She never went behind the microphone, but for more than a quarter-century Maureen Kozar was an integral part of Flin Flon radio.
In recognition of her retirement, she was the guest of honour at a come-and-go tea last week that drew numerous friends and former colleagues from 102.9 CFAR.
“I love the people I work with,” Kozar said when asked what she enjoyed about her radio career, adding that she also relished the opportunity to meet people in the community.
Originally from Flin Flon, Kozar had worked as a caterer and aerobics instructor before being hired as a half-time receptionist at CFAR in July 1990.
She worked her way up to copywriter and then saleswoman, and was eventually named manager.
In 2009, Kozar took over as manager of CJAR in The Pas, CFAR’s sister radio station, while spending part of her week training current CFAR manager Dianne Russell. Kozar retired in February.
Tom O’Brien, who along with wife Sue owns CFAR and its sister stations in The Pas and Thompson, said Kozar was an employee who could always be counted on.
In retirement, Kozar plans to spend more time with her family, including husband Gary, their three children and their five grandchildren. Other than that, she is keeping an open schedule.
“I don’t have a bucket list like everybody,” she said.
Honoured alongside Kozar was Claudia Ruckle, who left CFAR in 2014 after 20 years with the station. She filled a few different roles at the station and was accounting manager at the time of her departure.
The come-and-go tea was held at the Seniors Room of the Flin Flon Community Hall.
