When our inductee first arrived in Peterborough from Timmins in 1960, there was little, if any, indication of the remarkable impact Sean Eyre would have on both the City, and the residents of Peterborough and area.
More than sixty years on, he remains fondly remembered as ‘Sunshine Sean’ – an endearing reference to his career as a CHEX broadcaster and on-air personality, first on television and then on radio where his ‘Wired Woodshed’ country music show, featuring sidekick Elwood Cranston (newsman George Franks), was a fan favourite, habitually topping the radio ratings. For many years, they were arguably the biggest thing in town.
Eyre would leave CHEX in 1976 to form Eyreline Productions with Franks – but the urge to return to the airwaves proved pervasive, and wouldn’t be denied – first with 910 CKLY in Lindsay in 1992, followed by a stop at CKQM Country 105 in Peterborough. More recently, Mr. Eyre has been heard regularly on Trent Radio on various programs.
For the longest time, and to this day if there was a microphone in the room, the mellifluous voice of Sean Eyre flowed through it in some fashion. He served as Master of Ceremonies at the Peterborough Memorial Centre for concerts by everyone from Liberace, to Harry Belafonte. Building upon his desire to promote artists, he founded, along with Brian Edwards the Peterborough-based Rocklands Entertainment agency. It remains one of North America’s top promoters of talent, with a diverse roster having included Stompin’ Tom Connors, Rita MacNeil and Charley Pride. Via his record label ‘Panther Records,’ several local artists were gifted with continent-wide exposure.
Away from the studio, Sean Eyre has given much of his time and organizational talents. The Showplace Performance Centre, its lobby now bearing Eyre’s name, is but one recipient of his community service. So too has Family Counselling Services, the Masonic Lodge and the Kawartha Shrine Club – all having greatly benefitted from his involvement. In 1998, and in tandem with a group of like-minded community boosters, he helped found the Peterborough Pathway of Fame, having served as its chair for all but three years.
Proving the apple never falls far from the tree – his father was mayor of Timmins and was elected MP – Sean Eyre served a term with Peterborough City Council. The late Jack Doris, in his capacity as mayor, named Eyre Peterborough’s official town crier. As with all his pursuits, Eyre gave his heart, body and soul to the position, his familiar voice heralding events across the city and region.
Once driven by a dream to become an actor, Eyre too, realized that ambition, starting the Peterborough Players which later merged with others to form the Peterborough Theatre Guild. And yes, he performed on stage with the Guild, winning Best Actor honours at the Eastern Ontario Drama Festival.