OBITUARY — PATRICK CARDINAL

Bell Media extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Bell Media Radio Edmonton General Manager Patrick (Pat) Cardinal. Cardinal passed away last night in Vancouver at the age of 54 after a two-year battle with cancer.

“Pat loved radio, an industry to which he dedicated his entire career and worked tirelessly to shape and grow, earning the deep respect and admiration of his industry colleagues and peers,” said Stewart Meyers, Vice-President, Bell Media Radio Alberta. “Pat’s creativity and vision have had a profound and positive impact on the stations and staff of Bell Media Radio Edmonton, as well as the numerous people and lives he touched across Canadian radio operations. Pat was a unique character and a ferocious competitor, yet one who always paused to enjoy a laugh. We are deeply saddened by this loss. He will be sorely missed.”

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Cardinal began his radio career in 1979 at CJRL Radio in Kenora, ONT., before heading back westward to Winnipeg in 1981, where he spent six years with CFRW. He continued to zig-zag the country, with stints in Vancouver, Hamilton, ONT., Edmonton, and Toronto before heading west once again to Vancouver. In 2024, Cardinal was back in Toronto in the role of Station Manager for CISS-FM/CJAQ-FM. In 2024, he worked as Operations Manager for Newcap Radio Group Edmonton until 2024, followed by a role as Program Manager for Newcap Alberta. In 2024, Cardinal was named General Manager for Astral Radio’s Edmonton stations (later acquired by Bell Media) including 100.3 The Bear, 104.9 VIRGIN RADIO, and TSN 1260.

Capping off what was a tremendous career, Cardinal will be posthumously inducted into the Broadcast Hall of Fame during Canadian Music Week on May