SHRIER o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2007-07-22 published
SHRIER rose in ranks of newspaper industry
By Dave SYKES,
Sun
Media,
Sun.,
July 22, 2007
Goderich -- No matter how successful he became in the newspaper
publishing industry, Robert (Bob) G.
SHRIER never compromised
the belief that success was a combination of a personal vision
and the development and dedication of a good staff.
The man who developed a thriving printing and publishing company
in rural Ontario from a personal dream to own his own newspaper,
SHRIER died in hospital here Monday after a brief illness. He
was 72.
Owner and publisher of the Goderich Signal-Star for more than
22 years, SHRIER and his former wife, Jocelyn (Jo) were well-known
and respected in the community and publishing business.
Born in Cambridge in 1935,
SHRIER showed the innate ability to
sell when he took a job as shoe salesperson at the age of 14 to
support the family through difficult times.
The family moved to Ottawa and
SHRIER landed a job at the Ottawa
Journal, a Thomson newspaper.
Working through many of the daily papers in the Thompson chain,
SHRIER became an effective sales manager, known for building
strong retail relationships and community ties wherever he worked.
In 1961, Goderich Signal-Star owner George
ELLIS placed a classified
ad in the Globe and Mail looking for a salesperson and newsman
to join the local community newspaper in a "small town where
future possibilities are excellent."
SHRIER answered the call to sell ads in the Signal-Star and he
doubled as a writer, mostly producing weekly sports-related columns.
By 1962, SHRIER had bought a 10 per cent interest in the paper.
Three years later, he finally realized a lifelong dream by buying
the Signal-Star.
"It takes more than vision and ambition,"
SHRIER said in an 1987
interview. "You have to have good people that will work with
you, not for you."
In 1966, SHRIER bought a printing press that propelled the company's
rapid growth.
Within a year, the company had acquired the Clinton News Record
and in 1969, the Kincardine News was purchased.
SHRIER believed newspapers were essential to the economic health
of communities.
"It is the duty of a newspaper to have the retailers of the community
use the newspaper as an advertising vehicle to keep the money
in the town and therefore, keep dollars in the town," he once
said.
While the publishing business was expanding, more than 20 community
newspapers in Western Ontario were being printed in Goderich.
By the time the
SHRIERs sold the business to the St. Catharines
Standard Ltd. in 1987, the company had grown to include publications
in Mitchell, Lucknow, Seaforth, Zurich-Grand Bend and Walkerton
and various specialty publications such as Focus and Leisure
Life tourist magazine.
A sought-after speaker, he published several books.
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SHROTT o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2007-09-14 published
HUNTER,
Lorna
Alleyne
Peacefully on September 5, 2007 at Kensington Gardens, Toronto.
Daughter of the late Joseph and Annie
(HART.)
Sister of Harry
and Evelyn (deceased) fondly remembered by many cousins and Friends.
Lorna had many passions but they all came second to what she
loved best, people. No matter whom Lorna met or dealt with once
she had, 'checked you out' and decided you were okay you were
rarely allowed to escape her gracious and generous Friendship.
Thanks to the staff of 4 West at Kensington Gardens for their
compassionate care, especially Doctor
SHROTT and Jessy John. Cremation
has taken place and a celebration of Lorna's life will be held
sometime in the future. Please refer to the web site of Humber
Valley United Church in Toronto for information. www.hvuc.ca
In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice.
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