John Crane

Announcer and Sales

I was born in Great Britain, attended school at a Jesuit seminary and grew up to become a professional cricket player and a professional soccer player, having a simply marvelous time travelling all over the world, earning my living playing sports.

I decided I would eventually move to the U.S., but as a British subject, I found it much easier to move to Canada. I landed here when I was 27 years old, leaving behind my pro sports career.

I came to Winnipeg because I was told there were no jobs on the coasts, only to discover that there were no jobs in Winnipeg either. But within days, I had phoned the English owner of Red Top Television on Pembina Highway and was hired as its sales manager.

After moving to Calgary in life insurance branch management, I joined radio station CKO, doing documentaries and live broadcasts. I was lured back to Winnipeg with "an offer too good to resist" as station manager for their new station. It was closed down after 11 days, but my wife Barb and I decided to stay here, and I worked for myself in marketing.

Barb had grown up with CJNU’s president Bill Stewart. In October 2006, Bill attended our son's wedding. CJNU was in the formative stage, and Bill recruited me as an announcer on the spot. I am in charge of sponsor sales as well.

Years ago, I met weekly with Jack Wells at Rae and Jerry’s. These days, you’ll find me at the Brit Café.