The industry lost two creative forces last month – Leo Orenstein and Hillary Firestone.

Leo Orenstein passed away on Feb. 6, having enjoyed a diverse career over his 89 years, working as a producer, director, playwright, painter and illustrator.

Born in Montreal, Orenstein graduated from Central Technical School in Toronto. He received his first recognition after his play The Big Leap debuted at the Royal Alexandra Theatre in 1953. The play was adapted for television and produced for CBC. This proved a favorable partnership, and he later went on to direct and produce over 150 television dramas for the broadcaster, including such series as General Motors Presents and On Camera. After leaving CBC in the sixties, Orenstein continued to write, produce and teach. His passion was rewarded in 2007 when he won a playwriting award from Theatre BC for his play Homeless Hannah.

Hillary Firestone, a key marketing and promotions force behind the success of Teletoon Canada, died Feb. 10 at Toronto’s Princess Margaret Hospital after a bout with ovarian cancer. Firestone, a sister of veteran TV producer Jay Firestone, joined Teletoon in August 1997 as VP of network marketing and promotions to direct its branding efforts as the cartoon channel launched on Canadian airwaves.

In her memory, the Hillary Firestone Ovarian Cancer Research Fund has been set up to support Princess Margaret Hospital.