Tributes to one of the province’s business giants are pouring in.
Harry Steele passed away Friday night at the age of 92.
The former President of the radio empire Newfoundland Capital Corporation is being remembered as a very down-to-earth person who was a champion of communications and transportation, with an interest in hotels, airlines, radio stations and newspapers.
Known as “The Commander” due to his time in the Navy, Steele bought the Q Radio network in the early ’80s, then in the late 1990s surprised everyone in the industry when he purchased the VOCM Radio Network.
Tributes have poured in from friends, politicians, organizations, and former employees of Steele from across the country.
General Manager of Stingray NL, Mike Murphy, calls Steele an icon of the industry and a man who had many great lessons to share.
FULL STATEMENT FROM MIKE MURPHY:
“Our radio team was very saddened to hear the news of Mr. Steele’s passing this morning. It’s the passing of one of Newfoundland and Labradors true entrepreneurial icons. Many of us worked with the Steele family for decades and through the years had the privilege of being in his company many times. There was always a great lesson to be had when he was around and you had to be on your game. I first met Mr. Steele when I joined Steele Communications in 2001, he was on his way to Labrador to go salmon fishing and dressed as such so I didn’t recognize him at first glance and thought it was some guy picking up a prize at the radio station. I think he enjoyed my reaction by his hearty laugh.
Mr. Steele was not a man with a big way about him, he was very down to earth in spite of his massive business success. I was always very proud to say that I worked for the Steele family.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Steele’s wife Catherine and sons Peter, Rob and John and their families.”
Godspeed Harry Steele. I came back to NL in 1991 because of you when I left your radio station in PEI for St. John’s. My father (Bill Hicks) loved having you in his life too. You will forever be among us . #LegacyMaker #GoodMan pic.twitter.com/XdQrg0fQ3X
— Kathie Hicks (@KathieHicks) January 29, 2022
Heavy heart today to say good bye to good friend great Canadian, Newfoundlander and dynamic iconic business leader Harry Steele who blazed his own trail. Harry Steele leaves great legacy that is remembered here and elsewhere. He helped lot people. @JagHotel @townofgander
— Terry Hart (@vocmhart) January 29, 2022
HOCKEY NL extends sincere condolences to the Steele family on the passing of Harry Steele. The Steele family are great partners of hockey in the province because of Mr. Steele’s legacy.
— Hockey NL (@HkyNL) January 29, 2022
Very very sorry to hear about the passing of Harry Steele. A giant of NL and Canada. A prince of a human being. A true gentleman! Condolences to his family.
— Tim Powers (@powerstim) January 29, 2022
Very saddened to learn of the passing of one of our great leaders and a wonderful person. Harry Steele was admired both professionally and personally for his achievements and dedication to our Province. Our deepest condolences to his family.@CityofStJohns https://t.co/WgggufBtym
— Mayor Danny Breen ???? (@DannyBreenNL) January 29, 2022
If you met Harry Steele you never forgot it. He was humble, but he was a force. One of the last of the old guard NL business tycoons. Condolences to John and the Steele family. https://t.co/H3ZEmZyfsS
— Fred Hutton (@Fred_Hutton) January 29, 2022
