, wherever that may be.
I worked with David at CHQT for a short period of time. He was always very kind and professional. Please accept my condolences on his passing.
I was honored to work with David at CFRN-FM from 1974-80. I fondly remember David producing many programs like Frank Sinatra(The Man and his Music)and my favorite, Glenn Miller. I was the technician who assisted David. He even bought my 1976 baby blue Dodge Charger from me(lol)What a kind and gentle man he was. Great boss.