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He worked at CKNW for 40 years and wrote the famous Woodward’s $1.49 Day jingle.

Tony Antonias has died at the age of 89.

He wrote the catchy tune in 1958, while working as CKNW’s creative director.

It played on the airwaves for decades until the department store closed in 1993.

Longtime colleague and friend George Garrett said Antonias wrote the song he had no idea it would blow up the way it did.

READ MORE: Legendary broadcaster and voice of the Canucks John Ashbridge dies at 71

“Tony came up with the idea of a simple jingle, a whistle and a little tune that said ‘$1.49 Day, Woodward’s, Tuesday.’ It drew a lot of business, Woodward’s did very very well with it.”

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But Antonias did not. According to Garrett, he made slim pickings.

“CKNW made a fortune, Woodward’s made a fortune but for Tony? $25.” Tweet This

I received the sad news that Tony Antonias passed away yesterday. The composer of the famous 1.49 day jingle was a champion of the arts in our community and contributed so much to #newwest. pic.twitter.com/Fc2lE8BOl3 — Jonathan Cote (@jonathanxcote) January 26, 2019

My dear friend and great supporter throughout the poetry years, Tony Antonias passed away gently yesterday in the warmth of his home and in the company of a friend, He was sitting in his easy chair listening to… https://t.co/un4mLnxD64 — Candice James Poet (@candicejames777) January 26, 2019

However, Garrett says it didn’t matter to Antonias, who spent most of his career working for CKNW.

“Tony was a guy who wanted perfection in almost everything, he was dedicated to his work, he was a very good copywriter and copy chief for CKNW for many years and he had a passion for classical music and had a passion for cars that were classic.”

The tune celebrated its 60th anniversary last year.

Antonias had just turned 89.