Wayne stayed at the University of Alberta until 1975 teaching courses in the Faculty
of Business Administration and Commerce and operating a market research firm with
a colleague. He left the U of A to work for Alberta Government Telephones in their
Market Research, Planning, and Development Department. In 1980 he joined QCTV
- Ed Polanski's Edmonton-based cable television company. Thatjob eventually led
him to Ottawa as the first Director of Planning for the Canadian Cable Television
Association. Today Wayne lives in the Vancouver suburb of Delta with his wife Holly
and their two young sons Phoenix and Seaton. Wayne continues his involvement in
cable television and is currently the Executive Director of the BC/Yukon Region of the
Canadian Cable Television Association.
Herman Leicht
On January 17, 1949, Herman Leicht (Helen's youngest brother) came to Athabasca
on a winter hiatus from his job as a cat skinner clearing land in the Wandering River
area. The plan went awry however, he began working for Tommy and Helen in Radio
Electric Service - and he never left.
Herman was born on April 16, 1932 in Hay lakes - where he took his early schooling.
He proved to be a hard worker as a boy but also showed a bit of entrepreneurial flair.
He happened to be the only boy in town with a bicycle and to share his treasure he
would treat his friends to a ride - for ten cents a trip. His friends were standing in line
- and Herman had his first taste of making some money.
Herman was a perfect match for Helen and Tommy's business. Shortly after he
arrived in Athabasca he enrolled in the Electrical Apprenticeship Program. He took
courses at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in Calgary and worked in the
business between school sessions. He was soon qualified as a Journeyman
Electrician. Tommy and Herman wired the new Athabasca hospital in 1952 and
Herman eventually took over management of the electrical contracting part of the
business.
He followed Tommy by studying radio and was awarded a Diploma as a Radio
Technician from S.A.l.T. He also received a license as a Projectionist and filled in for
the regular projectionist at Richard Hall's theatre - Jim Holroyd.
In 1960, Herman married Doreen Wilkinson, a nurse who was in training with Richard
and Hazel Hall's daughter Sharon. They had two children: Kevin, born on January 6,
1963; and, Gail born on August 18, 1965.
Herman and Doreen became partners with Helen and Tommy in 1964 and became
full owners in 1970. Under their direction the business continued to expand.
Electrical contracting was extended to more industrial clients and more electricians
were hired. Appliance servicing also expanded and Herman hired on staff to help in
this area. The giftware and sales side of the business was also enlarged when
Herman added an engraving service and took on a Radio Shack franchise to supply
radios and other assorted electronic equipment and components.
In 1981, Herman and Doreen sold the business to Philip Brown, an electrician who
had been working in the business.