JOY'S JOURNAL
/Joy and Alex.
A YEAR OF LOSS AND SORROW — AND A FEW GOOD MOMENTS TOO
by Joy Metcalfe
A FOND FAREWELL TO ALEX … In this year of darkness and depression, of sadness and loss, there was always game show host Alex Trebek to keep us on our toes, alert and steadfast, cheering and educating his millions of loyal Jeopardy viewers while fighting his own battle with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
When he announced his dire situation on-air, it totally shocked the nation.
George Alexander Trebek was born in Sudbury, 80 years ago, attended school there and graduated from the University of Ottawa.
His career in media began as a reporter for CBC and hosting game shows like the Pillsbury Bake-Off, Double Dare, Music Hop and the popular Reach For The Top. When NBC’s games master Merv Griffin decided to revive Jeopardy in 1984, it was his longtime pal Lucille Ball (always a sharp cookie) who suggested Alex as host. From that moment on, Alex Trebek,, a consummate professional, gave the viewing public a reason to turn on the television night after night for a record-shattering 36 years.
Because of his calm, intelligent and respectful manner, people admired and trusted him. In fact, in a Readers Digest poll in 2014, he was rated as the eighth-most trusted person in the U.S. right behind Bill Gates and 51st above Oprah Winfrey.
He was also a generous human being supporting a host of charities including the Hope of the Valley homeless shelter, the Santa Monica Mountain Conservancy, along with substantial donations to the University of Ottawa and the University of Toronto.
After facing his dreaded situation with courage, strength and hope for more than a year, still hosting his Jeopardy show, Alex passed away at his home on December 8, just after his final filming. He leaves behind his loving wife, Jean and his three children, Matthew, Emily and Nicky.
The picture with Alex and me was taken by local PR Karen Dixon while he was in Vancouver at The Holiday Inn Harbourside on a talent search for new contestants.
Just a lovely gentleman. Rest in peace, Alex Trebek, a proud Canadian…
Umberto Menghi.
UMBERTO GETS A STAR! … Someone who is feeling pretty proud this morning is the irresistible Umberto Menghi, who has just been named to the Order of the Star of Italy. This prized award is in recognition of his promotion and preservation of Italian heritage abroad .
Seems as though Umberto has been the Ambassador of Italian cuisine for many many years. He has owned and operated several restaurants in Vancouver and in Whistler, written several cookbooks, and has his chefs’ training school in Tuscany.
He’ll receive his honour at the 75th Italian National Day celebration in June 2021.
CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER … Heartiest congratulations too to culinary wizard and conservator, Robert Clark, who has just been inducted into the Order of Canada. Besides doing wonderful and creative things with food, Robert was always very involved with conserving vanishing things like our salmon, seafood and whales in captivity - always thinking ahead for tomorrow.
Tim Pawsey
WE’LL DRINK TO THAT! … And someone else who’s beaming broadly today is my longtime friend and all-round good guy, Tim Pawsey. Tim, who’s been writing about food and wine for eons in magazines and newspapers, has just been honoured by the B.C. Wine Institute with their coveted Wine Recognition Award for 2020.
Tim has always been there, helping and supporting the wine industry, however and wherever he can. His devotion to increasing the awareness and appreciation of our local wines is legendary.
Kudos, Timmy!...
A former beloved child star himself, Mickey Rooney had a natural rapport with young Kelly Reno in Black Stallion. And a lot of stories to tell when he met Joy!
MEMORIES OF MICKEY … Last week during a lull in my late day weekend chores, I sat down and turned on the TV and became entirely enthralled with a movie I had seen some years ago, It was The Black Stallion the wonderfully shot, beautifully set drama of a young boy and a wild horse.
The stars were young Kelly Reno and the ageless Mickey Rooney with much of the adventure movie filmed in our area at Danny Virtue’s sprawling ranch in Mission.
Just after filming ended, I was invited out to the ranch to chat with Mickey and took The Courier’s top photographer, Jim Harrison, with me to get some pictures.
It’s hard to believe but we were there for more than four hours while Mickey recounted his life’s story. It was a fascinating tale. And Mickey never stopped talking!
He was still living the life of cute, reddish-blonde haired little Andy Hardy.
And despite the fact that he was now in his elder years, Mickey, five-foot-two and potbellied, was still a Ladies Man as witnessed by his numerous girlfriends and eight wives, the line-up which included actresses, Martha Vickers and Ava Gardner.
As he confessed to his good friend, Danny Virtue during the filming, girls and gambling were his downfall. But they must have kept him going. He passed away on April 6, 2014, at the age of 93.
Think of him as you watch The Black Stallion...
Diane Robinson.
HOLDING DIANE IN OUR HEARTS … This last item is about a lovely lady who is currently in Lions Gate Hospital, my friend Diane Robinson. Popular Diane has been so active throughout her working life in the public relations business. She, like the above mentioned Lucille Ball, is a very sharp cookie.
We met a long time ago when she was the first P.R. director for Grouse Mountain, a job she loved and it showed. Her smile would light up the room and the ski hills.
She went on to several other executive positions, including with the Vancouver Symphony, CKLG, the Grey Cup organization, the Canadian Club with good pal Ray Greenwood, and as the longtime executive director of the Parkinsons Society of British Columbia.
Being in the hospital undergoing necessary treatments at this time is not fun since visits and communications are so limited. So please send her a card and/or a message of good cheer. It will do wonders…
CHEERS! and welcome to 2021...
