Bill Townsend, former executive director of the B.C. Lions Society for Children with Disabilities passed away a few days ago from pancreatic cancer. Bill was the driving force behind the concept of Timmy’s Christmas Telethon — over a period of 23 years the show raised over $100 million for kids.

Bill had me host this show for its entire run and allowed me the right to bring in the talent. Over the years we had such names as Gary Puckett, Glen Campbell, Shari Lewis, Pat Boone, Jimmie Rodgers, Roger Whitaker and the list goes on. Bill was also a custom car enthusiast and his custom car and hot rod rallies raised money for the Lions. He will be missed.