Toronto, ON (February 2, 2009) - Wiarton Willy predicted 6 more weeks of winter today, but even he couldn't predict this! Dave Devall, one of North America's longest serving meteorologists, has been a regular guest in Toronto living rooms for the past 48 years and nationally on CTV Newsnet for the past 10. This evening during the CTV NEWS AT 6 he announced that he will officially retire as CTV Toronto's Weather Specialist on April 3. Viewers can still catch Devall when he returns to CTV Toronto for special events and to occasionally fill in for colleagues. Tom Brown, Weather Specialist for CTV NEWS AT NOON, will replace Devall.
"I've always said that I'll retire when I get it right and I think that I've finally done it!" said Devall of his pending retirement. "I am very excited to start this new chapter and I'm certain that Tom will do a great job. I hope that he gets a very warm reception from Torontonians."
"Everybody loves Dave Devall," said Paul Rogers, SVP of CTV Toronto. "Two generations grew up watching him on television. Now it's time to show Dave how much he means to us."
Throughout the next few months, CTV Toronto will count down Devall's final days on air with tributes, stories and special events. Celebrity guests will also drop by the studio to test their mettle as CTV Toronto Guest Weather Specialists.
Dave.ctv.ca is the #1 source for information on Dave Devall. Check out the photo gallery, featuring pictures of Dave throughout the years; articles and video tributes from familiar faces across the GTA. Viewers wanting to wish Devall the best in his retirement can post messages or video clips directly to the site, or try their hand at Dave's trademark, writing backward on the interactive sketch pad.
About Dave Devall:
Devall was born, raised and educated in Toronto. While studying Radio and Television Arts at Ryerson, he also served in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) where part of his training centered on meteorology. In 1956, while still a student, he worked at CFPL-TV and then moved to CFRB where he worked from 1957-1958. After graduating in 1958, he worked at CHEX-TV in Peterborough. When CTV Toronto launched in 1961, Devall auditioned with 2,000 other hopefuls; he was one of six people hired as a broadcaster.
His enthusiasm for meteorology is unwavering, which he credits to his time in the RCAF. In an era when job-hopping every few years is the norm, Devall has stayed on the same beat for over four decades. He says, "It is never the same 2 days in a row. I like variety." Growing up, Devall wanted to be a commercial pilot. In fact, he holds a private pilot's license and frequently jumps into a Cessna to observe and videotape weather phenomena and conditions.
A member of the World Meteorological Organization, Devall hones his forecasting skills by regularly attending weather conferences throughout North America. He is always working to further his understanding and knowledge of meteorology and climatology in areas such as severe storm forecasting, ozone studies, UV interpretation and air, land, and sea pollution. After 48 years of service, Devall continues to stay at the forefront of weather science.
In February of 2007, Devall was made an honorary colonel of the Canadian Forces Squadron 436 at CFB Trenton in February 2007.
