| HISTORY/BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH: | Born in Bad Liebenverda, Germany, on October 2, 1944, Mike Goetz was smuggled out of then Russian-controlled East Germany by his mother Ericka Schoen, in 1946. After spending eight years of his life in West Germany, Goetze accompanied his parents to Vancouver, Canada, where he learned the English language and had an interest in broadcasting sparked when he began announcing baseball games.; ; Following graduation from John Oliver High School in 1963, Goetze sent letters to many radio and television stations in Western Canada and began his career shortly thereafter at CKSA TV in Lloydminister. He moved to CJVI, Victoria, in 1965, where he married Ingrid Bialowas in April, and to CFCW, Camrose, in November of that same year.; ; Goetze contributed in a major way to the growth of CFCW. When he began, he had the title News Director but it was strictly a one-man newsroom. His newsroom and staff grew substantially over the 30 years he worked for the company. Mike Goetze mentored many well-known radio and television journalists and was among the first to hire female reporters and news presenters, helping to open the radio broadcast doors to many more women. By the time of his passing Goetze was News Director at 790 CFCW, Mix 96 FM and the Executive Director of the Edmonton Oilers radio broadcasts. Mike Goetze passed away suddenly of a heart attack on July 25, 1995, and is survived by his wife Ingrid and their two daughters Mercedes and Shannon. |