What's New? (Jul-Aug 1970)

© a ee 5 JACK FITZGIBBONS RETIRES One of the most honoured, respected and loved members of our industry for nearly forty years, Jack Fitzgibbons dropped a bombshell in our midst in early spring with the announcement that he planned to relinquish his duties as president of Theatre Confections Limited in the middle of September of this year. It was not an easy decision to make for one as active as Jack, but follow, ing some serious eels LO tiles To the attentl MR.GEORG wor nie also con nou iis education in the theatre business under Bill Trudell at the Capitol theatre in that city. In 1940 Jack took off for the West and was appointed assistant manager of the Metropolitan theatre in Winnipeg, at the same time acting as a special field representative in the promotion of some of the major attractions playing the west at that time. He also spent some time in the booth of the Capitol in Winnipeg learning the rudimentary principles of projection. One year later he headed for New York where he worked in the contracts division of Paramount-Publix, filling in his nights as a checker for the Ross Federal Checking Agency. In September of 1941 Jack embarked on his military career with the U.S. Army’s 106th Infantry, 27th Division as a second Lieutenant. He saw action in the South Pacific and ran up a distinguished service record on of + serrUlulu, cnymeering student at Wueen's University in Kingston, and Peter who is studying Business Administration at Western in London. On his return to civilian life in September of 1945, Jack set up Theatre Confections Limited, leaving in 1947 to organize his own confection company, Hollywood Confections Ltd., which was merged in April of 1948 with Theatre Confections with Jack as Vice-president and general manager, and currently president. In 1948 Jack took some time off to attent the management. Training Course in Business Administration at the University of Western Ontario School of Business. Jack’s extracurricular activities are legion, both in and outside of our industry. A charter member of Variety Club Tent No. 28 of Ontario he served on the crew for four years until his election as Chief Barker in 1960. The following year he was presented with the club’s Heart Award, the highest honour Variety can confer on its own. From 1961 to 1967 he served in various Capacities on the board of Variety International, winding up as a vice-president and second assistant International Chief Barker. A member of the Canadian Picture Pioneers, Jack served as a director in 1962-63 and again from 1968 to the sent time. On _ the _ international ifections scene Jack has been an cutive member of the board of ctors of the National Association oncessionaires since 1945, serving resident in 1953-54. He has just elected a life time honourary ser of N.A.C. addition to his industry affiliaJack has for many years been a ir of the Ontario Cancer Society, »m 1957 on was a member of slic Relations Committee of the | association. He is a director Lady of Mercy Hospital and 1 active on the board of the ) Welfare Society. He was also associated with the Red Feaaigns prior to it becoming the ppeal. Jack was general chairhe very successful Canadian icture Industry Convention Show in 1966, 67 and 68. -chairman of the O'Keefe ard of management in Torin 1968 was honoured for contributions to Canada’s | charitable activities with aie Nighly prized Canada Medal. Jack has been a valued colleague and good friend to many of us in Famous, and we'll miss him. Our very best wishes will follow him, Barbara and their boys to Hawaii, where we hope they will find the peace and contentment they so richly deserve. Aloha nui Jack and Barbara.