Roger Feather: the ardent mentor

Jan. 8, 2011 - IABC volunteers and members fondly remember Roger Feather. Even if you never knew Roger Feather, what he stood for speaks volumes about what it is to be a communicator. He pioneered many communication paths including launching Centennial’s corporate communication program 30 years ago. He tirelessly advocated for how communication contributes to organizational success. He happily mentored the next generation of communicators. He quickly spoke up when changes were needed.

Roger Feather, ABC, MC IABC International Chairman’s Award: 1986

“Roger Feather was a major force during my early career,” said Annette Martell, ABC, MC, Fellow and former IABC world chair. “He made time for emerging leaders. He challenged us to keep learning. He tackled tall projects – always inviting you to join him. He spoke frankly about tough business issues. He worked tirelessly to advance communication. His life and legacy touched many of us.”

One of these was Chris Bunting, ABC, MC, Fellow and also a former IABC world chair. “Roger Feather was a quiet, thoughtful and effective man,” Chris writes. “He was one of a small handful of people who established and nurtured IABC’s Toronto chapter, which for many years now has been the largest chapter in the IABC worldwide network. He was also instrumental in building IABC’s presence in Canada.

“Roger was very committed to the Association and the potential he saw there for more almost four decades. A man of letters and a talented and respected business communicator, Roger Feather was recognized and honoured by his many friends and admirers at IABC over the years, including the prestigious Chairman’s Award, which he received in 1986. Roger did not seek the limelight, but he took great pleasure in quietly and effectively getting things done, serving as a loyal mentor and friend to those he met along the way.”

Gary Schlee, ABC, a past president of IABC/Toronto, doubts anyone else has had such a profound effect on so many Canadian communicators. “If you were starting your corporate communications career in the 1970s or 80s, odds are you encountered Roger. He was remarkably giving of his time and experience. I certainly value the opportunities I had to share in discussions with him. Roger was a catalyst in developing Canada’s first corporate communication program, at Centennial College. As the program’s first faculty member, I benefited from ongoing contributions from Roger once it was underway.

“As a colleague on IABC’s Canada district board, I saw firsthand how earnestly Roger worked towards creating an IABC chapter in London. He was also one of Canada’s first Accredited Business Communicators. The fact is, Roger valued effective communication and helped ensure we would all appreciate its importance.”

Those wanting to contact Roger Feather’s family can do so via:

Jennifer A Smith — 7 Milloy Place, Aurora, ON L4G 7L1
jenniferannesmith@sympatico.ca and 905-713-1885

Roger Smith — 302-368 Eglinton Avenue East, Toronto, ON M4P 1L9 rmkup@yahoo.com and 416-485-3235