Retirement… Who, Me?

The last few weeks have been wildly busy for me. It  started in Maple Ridge with the culmination of the national A&W campaign to fight MS. Last year they raised over $400,000 in their cross-Canada quest.  With each Teenburger sold on the designated day $1 went to the cause. Over 700 hot rods, custom cars and classic cars made their way to the Maple Ridge A&W restaurant.

Me with the MS ladies who were on hand with hundreds of car fans and supporters on A&W’s special day. It is an important cause and it gets my full attention as I lost my sister-in-law Catherine to the disease only last month.

A quick shot of yours truly with the Funmobile which is now used by the radio station for on-location broadcasts and promotions.  For me it’s come full circle from the old CFUN 1410 days to the current 104.9 fm.

These young people were all dressed up for the PNE parade held along Beach Avenue in Vancouver for the first time held  in the city in 15 years to help celebrate the 100th birthday of the fair. I was in a car immediately in front of a float which played Twist And Shout for the entire parade with the young Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band following behind the float. At one point hearing Twist And Shout I leaped up and yelled “I’m Ferris Bueller!” and the crowd clapped along.

If you look closely at this photo you can see how I am choked with emotion at the outpouring of applause from the crowd. It was an unexpected experience having so many people showing their support for this old deejay.

Another honor bestowed upon me this year was performing at the official Opening day Ceremonies on the occasion of the PNE’s 100th birthday. This is a photo of me at the dais asking for a round of applause for the “Flappers” representing the roaring  Twenties.


Rolf Harris returned to Vancouver for this year’s PNE. He entertained thousands from the main stage opening his act with his iconic “three legged man” also known as Jake the PegBBC Television sent a crew to follow Rolf during his stay in the city. Rolf chose to return here for the documentary because he said “This is where I was accepted for whom I am and it gave me the courage to move forward.”

Rolf is an outstanding entertainer but also a great  artist. Last year he was commissioned to do a portrait of the Queen. He is also a Commander of the Order of the British Empire and is considered a national treasure.

He is so beloved. It was a treat to hear him perform in our city once again with the chance of him ever doing it again, remote at best. He is 80 years old. It was an honor for me to act as emcee for his appearance with the Dal  Richards Orchestra.

My daughter Kellie and me onstage for the wrap up of the Red Robinson Talent Showdown, where 30 performers competed for the top prizes. In just 4 days  $10,000 in prize money was handed out. The winner was Corbin Vander Zalm, son of gardener Wim Vander Zalm. Corbin sang a great original song, the judges felt he was the best and the crowd  agreed. Kellie did an outstanding job onstage and I intend having her back next year.

Had the pleasure of interviewing Robert Lamm and Walter Parazaider of the band Chicago. It is hard to believe they have been together for over 40 years. The group has had an amazing career with 22 gold records, 18 platinum discs, 8 multi-platinum discs, 5 number one albums and 21 top ten hits.  They have charted more  hits than any other American band with the exception of the Beach  Boys.

Chicago received their  star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame back in 1992. The band appeared on  the 9th season finale of American Idol.  The late Peter Cetera was once lead singer with the band, and it is amazing that Chicago has four  original band members. Walter, by the way, lives on Bainbridge Island, just out of Seattle. He was a delight to talk with and we had a lot in common relative to our taste in music. I look forward to the next  time.