Sports broadcaster.
Born at Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan on 13 May 1911, son of Alfred and Annie Wells, brother of Eric Joseph Hampson Wells, he was educated locally. He began broadcasting hockey in Saskatoon in 1935.
In 1941, he moved to Winnipeg to CJRC radio, becoming known for his curling and football announcing. For many years he was the play-by-play announcer for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and he was Winnipeg CBC’s first sportscaster in 1954. In a 58-year broadcasting career in Winnipeg, he worked for CJRC, CJOB, CJAY (CKY), and CBC. Wells was notorious for his loud sports coats and his mispronunciation of names. He was a committee member of the Manitoba Centennial Corporation.
In recognition of his community service, he was made an Honorary Member of the Winnipeg Press Club (?), and a member of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame (?), Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame (1986), Broadcasting Hall of Fame (?). He received a City of Winnipeg Community Service Award (1971).
He died at Winnipeg on 24 May 1999.
“These Manitobans will help plan centennial,” Winnipeg Free Press, 13 September 1963, page 9.
Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press, 26 May 1999, page 36.
Dictionary of Manitoba Biography by John M. “Jack” Bumsted, Winnipeg: University of Manitoba Press, 1999.
This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 13 August 2024
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