April 02

Born in Montreal in 1920, Gerald Bouey joined the Bank of Canada in 1940. He rose through the ranks to become Governor from 1973 to 1987. Bouey steered Canadian monetary policy through the oil crises and high inflation of the 1970s. His leadership introduced modern policy frameworks and strengthened the nation’s financial stability. After retiring, he served as a consultant and remained an influential voice in economics.

Rudra Rajasingham was a distinguished Sri Lankan law enforcement leader and diplomat. Rising through the ranks, he became the Inspector General of Police, where he implemented modernization and community policing initiatives. After retiring from active service, Rajasingham represented Sri Lanka abroad as ambassador to countries including Iran and Ethiopia. His diplomatic work focused on strengthening international cooperation in security and development. Known for his integrity and leadership, he was respected by colleagues and foreign counterparts alike. Rajasingham's career exemplified dedication to public service and national progress.

Born in Twickenham, England, Roy Masters moved to the United States in the 1950s and founded the Foundations of Human Understanding, offering psychological and spiritual guidance through his syndicated radio show. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he broadcast daily programs that combined common-sense advice, personal anecdotes, and philosophical insights to help listeners improve their relationships and personal well-being. Masters authored numerous books on self-help and personal development, and his teachings influenced generations of followers. He passed away in 2021 at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy of practical wisdom and compassionate mentorship.

Carl Kasell (b. April 2, 1934) was a beloved American radio personality whose warm voice became synonymous with NPR news. He joined National Public Radio in 1975 as a news announcer for 'All Things Considered'. In 1998, Kasell became the official judge and scorekeeper for the comedy quiz show 'Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!', endearing him to a nationwide audience with his wit and professionalism. Over his four-decade career, he earned a reputation for reliability, humor, and mentorship of young broadcasters. Kasell retired in 2014 and passed away in 2018, leaving a lasting legacy in public radio.

Born on April 2, 1934, Richard Portman became one of Hollywood's most acclaimed sound engineers. His career spanned more than five decades and included work on classics such as 'The Godfather' (1972), 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' (1975), and 'The Deer Hunter' (1978), for which he won the Academy Award for Best Sound. Portman received six additional Oscar nominations for his work on films like 'Coal Miner's Daughter' and 'Amadeus'. Known for his innovation in location sound recording, he collaborated with top directors and studios throughout his career. Portman's contributions helped shape modern film audio, and he passed away in 2017.

Born Barret Hansen in 1941 in Los Angeles, Dr. Demento created his persona in the early 1970s and launched a syndicated radio show that became a cult favorite. His program introduced audiences to novelty hits like 'Fish Heads' and popularized artists such as 'Weird Al' Yankovic. For over three decades, his show provided a platform for humorous and unusual recordings from around the world. Demento's encyclopedic knowledge of comedic music has influenced DJs and comedians alike. Even after retiring from regular broadcasting, he continues to curate special programs and maintain an online archive of his collections.

Daniel Okrent is a renowned journalist and non-fiction author known for his pioneering role as the first public editor of The New York Times. He is also credited with co-creating the fantasy baseball concept, igniting a popular sports phenomenon. Okrent has written several acclaimed books on language, history, and media. His work in journalism includes major roles at Time magazine and The Chicago Tribune. He has held academic positions and continues to contribute insightful commentary on media ethics and culture.

Paul Gambaccini is a veteran radio and television presenter who has hosted music programs for BBC Radio and other major outlets. Nicknamed 'The Great Gambo,' he is celebrated for his encyclopedic knowledge of popular music and charismatic on-air personality. Gambaccini has interviewed countless artists and charted music trends over several decades. He has written books on music history and continues to be an influential voice in broadcasting and music journalism.

Pascale Nadeau is a veteran Canadian journalist and television news anchor, best known for her work with the TVA network in Quebec. She has covered major national and international events with clarity and depth, earning recognition for her investigative reporting. Nadeau's career spans over three decades, during which she has interviewed key political and cultural figures. She is admired for her professionalism and ability to convey complex stories to a broad audience. Her contributions have made her a respected voice in Canadian media.

Karl Beattie is an English director and producer specializing in documentary and reality television. He co-created and produced the long-running series Most Haunted, exploring paranormal investigations across the UK. Born in 1963, he has directed episodes for various broadcast networks, focusing on unexplained phenomena and historical mysteries. Beattie collaborates frequently with his wife, television presenter Yvette Fielding, on both production and creative development. His work has shaped the popularity of paranormal programming and reality-based documentaries in British television. He continues to produce and direct shows that blend investigative journalism with entertainment.

Rodney Glenn King was an American construction worker born in 1965. His brutal beating by LAPD officers in 1991 was captured on video and widely broadcast. When a jury acquitted the officers in 1992, the verdict triggered the Los Angeles riots, resulting in widespread unrest. King became a symbol of the fight against police brutality and racial injustice in the United States. He struggled with personal issues and addiction in later life and died in 2012 from accidental drowning. His legacy endures in civil rights dialogues and calls for law enforcement reform.

Pattie Mallette (born 1975) is a Canadian author and film producer. She gained recognition through her autobiography "Nowhere but Up," detailing her challenging upbringing and personal transformations. As a film producer, she has been involved in projects highlighting inspirational and faith-based stories. Mallette is also known for being the mother of internationally acclaimed singer Justin Bieber. In her work, she emphasizes themes of resilience, faith, and personal growth. Through her writing and production, she has inspired many with her journey from hardship to empowerment.