JOY'S JOURNAL
/From left: Jim Pattison, Mel Zajac, and Warren Erhart.
A FUN FUNDRAISER
Luncheon For Zajac Ranch
Once again that magical Christmas castle, set high on the hills of Southborough Drive in the British Properties, came to life this past season to delight all the little kids and their parents with the wonder of Christmas.
The mansion’s lighting is so spectacular that it lights up the neighborhood and can even be seen as you drive across Lions Gate Bridge. The Three Kings should have had it so easy in their search for the stable where the baby Jesus lay!
This is the home of generous humanitarian, Jim Pattison, who brings to life the world of Christmas giving. So it was an extra special treat to be invited to an exclusive luncheon at the Terminal City Club by Jim’s longtime pal, Mel Zajac. Mel called me from Palm Springs to remind me that I was a guest since the event was sold out. This was a unique fund-raiser for the Mel Jr. and Marty Zajac Foundation and Jimmy was the star.
The foundation, which came to be after Mel’s two sons were killed in separate sporting accidents eight months apart, raises money for Mel’s Zajac Ranch in Mission, which is a respite for handicapped or disabled children to enjoy throughout the year with every sport and challenge available to them.
At a spry 93, Jimmy looks and sounds like a man who loves what he does and is happy in his own skin. In a casual chit-chat on stage with Global TV anchor Chris Gailus, and garbed in his autumn-toned jacket and matching slacks, he was so relaxed and willing to share how it all began, where the Pattison Group is now, and where it will be next. And he knows the business world, big time. So for all you biz types out there, pay heed. One of Mr. P’s main dictums was “Timing is vital.”
It was a great afternoon and a privilege to be there.
Others enjoying this rare occasion were: the White Spot’s president and CEO Warren Erhart, (another business dynamo); Dylan Toigo, who’s in real estate with Shato Holdings; Nolan Toigo, sales associate with CBRE; Cathy Tostenson, vice president of sales and marketing with the White Spot; Dina Moffett, White Spot’s director of operations; Mel and Wendy Zajac and daughter, Karen; Hy’s Restaurants president Neil Aisenstat; and Howard Blank, the Variety Club’s Chief Barker.
But the best news of the day is that this unique sold-out fundraiser brought in $175,000 to help keep the Zajac Ranch alive and thriving. Mel was so overjoyed I thought he would burst into song – which wouldn’t be a surprise as he does it fairly often and very well at other festive occasions.
For their next fundraiser, may I suggest that we have Jim on piano and horn while Mel croons some Frank Sinatra and Jack Jones?
It’d be a sexy sellout – guaranteed! ...
Bob and Barbara Stewart with Chief Adam Palmer.
A MILESTONE ANNIVERSARY
70 Years For Former VPD Chief Bob Stewart & Wife Barbara
Seventy years is a very long time by anyone’s calculations, and being married for seven decades is somewhat of a miracle! But that’s what Barbara and Bob Stewart celebrated on December 15 – their 70th wedding anniversary!
It was a memorable afternoon in the Stanley Park Ballroom at The Westin Bayshore as Bob and Barbara were feted by their six children, 13 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. The entire ballroom, blooming with centerpieces of gorgeous scarlet and white roses, white tulips and white peonies, along with white and gold balloons, was humming with happiness and goodwill as dozens of old school friends, Variety Club people, multi-talented tap dancers, out-of-towners and retired VPD officers mixed and mingled.
Even Vancouver’s Chief Constable Adam Palmer was on hand to lead the piper around the room (a very emotional moment for Bob) and to proudly tell of Bob’s long career as a police officer, his ten years as Top Cop, his years of volunteer work with Variety, founding The B.C. Justice Institute, and helping to establish the very successful CrimeStopper’s organization.
Chief Palmer, slim and trim, saluted Barbara as the perfect wife, keeping the family together and peaceful while doing yeoman’s work as a volunteer, keeping the popular Vancouver Tap Society going, and becoming Variety Club’s first female Chief Barker, all the while retaining her own identity.
John and Barbie Hyslop.
Their son, Jim Palmer, was the official emcee for the fun soiree with his four brothers, Tommy, Bobby, Billy, and Rick and one sister, tall slim brunette, Linda, who had flown in from Toronto for this gala gala do.
Bob and Barbara had this advice for wedding-bound twosomes. Once you’re married, keep your sense of humour, be your own person, but stay together!
Great to see such well-known folk as world travellers John and Barbie Hyslop, former CKNW talk show producer Shirley Stalker (looking remarkably well after a series of strokes and a heart attack over the past three years), Margaret Feenie, mother of famed Chef Rob Feenie looking sunny and bright, Surrey Council’s Linda Annis in great form, Pat Chipman, widow of the late Variety stalwart, Peter Chipman, impresario Cindy Charkow of Unique Lives, Variety Works women Wendy Harvey and Arlene McDonald, and two of the most remarkable pair of tap dancers, Joel and Jeffrey, who gave a dazzling exhibition.
WOW! Could they burn up the floor!
There was an unexpected peek behind the TV cameras when they were filming congrats to the Stewarts from Global anchors Sophie Lui and Chris Gailus. It wasn’t supposed to happen but there was Chris, in a very tiny little room, with cameras panning, ironing his own shirt!
Ah, the life of a celebrity!!
The brothers Barnett.
BARNETT BIRTHDAYS
Restaurant Legends Turn 84
Speaking of Variety, Happy Birthday this month to Vancouver’s popular businessmen and veteran resteraurateurs, Jeffrey and Peter Barnett.. Four years ago it was their 80th birthday and their glamorous party was held in the ballroom of the posh Meridien Hotel on Burrard with a host of good friends like the late, talented and much missed Duncan Holmes, who was their PR man for eons.
The reason I recall the Barnetts’ 80th party was that that was the first time I had my “Joy’s Journal” column in The West End Journal. How time flies!
GET WELL SOON RON!
Please send a get well note to one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet, former top sports reporter, Ron Barnet!
Ron, who’s been in the game of sports reporting In Vancouver on radio and television, is currently in Royal Columbian Hospital. According to his best pal, Dr. Sport aka Greg Douglas, Ron is bedridden awaiting hip surgery and continuing to undergo tests to repair his eyesight. He has now been declared legally blind, an after-effect of being diagnosed with COVID-19.
Ron is such a lovely, courteous gentleman, so send him some sunshine wrapped in a cute card. His daughters, Danine and Janell have promised to read every one to him.
Great way to start the year by making someone else so happy …
AS THE PAGE TURNS
Happy New Year!! And I sincerely hope that everyone will be able to enjoy a blessed, peaceful, and much more positive 2022 …
Cheers!
