The Vancouver Sun is celebrating 100 years in business. This is truly an iconic newspaper, and in conjunction with the anniversary columnist Shelley Fralic has written Making Headlines — 100 Years of The Vancouver Sun. The book includes some historic photos, many of which have won international awards.

I was flattered to see this shot of me, Elvis and the panda bear in the ad for the book in the pages of the Sun. The panda was given to me to present to Elvis backstage at Empire Stadium and I have it to this day. Elvis said he was happy to receive it but didn’t want to travel on his tour with it. That was one of the most terrifying moments in my young life as I stood there on stage in front of 25,000 fans and introduced the King of Rock and Roll. What a moment. He was 22 and I was 21. He also allowed an interview which I have preserved. Here’s a snippet of me asking Elvis about his favorite appearance:

May I recommend this special book as it captures the feeling of this city over the decades. I can still remember picking up my newspapers for delivery at the “shack” at 33rd and Main. Of course on weekends I would sit down before delivering the heaviest load of the week and read the comics. What great memories.