RICK HONEY and DARYL B ... REMEMBERED
Legendary deejays and close friends Rick Honey and Daryl B. died just three days apart in February, 2001.
Honey passed away February 24 of cancer. A stroke claimed "B." on February 27.
These messages appeared on Warren Cosford's radio list in the wake of both
deaths.
-----------------------------
Dear Warren,
I would appreciate if you would let people along the net know the following...
I am very sorry to say that my old friend, Rick Honey, passed away at the age of
53 at his home in Vancouver today (Saturday, February 24th) at approximately
1:20 pm pacific time.
Rick fought a courageous battle against cancer going back almost 2 years.His
wife Gale and his children were with him when he passed away.
Rick Honey lived a wonderful life. In his youth he was an excellent drummer. He
played in bands with Kirt Winter, Bill Wallace, and Fred Turner. As the lead
singer in his bands, Rick sounded more like Mike Love than Mike Love.
Rick and I were life-long friends. I have known him for more than 45 years. I
had the pleasure of starting
my career in broadcasting with him. In the early 60's we worked together at CJOB
AM and FM in Winnipeg. We
came under the influence of Warren Cosford who played no small role in getting
us off to a good start in the business.
After a stint on the air on Country CJOB FM, Rick moved to Kenora, a resort town
in northwestern Ontario. From there, he spent time learning his craft at CKPR in
Thunder Bay and CJCB in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Near the end of the 60's, Rick
moved to CKLG in Vancouver where he was one of the great Boss Jocks with
the likes of Darryl B, Don Stevens, Tim Burge and many others. Rick moved over
to CKNW years later where he enjoyed incredible success and popularity.
Most recently, Rick did mornings on AM600 for Jim Pattison's station. He was on
the air in Vancouver for more than 30 years.
Rick never complained about his illness and he never lost his incredible sense
of humour. He accepted the cards dealt to him with grace and class.Over
the past few days, he couldn't climb a flight of stairs but it didn't stop him
from managing to get into the station to do his morning show. Only three
days ago, I came home to an email from him--three pages of jokes he had written.
He was looking for some feedback. We have lost a real talent and a great guy.
A toast to Rick Honey. Cheers, buddy.
From your friend, Rick Hallson
Ed note: Rick Honey was one of those all encompassing talents that were
once fairly common in radio....but which we rarely see now in The Business.
Of those I have been privileged to work with....Jay Nelson and Rick Moranis come
to mind immediately. Wherever he worked...Kenora, Thunder Bay, Sydney,
Vancouver.... Rick quickly became the top personality in town....and not only
radio, but TV as well. A warm personality and creative mind. One of those
people that made "it" look so easy....yet worked so hard.
We lost touch, but a few years ago the 'Net brought us back together and I'm
blessed to have gotten re-acquainted. We went through some tough times
together....as he left CKNW after many years and then onto Star-FM and when it
was sold, AM 600.
He "reinvented" himself as all The Great Talents do.
I also got to know another side of Rick. He had become a very in demand
Dinner Speaker, worked tirelessly with Children's Charities and in the past few
months made sure at least one "down on his luck" Radio Legend we both know was
provided for.
You just don't replace guys like that. Pour me one too Hallson.
WC
=====================================================
Hi Folks:
This from a new morning personality in a large eastern Canadian City:
I knew Rick Honey very well while I was working in Vancouver. There are a lot of
people in this business that could learn a lot from Rick. I was one and I am
forever grateful. He will be missed.
Another from a kid that listened to him in Nova Scotia:
The death of Rick Honey is an unbelievable loss.
Rick was the first radio performer who took hold of my imagination. It was in
the late '60s and he was the night-time rock jock at CJCB in Sydney, Nova
Scotia. CJCB was owned by the Nathanson family then -- and they always brought
to Cape Breton the best talent they could find. Rick certainly fit that
description.
I finally got a chance to meet him a few years ago when we were both at Walt
Disney World in Florida. He was going off to do his show, and I was on my way
out of town back to Toronto, but in the few minutes that we spent together I
could tell he was a rare kind of wonderful guy.
After that we communicated by e-mail. He was witty, thoughtful, generous and
kind. I hope he realized what a huge fan I was, and will always be.
I would not be in radio today if it weren't for the inspiration of guys like
Rick Honey.
Larry MacInnis
CHUM-FM
---------------------------------------------------
Warren:
I met Rick when I went to CFUN in Vancouver in 1974. Rick had just moved to CKNW
so I missed his Boss Jock
days. Besides being a great radio personality, Rick became one of the most
saught after emcee's in Vancouver. I worked with Rick in this capacity on
several occasions and he was one of the best We had a cordial relationship
over 19 years.Vancouver and radio will miss Rick Honey.
Wayne Stafford
Posted by Damian Bassett on February 25, 2001, 10:48 am , in reply to "Rick
Honey"
I never met Rick Honey, but I sure felt like I knew him.
From 1982-87, I lived in White Rock BC, a Vancouver suburb. Driving to work and
back over any of three bridges or in the tunnel was made endurable by CKNW with
Frosty Forst in the morning, and 'Home with Honey' in the PM.
CKNW ruled Vancouver radio in those days (share must have been 20%+) with a
format that would today be
considered cluttered and unfocused. Personality & music anchored the
'drive-times' but mid-days and early evenings were turned over to talk (with the
occasional hockey game thrown in).
Gary Bannerman, Rafe Mair & Terry Moore were talk-show personalities without
music.
The trick, it seemed to me, was to get the personalities first then schedule
them to the available audience and then don't apologize for playing music on AM
provided it blends together with the overall show. Both Forst & Honey were
masters at not playing but using music to enhance the 'theatre'of their shows.
I've never understood why CFRB, an equally powerful station in Toronto in the
'80s, never copied them! Even today, Frosty Forst plays music in the AM on AM!
and I think CKNW still leads the market.
Thank you Rick Honey for getting me home, may you rest in peace.
======================================================
Warren: I too was shocked at the news of Rick Honey's passing today. I
remember the very beginning of my
career at CKY Winnipeg and meeting a couple of young bucks from'OB. One being
Warren Cosford and the other
was Rick Honey. I think we met at CKY in fact.
I always felt Rick was a talent and had sung his praise to our CHUM consultant,
George Davies who was consulting CKLG at the time (CHUM did not have a station
in Vancouver at that time). Rick was always very kind to give me credit for his
arrival in Vancouver. He was a great guy who had been dealt some very unfair
blows in the last decade of his life.
It's interesting that of all the things and times I remember about Rick Honey,
the one I remember the most
actually had nothing to do with his amazing radio career.
I had taken my daughter (aged 11) to an industry function as my date and she was
thrilled. But even more thrilled when Rick sent me a note telling me how
beautiful he thought my daughter looked and how proud I must have been. I
passed the note to my daughter who has kept it to this day. She too was saddened
to hear of Rick's passing for obvious reasons.
Now to hear about Darryl. It's all too much. Like you, I could never have become
a jock, never gone anywhere in this business without the influence of Darryl B.
I worked with Darryl and Darryl worked for me and we were together in one way or
another at 3 or 4 stations. I will be thinking of him and hoping for the best.
He deserves it for all he's given to this industry, at least to those of us who
were jocks. He was the Edward R. Murrow of Canadian DJs in the 60s. Please
keep me updated on his current situation.
Regards,
Chuck McCoy
-----------------------------------------------------
Warren:
This is a very depressing and stressful time! I have not spoken with Daryl
for many months but I have followed his condition and understood that he was
reclusive and having some problems.
We had spoken a few times about a year ago about maybe working together on a
project but like many ideas it never moved forward.
I don't know what I could possibly do to help you but if there is anything you
or Daryl needs.. please contact me.
Roy Hennessy
=====================================================
Hi Warren: This has been a sad, tragic, week. I was so shocked to
hear about Rick Honey. He and I had become good e-mail pals over the last
couple of years. He was so supportive to me as I tried to help Darryl
get back on his feet - and Darryl was doing quite well given his medical
problems.
I called D Sunday a.m. to tell him about Rick and he just burst into tears.
He called me back about 3 p.m. and we talked about Rick and what a wonderful
person he was and how much he will be missed.
This morning I got a call from St. Boniface emergency room. Darryl had
been found in his apartment unconscious and had been rushed to hospital.
He has suffered a massive stroke and is in a deep coma. The Dr. said he
will not recover. I have notified Darryl's brother, Brent, and the family will
get back to me on what I can do to help them. (Darryl and I are
cousins) I am so upset, I am not thinking too clearly but thought I would
let you know. Gayla
Further note from Warren:
I spoke to "B" about a week ago after Rick Honey sent me his latest phone number
and told him we'd like him to be involved in the 1050 CHUM FOREVER Project in
whatever way he would like. We spent a lot of time on the phone recalling the
good times we had working together at The Big House on Yonge Street.
"B" was one of my heroes when I was a kid dreaming of maybe someday being in
radio. To have worked with him
was an honour and a privilege. He is a "class act" and a true professional.
There's a lot more I'd like to write....but can't right now. WC
------------------------------------------------------
Hi Folks:
I just received the following from Darryl B's cousin Gayla:
Warren: I just got home from the hospital. Daryl died at 6:45. I have contacted
his family. My only
consolation in all of this is that I truly believe Daryl and Rick will be
entertaining the angels as only
"Boss Jocks" can. Gayla
=====================================================
Warren:
Very sad and disturbing news indeed.
When I heard that he had returned to Winnipeg, I spoke to Darryl on the phone
late last summer, hoping to get him some part-time radio work here in
Winnipeg at my station, CKVN-FM, where he could have been among friends while
his health improved.
Unfortunately, after just a few moments on the phone, I realised that the Darryl
B we all knew had been so ravaged by health problems that Winnipeg would never
hear the the impressive voice of the guy we all admired so much.
Darryl was enthused to hear from me, and graciously said he'd call when he
felt better, but as we parted company, I sensed that that call would never come.
I worked with him at CKLW and again at CFUN when I was Production Manager
and on-air for Chuck McCoy. Darryl could do some amazing on-air shifts,
and when he really applied himself to the task, Darryl could read a spot that
sounded like it had been done in the world's best production house. Even
his "Straight reads over music BG" would sound fabulous without exception.
While at CKLW, I recall him telling me how petrified he was after listening to
the station on the car radio as he came into the coverage area well into
northern Ontario, and how he was terribly nervous about going on the air on a
station that sounded so good because he doubted his ability to perform to the
standard that he heard on-air. As it turned out, he fit right in very quickly
and did some of the best work of his career.
My collection of airchecks is surprisingly small, but I have two tapes of Darryl
which include some of his work at The Big 8, CHUM, and CFUN. I will listen to
them tomorrow and recall some of the fun times we spent together in Vancouver
and at least for a few moments, renew the high degree of professional respect I
held for his radio craftsmanship.
He informed and entertained many hundreds of thousands and brightened their day
each time he opened the mike.
Godspeed Darryl.
Regards,
J. Lee Smith
-----------------------------------------------------
Warren,
When I read one of the comments concerning Rick Honey's passing and it mentioned
how Rick had been helping a colleague who had fallen on hard times, for some
reason I thought of Darryl B. I don't know why.
Growing up in Montreal (pre-64) and Toronto (64-82) and only living in Vancouver
briefly (82-87), I only have passing knowledge of Darryl B. I believe his roots
are in Winnipeg (whose aren't?)and that his best days were probably in Vancouver
(CKLG?). His appearances on CHUM seemed spotty and in off hours or maybe I was
in my 'CHUM isn't cool enough for me period' and I just missed him. I do
remember a strong, almost cryptic delivery without any wasted
words. Listening to Darryl B, you knew this was a confident broadcaster.
Thanks Warren, for sharing the recent posts with me. I'll remember Rick Honey &
Darryl B in my prayers.
Damian
----------------------------------------------------
Dear Warren
I was shocked to hear about Rick Honey's Death today. It's sad how we lose
track of the people we work with over the years, I hadn't talked to Rick for
many years.
I was thinking back today about when I met him. We both started at CKLG in
Vancouver about the same time in 1970, he was a couple of months ahead of me. I
remember he was not pleased that I got the midday shift and he was stuck nine to
midnight. Rick wanted that shift badly and I hated it. Following Jim Holt
every morning was a life altering experience..and I was more of a night person
those days and felt more comfortable doing a later shift. So we both went
to Frank Callahan the program director and asked if we could swap shifts... and
he said "fine". It worked out for both of us. He loved the day and I love
the night. A few years later he went to CKNW and became legit doing afternoon
drive, I stuck it out in Top 40.
I still have a Boss 30 chart with Rick and me on the cover. We had a great time
and it was a very good radio station. The Vancouver market in those days was
very hot and I was proud to be there. Lots of interesting characters to work
with and learn from. Roy Hennessy, Darryl B., Jim Holt, Stevie (Wonder) Grossman
and of course Rick Honey.
I'm sorry I never even knew he was sick, he wasn't the kind of person to whine
or complain. When you've been around as long as I have you start to lose old
friends and co-workers and it makes me think I should look some of them up just
to say hello.
It was just like Rick, being the old radio pro he was to die during a book. The
guy was always thinking.
Don Stevens
(P.S.) Please put me on your mailing list. I just heard about Darryl
B., this one is very painful for me, he was the reason I went to LG and he was
the guy that inspired me to be in radio.
--------------------------------
Warren:
I'm stunned. Don Stevens called me yesterday with the news about Rick and of
course I had the opportunity to read the many comments this morning, here on the
list. Then to read just now about Daryl.....
I worked with both of them at LG73, did the news on their shows. B was one
of my mentors too. He always had the time to teach the rookie a thing or two.
We lost the station call letters this month with the change from music to news,
then we lose one of it's top personalities in Rick. Today's news about Daryl is
way over the top.
Stay out of trees B.
Ted Farr (AKA John Edwards)
===================================================
Hi Folks:
This from Jeff Steele, Sales Manager with ABC Networks in Dallas via Wayne
Stafford:
Wayne... Thanks for letting me know... I grew up listening to Darryl at CKY in
Winnipeg ... my fondest memory of him was one day in 1968 I was in Vancouver,
turned on CKLG and heard Darryl ... called him to introduce myself and tell him
what an influence he was in my decision to go into radio....he promptly invited
me down to the station and took the time to give me a tour etc... what a great
guy....please let me know if anything special is planned either in Winnipeg or
at any of the stations he helped make successful... thx Jeff
---------------------------------------------------
I listened to Daryl while I was a jock on the prairies. I always thought he was
the best TOP 40 format jock I heard. Realizing I did not have that talent,
I went into sales.
I met Daryl when I went to CFUN in 1974. He had left LG along with Jim Holt
after CHUM had bought CKVN and returned the call letters to CFUN. This was a
classic top 40 battle between CFUN & LG through the rest of the 70's.
One station would be on top and then the other.
Daryl and I became good friends and we were both members of the P3 Athletic
Club. Club rules do not allow me to pass on stories. Let's just say we had
fun and good times.
I met Daryl a few times when he was at CHUM and then lost track of him until I
heard of his illness and troubles a couple of years ago. I know J. Robert Wood
talked to him in Winnipeg last summer and Warren said he had just talked to him
about the CHUM tribute last week. I was going to get the number from Warren and
call, but I was too late. I will always regret that.
I met Daryl's Dad in Saskatchewan on numerous occasions. "Burley" Birmingham was
an executive for A.A. Murphy in Saskatoon. They were RCA distributors and owned
CFQC Radio & TV. This is where Daryl started
in his mid teens, then off to Winnipeg and the rest is history.
Hey Daryl, "STAY OUT OF TREES"
Wayne Stafford
====================================================
Rick Honey and now Darryl B.. this has been a tough week for Boss Jocks. I
just hope that radio station in heaven doesn't have any more openings because
the rest of us are busy.
When I was a kid growing up in Saskatoon, wanting to be in radio, Darryl was my
idol. I remember like it was yesterday, listening to Darryl at The Friendly
Giant CKY, he sounded like God and I thought I sounded like a gerbal in
comparison, that was around 1962. In 1969 I finally got to meet him. I was
working at CHED in Edmonton, he was at our sister station CKLG in Vancouver and
I went out there on vacation. He was so gracious, while managing to scare the
crap out of me. It's not often you get to meet your hero and I don't think I've
had one since.
Darryl and Roy Hennessy were a great help in getting me to Vancouver and even
helped me pick a new name. Don Hamilton was my real name but that was also
the name of CKLG's general manager. So Don Stevens was born in 1970 and
I've never bothered to go back, it was always my link to those great days with
Darryl, Roy, Stevie (Wonder) and Rick.
The thing that always amazed me was his ability to make the call letters and his
name sound so big. He could make so little sound like so much and he was
funny... but he was funny so quickly you'd miss it if you weren't listening.
It wasn't what he said on the air, it's how he said it. So many jocks now think
their being paid by the word, Darryl was the ultimate
Top 40 jock, he said few words but you knew what he meant.
I've used him as an example many times when talking with young jocks.
Two things stick out in my mind right now. The first one was the day he fired
me.. on the air. I was doing a night shift, Darryl was the Program
Director. He called and told me to give the answers to another radio station's
contest on the air and I refused. He called back and told me to do it or I was
gone, I refused again. Fifteen minutes later he burst though the control room
door and told me to get out, I was fired.. and I'll never forget this, as I was
leaving he threw my top hour ID cart at me. I grabbed it and left. I was upset,
after all Darryl was mad at me, but I couldn't help but think how funny it was.
Once again, Darryl was a man of few words. He hired me back the next day.
As a Program Director, I've often used Darryl as an example of what not to do.
The other thing that sticks out in my mind was the last time I saw him..and I
didn't even know it. It was 1989 and I was the Program Director at CKFM in
Toronto and I was having a drink with a couple guys at the bar across the
street. Sitting in one of the booths at the back was a sickly looking guy
wearing a baseball cap. He kept staring at me and I looked at him from time to
time but I was busy talking to the other guys. As I was walking out it hit
me, that was
Darryl. I was too embarrassed to go back in and say hello, after all I hadn't
recognized him and at the same time I was so shocked at how he looked. I wish
now that I had gone back in and I wish now I'd told him what a great influence
he had on me and hundreds of other kids who wanted to be in the radio business
and who wanted to sound just like Darryl B.
Even though we didn't keep in contact, Darryl has always been with me. He
didn't need to give me words of encouragement and he didn't need to tell me I
was doing it wrong, I understood what he was saying, Darryl was a man of few
words.
Don Stevens
------------------------------------
Here's some irony...Warren...
It was a Friday night in Winnipeg..about the summer of '62...maybe '63.
Rick Honey and I went to the teen dance at Woodhaven Community Club in St.
James.
It was an exciting night--The Deverons were playing--led by a young, skinny
piano playing vocalist by the name of Burton Cummings.
Rick Honey and I were chatting with Burton about a half hour before they'd kick
off their first set. Up walked none other than Darryl B...CKRC's hottest
jock--he was the MC that night. Rick took the moment to introduce himself for
the very first time to Darryl. I'd say there is some irony there. God bless
them both.
Rick Hallson
Winnipeg
----------------------------------
Warren:
Both Daryl & Rick were close to me also...Rick& I started together @ CKPR
Thunder Bay... 'B' was a friend when I was still with my band. Lotta memories of
good guys will go down for some time to come. I don't know if this is your
'E or someone else's--- I just felt I had to touch base w/ someone--- Anyone!
If this can be passed on to Warren & Roy H., I'd appreciate it very
much--- thanx.
Donny Burns... Toronto
==================================================
Hi Folks:
Just listening to Marc Chambers closing off his show today on 1050 CHUM.
He said (you guessed it) "Stay out of trees pleeze".
From Canadian Press:
WINNIPEG -- One of the best-known personalities in Canadian private radio is
dead.
Darryl Burlingham -- known to thousands of listeners as Darryl``B'' -- passed
away early last evening in a Winnipeg hospital.
Burlingham worked at CFQC Saskatoon, CKRC and CKY Winnipeg, CHUM Toronto and
CFUN in Vancouver.
He had suffered for several years from a condition called post-polio syndrome.
The former D-J was discovered unconscious in his apartment after suffering a
stroke.
Burlingham was 58.
-----------------------------
Warren:
I knew Darryl well while at CHUM in the 70's. I used to listen to him on
CKLW when I worked in Toledo trying to make the "Big Time." Darryl was a
class act and a first rate friend.
During my last week at CHUM I was having second thoughts about going to WPGC and
considered playing drums for the left-over Guess Who (or some of the original
members starting a new group, I can't remember which).
Darryl, knowing both me and the guys in the group, told me "Scotty don't do it,
those guys are CRAZY!" Those were strong words when one considers how
crazy I was in those days. Needless to say I put my drums back in their cases
and caught the first plane to DC!
I've now lost 4 good friends from that era, Terry, Jay, Larry and now Darryl.
This is very sad indeed.
Scott Carpenter
====================================================
Warren,
I didn't know Daryl well. We crossed paths over the years, and we did spend a
bit of time together during his last go-round on Yonge St.
The one important memory I have goes back to when I was a young jock - 20 years
old then. It was the summer of 1976, and Darryl was "shaking the trees" on a hot
afternoon at CHUM. My girlfriend and I were on the beach, the radio blasting,
and the song he intro'd was "Still The One" by Orleans. It was the "CHUM
Superstar Summer." He nailed every post, and had such a "feel good" attitude -
as only he could.
His energy, vitality and just the way he put the words together ran over me like
nothing I've felt since. I remember telling Jen, "that's what I want to do,
that's where I want to be, and what a rush it would be to work with a guy like
Darryl B." Jen's reply - "go for it, then!"
And I did.
Darryl - you're still the one. I'll still think of you when I next visit that
nearby beach.
Steve Bolton
--------------------------------------------------
Hi Folks:
Thanks to The List Member who alerted us to this:
Vancouver DJ drummed for Neil Diamond
Canadian Press
Tuesday, February 27, 2001
VANCOUVER -- Rick Honey, one of Vancouver's best-known disc jockeys, died
Saturday of stomach cancer. He was 53.
"Thanks a bunch B.C.," Mr. Honey said Thursday, as he signed off for the last
time on radio station AM600. It was the same phrase he'd used to end each
broadcast during his three decades on the airwaves. "I'll see you tomorrow."
But by Friday, Mr. Honey was having trouble breathing and the cancer he rarely
spoke about had spread to his liver.
Mr. Honey, who took time out from his job only for chemotherapy, gave in and
took the day off work. He died the next day.
"He had the strongest will of anyone I've ever seen in my life," said his wife
of 20 years, Gale. "I was pretty nuts about him."
Mr. Honey grew up in Winnipeg and while in high school was a drummer for Neil
Diamond.
"He would compete [at local competitions] with The Guess Who," said Gale Honey,
adding that the future DJ would often emerge the winner.
"He always knew he would be either a drummer or a DJ," she said.
Mr. Honey became one of the most recognized voices on air, having hosted morning
and afternoon music shows on LG73, CKNW, STAR-FM and most recently AM600.
"I knew that he was very seriously sick but he was still on air," said Lisa
Lockerby, event co-ordinator of the B.C. Cancer Society's annual Diamond Ball.
Mr. Honey was heavily involved in promoting the charity and interviewed Ms.
Lockerby about the society's April ball during his final broadcast Thursday.
While he loved music, Mr. Honey particularly favoured The Beatles, The Beach
Boys and his old friends, The Guess Who.
In the liner notes for its latest CD, the British rock group The Who thanked Mr.
Honey, among others, for his support.
Mr. Honey leaves his wife and four adult children, John, Shannon, Jennifer and
Kayce.
====================================================
If there was ever a question of the great talent of Rick Honey, the Vancouver
BBM confirms it. When Rick took over in the Fall of 2000 he helped the station
come up to a 4.4. With the Spring of 2001 sampling the station (CKBD)
attained a 5.3. This also was the last book that Rick had an opportunity to
contribute to. Even though he didn't survive the whole rating period , like a
steamship, you can shut down the engines but the damn thing will keep going from
the
momentum built up.
The station is back to a 3.8
No reflection on current staffers .. Rick shoes were really big to fill.
Russ Simpson
===================================================
To Whom It Doesn't Concern:
This is likely the most honest thing I have ever done:
You people never knew Rick or Daryl. You never even knew the men. Imagine how
the 'Press' got into this.
When I was living in a single room about 6 blocks from CKRC. There was a
frightened kid from Saskatoon who MC'd my bands gigs and snuck shopping bags of
potato chips and ginger ale to me when I was starving. He forgave me when I
stole his car TWICE!!
We challenged each other for the same cocktail waitresses@ TheTown & Country
niteclub.
When My mother died, my brother had to ask Daryl how to find me in Minneapolis.
Daryl took me to my Gig when my train pulled in. After all that, he said to me
"Well ya wann get some beaver?" I said, "Not this time my friend"--- he dropped
me off at the YMCA and gave me a hug. A HUG!!!
Sure he was a great jock-- and So?????????? His Pipes were never as big as
his heart!
The 'B' and I had a 25 year love-hate affair that most would not conceive. He
tried twice to hire me, once at CFUN, then @ 'LW. He had more faith in me than I
ever did. By the way--"Stay outa Trees" he got from my other good friend--Rick
Honey! Rick's first Extro was "Watch out for water-skiiers and kangaroos-- stay
out o' trees and eat lotsa wood!"
Rick and I started our careers together [with a lot of tutoring from a man named
Russ Simpson]..Now, there's
a class act! Rick, actually saved my life more than once. I can't believe how
people want to talk about his funeral and how well attended it was. When push
comes to shove, only Gale was there! Anyone remember her????
I leave you with this thought-- both Rick and the 'B' never stood in judgement
on me. I feel so lonely without them both. Be grateful for what you have
-- It doesn't last! You don't like what I just said??? Try to imagine how little
I care.
Always...
Donny Burns.
=====================================================
Hi Gayla:
Thank you for keeping in touch through this most difficult period and for being
the "point person" in assisting "B". I'm so happy that I got the
opportunity to speak to him for about 10 minutes last week. He said he was "on
his way out the door" at the time.
I have recently been asked by CHUM to "quarterback" a series of on and off air
events that will conclude the era of 1050 CHUM as a music station with class,
dignity, style and flair. It's one of the reasons I spoke to "B". I wanted
to make sure he got a personal invitation to participate in whatever way he
wished. Rick Honey told me earlier that it was unlikely he could travel.
I can't honestly say that "B" and I were pals. He seemed closer to The Jocks.
To me he was a "pure Jock". Although I was Production Manager at CHUM for
many years, I don't ever recall
recording "B" on a commercial. He had such a distinctive unique style and
"sound" that was so much more "Jock" than "Announcer" I never really thought of
him as a "Commercial Voice". Perhaps that was my mistake and a reason we never
became "close".
But having said that....in the early days of my career, while I was still
searching for what it was I wanted to do and might be good at in radio, I would
often try to "mimic B" on the air.
It was like trying to "mimic" Elvis. I just sounded silly.
Later, "B" always made a point of flattering me. He'd tease me about being a
"Legend". I'd say..."B"
Legends are dead people. You and I have still got a lot of living to do".
And maybe that was "B's" problem. To stay alive in The Business, you have
to "re-invent" yourself. He
didn't. Most Jocks don't. Jay Nelson, Terry Steele, Larry Wilson and even Rick
Honey...BIG Talents all. Who's next? The Suits can say what they like about them
being their own worst enemies. In The Radio Business, they were just as
wonderful as the John Barrymore's of The Movies or the Doug Harveys of
hockey. Destructive? Sure. Insecure, private, misunderstood....Alone. Yes.
All I know is that "B" touched many lives both in and out of the business. He
certainly wasn't a Saint. But I knew if I needed him he'd be "there". Us Legends
have got to stick together. At the end of the day, what more could you ask?
After all....as Howard Green once said on the air at CKCK Regina....we could
have all been plumbers and made some real money.
But for what?
Most people live lives of quiet desperation. They never discover what they can
do that is "special:"
It's one of the reasons why the most rewarding "things" I do is "discover" and
encourage Talent. Of all the things I've done that "B" thought gave me Legendary
Status, I hope that will be my legacy.
My daughter Samantha won a Gold Medal at The World Karate Championships in
Orlando when she was 10. My
son Dylan is considered the best defenceman on his AAA hockey team. Maybe
they'll both become plumbers and
be happy. But I want to make sure it's up to them and they have every
Opportunity to Be All That They Can Be.
"B's" death has made me more determined that ever to do "the right thing" with
the final days of 1050 CHUM. I read the other day that the analysis's on Bay
Street value the company at a billion dollars. Good for them. This isn't about
money. This is about The Art of Radio. If The Company is worth a billion, then
guys like "B" contributed an Equity worth millions.
Don't get me wrong. I don't denigrate The Walters Family their billion.
They're a Class Act despite our various conflicts over the years. I
wouldn't change anything about our relationship.
But "this one's" for The Folks like "B".
WC
thanks to Charles Ritenburg who has ALWAYS "Got It".