Victor J. R. Brister,
superintendent of radio regulations for Toronto region, retired in
March 1966 after 30 years with the department.
A native of Dublin, Ireland, Mr. Brister joined the department as a radio
operator in 1936 after serving at sea for a number of years. In 1938 he was
promoted to radio technician and to technician in 1946. During those years he
contributed his knowledge and skill to the establishment of range stations along
the Northwest Staging Route and lighthouse stations in the Great Lakes.
In 1949 Mr. Brister was appointed a radio inspector and from 1953 to 1955
headed the Lakehead radio regulations office. In 1955 he moved to Ottawa on the
staff of the controller of radio regulations. After two years at headquarters he
was promoted to regional superintendent of radio regulations at Winnipeg.
In
1960 he was seconded to act as one of Canada's advisors at the International
Conference on the Safety of Life at Sea held in London, England to draw up a new
convention. In 1964 he was transferred to Toronto where he remained until his
recent retirement.
Friends and colleagues from Toronto and Winnipeg regions, as well as from
headquarters, honored Mr. Brister at a testimonial dinner on March 14. W. A. Caton, controller of radio regulations presented him with an album of Irish
recordings and a gift of money after paying tribute to his noteworthy
contribution to the department. (see photo)