OBITUARY: Alex John (A.J.) WALLING (1946-2023)
Alex John Walling, also known as A.J. (born 1946) was a Canadian sports analyst and broadcaster. He passed away peacefully on Nov. 25, 2023, in Halifax, N.S.
Alex was born in Quebec City. The son of Bertram Walling and Yvette Verret, Alex was married to Kathleen Davis for 38 years, until her passing in 2014. He leaves behind his children, Kevin Cory and Christine, as well as his three sisters, Dorothey (David Baker), Ann (Genady Balik) and Helen (Richard Walling), and many dear friends.
Well known for his distinctive voice and opinionated commentary, Alex’s career began at the age of 17 in 1965 as a newspaper reporter for the Quebec Chronicle-Telegraph in Quebec City. He made the leap to radio in 1972, and then onto TV in 1988 with the MITV television station in Halifax, also contributing as Atlantic sports reporter for TSN for many years. His dedication to music and sports led him to found the Atlantic Media Institute in 1988 and the Queens County Community Radio in 2015. Through his lifelong dedication to sports, Alex covered major sporting events, including the 1972 Summit Series, where he was one of the first to talk to Paul Henderson moments after the historic “goal heard around the world.” His final radio broadcast came in spring 2023.
Alex will be deeply missed by his listeners and all those who had the opportunity to know him. His avid curiosity, interest in others, impeccable memory and great sense of humour will live on in the hearts of all of us.
As per Alex’s wishes, there will be a private memorial in his honour.
Donations in memory of Alex can be made to the Saint Brigid’s Home Foundation in Quebec City (canadahelps.org/en/charities/saint-brigids-home-foundation), a special place that was important to Alex in his early years.
My deepest sympathy to family and friends.
Alex, to me he will always be John, go back a long way.
We were neighbors and schoolmates when he was living on des bouleaux street.
Over the years we always communicated a few times a year.
I will miss those phone calls John.🥰🥰
May you Rest In Peace my friend.
Deepest condolences to the family on the passing of a radio legend, Alex J.
He taught me in Halifax at CRXL. He was funny, knew good writing from bad, and was a mentor. No one had a greater knowledge of 50s and 60s recording artists. He could even tell you what label a hit record was on.
I ran into him a few times over the years while on business in Halifax and he was always his charming, funny self.
A great guy. He will be missed.
Alex was a good man. Unique. Funny. He ran a broadcasting school in Halifax back in the 90s and I was one of his students. Let me use the studio well after I left the school He told us if you want a job in radio/tv, then it’s in your hands…. It’s about how much you want it. That’s what I went by. I’m still in the business.
A wonderful man. Alex and Kathy were dear friends when they lived in Corner Brook. My deepest sympathy to his children Kevin ,Christine and Cory. Cherish the memories of your beloved Dad.
Our deepest sympathy to Alex’s family and close friends. We worked with Alex at MITV and enjoyed many laughs and memorable times together while producing some great sports shows. Alex was truly one of a kind, and a great mentor to his younger colleagues. We are so very sorry for your profound loss.