After 45 years behind the microphone, Patty Handysides signs off but she's far from finished
Patty Handysides is a local household name – and for a good reason. After a 45-year career in radio, it’s no surprise that she’s become a local celebrity. Now, for the first time in decades, she’s embracing a new chapter after recently retiring. As she reflects on her remarkable career, she also looks ahead to the opportunities and possibilities that retirement has in store.
Her journey into broadcasting began through a co-op placement at CKAR while she was enrolled in the radio broadcasting program at Centennial College in Oshawa. Reporting her first stories while still a student, gave her invaluable hands-on experience and confirmed she had found her calling. After graduating, she landed a job at CBC Radio in Windsor, where she was mentored by veteran CBC senior reporter Gino Conte. “He taught me how to be trusted and respected by those I was reporting on,” she says.
After three years at CBC Radio, Patty joined CKLW where her career took a new direction as a DJ. Along with this new role came another influential mentor. She was thrilled to be working alongside legendary Big 8 DJ Johnny Williams, learning from one of the industry’s most respected broadcasters.
Along with this fast-paced career came many changes for Patty. Less than two years later, she faced another challenge when she was moved into the newsroom to take on a new role as a news anchor. She settled into this position for several years, but just when she thought her career had reached a steady point, it took another unexpected turn. Patty recalled, “CHUM Radio purchased our Ouellette Avenue studios in 1993, and I was moved back into music.” This marked another major milestone in her career, as she became morning co-host alongside fellow Big 8 legend, Tom Shannon.
Although Patty has always welcomed change, she embraced yet another new role after her morning co-host position ended. She returned to broadcasting journalism, a field she knew very well and where she felt at home. “I became a show host, which was based on news and that’s the job I retired from recently,” she said.
Such a long and accomplished career has created memories that will last a lifetime. One of Patty’s fondest memories was covering the Queen’s visit to Windsor in 1984. While it was a significant professional assignment, it also held deep personal meaning. “My Aunt Margaret Birch, Ontario’s first female cabinet minister, was the Queen’s escort during the visit,” Patty recalls. Years earlier, while serving as a Queen’s Park legislative page, Patty lived with her aunt and was inspired by her remarkable work ethic, which sparked her own interest in politics. Beyond memorable assignments, Patty’s career also opened the door to extraordinary experiences. She flew in a Sea King helicopter and landed on a Navy ship, soared over Michigan in a two-seat jet experiencing dizzying aeronautics and enjoyed front-row seats to major events such as the Detroit Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Red Bull Air races along the Detroit River. These adventures are just a few of the many unforgettable moments from her career.
Patty is beginning this new chapter of her life on a high note. She recently served as the Grand Marshal for Windsor’s Canada Day Parade on July 1st. Following the celebration, she plans to embrace the freedom of retirement. “It’s the first summer I’ll be able to enjoy on my own time since high school. I’ve never been unemployed,” she said. In the fall, Patty has already committed to emceeing several events, allowing her to continue serving her community. Beyond broadcasting, she is also a licensed pyrotechnician who designs fireworks displays. If she chooses to pursue this passion further, she may do so in her free time.
After years in a fast-paced career filled with constant deadlines and activity, Patty is now looking forward to the quiet life. She plans to spend more time riding her bicycle and exploring the trails in her neighborhood whenever she pleases. As she begins this new chapter, she has been deeply touched by the overwhelming support from the community following the announcement of her retirement. “The outpouring of well wishes and memories since I announced my retirement has left me speechless. It’s been truly my honour to serve my community,” she says.
