Radio colleagues remember pioneering program director

The Hepps from CAB-K Broadcasting remembered their longtime colleague and friend Brian Stephenson as a man wholly devoted to his radio profession, after he passed away on Sept. 13 following a battle with cancer that dated back to 2014. He was 54 years old.

Stephenson was the first program director of 96.5 CKFM, joining Brian and Melanie Hepp one month after they launched the station in February, 2004. Their friendship began in 1992 when the three were working together at a station in Wainwright.

In Stephenson they found somebody with extensive experience. He was trained at Western Academy Broadcasting College in Saskatoon, getting his first job at the local station in his hometown North Battleford. Before coming to Olds, his career included stops at CKNL in Fort St. John; 620 CKCK in Regina; Fort Nelson and High Prairie.

Melanie says he brought a talent for programming they didn't have, while Brian adds that Stephenson made their startup sound professional, like their well-established competitors.

"We are so close to Red Deer, we're so close to Calgary and people at that time, that's what they'd been listening to prior to us, some pretty good-sounding radio stations," Brian says.

"For us to have a program director ... that easily could have been working in those markets himself if he wanted to, it was just great for us."

In his position, Stephenson made the big decisions regarding on-air content, from music, news, features to shows. Whereas some might not have been receptive to criticism and suggestions, he was always open to it, Brian says.

He recalls Stephenson's work ethic – always the first to volunteer for remotes, to work long weekends and holidays. And while on vacation, Stephenson could always be reached by phone or text, ensuring that even through technical difficulties with equipment, the music kept playing. Until the day before he died, he was still texting co-workers about what needed to be done for the morning show.

Stephenson also managed the staff. Melanie says he was the ideal boss – a diplomat, never getting upset with anyone.

"If there was ever an issue, he'd sit you down and say: 'this is how you're doing it and this is how it has to be done.' Everybody respected the way he dealt with people and with problems," she says.

As a DJ, Stephenson was a morning show staple, bringing a warm and friendly voice to the airwaves.

"If you talked to him outside of that, he was the same way. He didn't have the fake, big (radio voice)," Melanie says.

That voice reflected the generosity of character they remember. Finding accommodations for staff has been an ongoing challenge. Stephenson opened his home to many new-hires. In one instance, a new employee arrived in the province from Yellowknife on a bus at 3 a.m. He picked her up.

"That's the sort of guy he was. He'd just bend over backwards to help anybody," Brian says.

Outside the studio, the Hepps say Stephenson was a big fan of old-time television and music. He was a Montreal Canadiens fan and owned a large hockey card collection. He was an animal lover, owning a pair of shih tzu crosses.

Stephenson left work in the fall of 2014. He returned twice – first in March 2015, working until December. Then, as his health grew more precarious, he worked from July to August this year -- one last chance to be on the air, one more time to say goodbye.

"Where most of us would want to lay on a beach with palm trees and a drink, Brian just wanted to be here," Melanie says.

Stephenson is survived by his fiance Bea Elvers and her son Howie; his parents Ron and Leone Stephenson; sister Brenda Murray, brother Terry Stephenson and numerous aunts, uncles, great-nieces and -nephews.

He was loved, admired and heard by many.

A celebration of life will be held on Sept. 30 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion in Olds. In lieu of flowers, visitors can make donations to the S.P.C.A. of their choice.

[email protected]