Halifax Radio Legend Jer Bear Celebrates His 85th Birthday

Back on the weekend Halifax radio icon Jerry Lawrence, also known as “Jer Bear” turned 85.

Radio and TV friends gathered to celebrate with The Bear and his family to celebrate this milestone birthday.

(Above: The following radio legends celebrated with Jerry on July 27, 2024. In the back row left to right: Peter Spurway, Steve Murphy, Nancy Spurway, Cindy Greer (Jerry’s co-host), Clary Flemming, Frank Lowe, John Graham, Jim David, Wayne Harvey, Paul Kennedy and Duane Lowe.)

(Above: Jerry’s sons Patty and Peter hold a special sign for the day.)

Jerry ruled Halifax radio in the 60’s, 70’s 80’s and 90’s with his unique friendly personality and wit.

Jerry’s Hello Metro prank phone calls were his trademark.

Many listeners were caught off guard when The Bear called. one of my faves were jerry calling the laundromat to save their lint to make a mattress!

and then there’s these classics:

I was lucky to work with Jerry at 96/CHNS in the 80’s and later we both crossed paths again at 92/CJCH in the early 90’s, so many great laughs and memories.

Jerry got polio when he was eight years old and was then confined to a wheelchair, as well as using crutches.

If a visitor was at the radio station, Jerry would fall off his crutches blaming the nearest victim for tripping him, leaving the visitor in shock!

Jerry never let his disability get in the way, he was also a hard-working politician for many years and has Jerry Lawrence Provincial Park named after him in the Lewis Lake and Hubley area.

I recall many times helping Jerry get out of the CJCH control room that had stairs; he was heavy as a bear to carry down!

Jerry is also still an active member of the racing community and has been a Public Address Announcer at the races all over Nova Scotia for years.