Janz co-hosted the program Legacy Makers, which aired on YES TV, amid an illustrious career spanning over six decades.
CALGARY, AB, November 5th, 2024 – YES TV is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Darrel Janz, co-host of Legacy Makers, a joint production between YES TV and TCF4 Productions. A mainstay in Alberta’s broadcasting community for decades, Darrel’s warmth, dedication, and passion for storytelling resonated with viewers across the country. He leaves behind a lasting impact that will continue to inspire us all.
Janz began his broadcasting career in 1962 at CFAM Radio in Altona, Manitoba. In 1973, he joined CFCN (now CTV Calgary), where he served as a co-anchor for the station’s evening news. Over the next four decades, he became known for his dynamic and engaging presence in the Canadian media landscape.
Bill Clements, Director and Producer of Legacy Makers, expressed his sadness: “When we talk about Legacy Makers, Darrel Janz is the epitome of just that, an absolute legacy maker over generations of time.” Jacqueline Clements, Darrel’s co-host on Legacy Makers, shared: “Darrel is going to be really missed. He was a great storyteller; I loved working with him – he was such an amazing mentor to me, and, you know, he really helped build our show.”
Throughout his career, Janz covered countless significant events, from local stories to major international news, earning numerous awards and accolades for his outstanding journalism. In 2013, he was the inaugural inductee to the Western Association of Broadcasters’ Broadcast Hall of Fame. The year he was also recognized by the city of Calgary with a Community Achievement Award for his community advocacy.
YES TV and TCF4 Productions have produced several new episodes featuring Darrel, which will air in Season Three. Reflecting on his dedication, Darrel’s daughter Shannon shared, “When he signed the contract for Season 3, he was the happiest ever, being able to work until he was 84.” She added, “His wonderful display of courage to keep working through personal health struggles was inspiring to us all.” Season Two of Legacy Makers featured notable guests, including Olympians Donavan Bailey and Steve Mesler, as well as journalist Lisa Bowes.
YES TV will be honouring Darrel by re-airing a special episode of Legacy Makers, featuring Darrel Janz being interviewed by co-host Jacqueline Clements during the show’s timeslot of Friday, November 8th at 9:30 PM. The episode highlights Darrel’s impact on many Canadians and the legacy that he has left behind. “Darrel Janz was so much more than just a broadcaster; he was a legend in the Canadian media landscape whose storytelling has left a profound impact.” said Melissa McEachern, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Content Officer, YES TV.
Darrel Janz’s legacy will live on in the stories he told and the lives he touched. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. YES TV thanks Darrel for the incredible mark he left behind, inspiring generations as a true Legacy Maker. He will be greatly missed.
A memorial service will be held on December 5th at 1 PM at Centre Street Church in Calgary.
Media Contact:
Gavin Powell
Director of Marketing; YES TV
ABOUT YES TV®
YES TV is a commercial broadcaster committed to positive, family-friendly entertainment programming. YES TV is licensed and regulated by the CRTC as a religious channel, available in 6.8 million homes across Canada.
YES TV consists of three over-the-air conventional stations, two local stations, CKCS-DT (Calgary, AB) and CKES-DT (Edmonton, AB), and one regional station, CITS-DT (Hamilton, ON). The regional broadcaster reaches the Greater Toronto Area with re-broadcast transmitters in London and Ottawa. YES TV is a Crossroads Television Systems Inc. brand, an independently owned Canadian incorporated Not-For-Profit Corporation.
ABOUT TCF4 PRODUCTIONS
TCF4 Productions is a Canadian-based production company located in Okotoks, Alberta. It was founded by the husband-and-wife team of Bill and Jacqueline Clements in 2012.
Our tagline, “Purpose Driven. Life Inspired,” reflects our commitment to creating wholesome entertainment for the entire family. We are passionate about showcasing people’s stories and giving them center stage.