by Joy Metcalfe
(click images to enlarge)

A FULL DRESS FIREMAN’S FAREWELL

It was the most impressive funeral I have ever witnessed in downtown Vancouver.

There were between 750 and 800 solemn and dignified firefighters in full dress uniforms parading into St. Andrew’s-Wesley Church on Nelson at Burrard on Thursday, Sept. 6 at 10 a.m. They were there to honour their fallen comrade, the late VFD Captain Ronald Hegedus, who passed away on August 16.

The term for his passing is a Line of Duty Death, which means that a member has died at a fire, responding to a fire, or passed away from one of the 17 Presumptive Cancers recognized by the B.C. Legislature. And that was Ron’s fatal illness.

It was officiant chaplain Jef Young at the Departmental Funeral who gave a stirring eulogy for the 59-year old firefighter, as his wife and his two sons, Jeremy and Riley, kept back tears.

Also present were VFD Chief Karen Fry and Local 18 president Katrina Davison, along with several civic dignitaries including Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim and Vancouver’s Chief Constable Adam Palmer.

One of the lovely moments of this sad day was the heart-rending version of O Danny Boy, sung magnificently by retired firefighter and opera-trained baritone, Andy Greenwood. It was so touching that everyone reached for their handkerchiefs.

Two people in the vast crowd who knew Ron Hegedus very well, as far back as Sexsmith Elementary school, were Kasey Nishimura and her husband, Todd. Kasey was the one who truly brought Ron to life for me. She said that Ronnie was a kind-hearted guy, even at that young age.

“He had lots of friends, plenty of female admirers and was very active in sports. Always had a smile and a positive attitude – could be quite goofy at times, too! – one of those people who would give you the shirt off his back. A genuinely nice guy!” she told me.

“Everyone who went to Sexsmith usually graduated and went on to Winston Churchill Secondary but there were five of us who went to John Oliver. Ronnie and I were among the five. But he missed our Sexsmith friends so much that he transferred to Churchill to be with them at some point in Grade 8.” Kasey added.

Kasey didn’t see Ron again until they had a reunion of their Grade 7 class. “He was so proud to tell me that he was a Vancouver firefighter and an even prouder Dad of two wonderful boys. Again, always kind and quick to give a big welcoming hug.”

Kasey and Todd went to a special get together last March with some of their old school mates to spend time with Ronnie. They gathered at Tugboat Annie’s in Richmond and found their friend still positive, caring and brave.

As she said, “Todd and I and many of our school friends were honored to be at Ron’s funeral service. He was definitely special and certainly left an amazing legacy to remember him by, but gone far too soon!” And amen to that..

The service concluded with the impressive Slow March down Burrard, led by the VFD band, followed by the assembled firefighters, the limos with family and close friends, with everyone watching as our huge Canadian flag was being hoisted over the parade.

It was an awe-inspiring sight. I’m sure Ron would have been pleased…

TROOPER IN THE HALL OF FAME

Quite the crowd of happy raucous fans outside of the Orpheum Theatre the following day as the popular rock band, Trooper, was formerly inducted into the B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame by BCEHOF President Bill Allman.

I was there to cover the ceremony for my “Joy’s Journal”, as well as being a veteran inductee of the organization myself, but also to bring greetings to Trooper’s top drummer, Tommy Stewart, from his mother and dad who couldn’t attend.

Tommy’s dad, Bob Stewart, is the former Chief of the Vancouver Police Department for more than ten years while his mother, Barbara Stewart, has devoted her life, not only to her family and friends, but to the wide world of Variety, the Children’s Charity.

Tommy comes from good stock, which, incidentally, will be celebrated on December 15 when Bob and Barbara celebrate their 72nd wedding anniversary…

PROSTATE CANCER CARE FUNDRAISER

There was also another very successful event last month.

It was the third annual Prostate Cancer Supportive Care Program Fundraiser Dinner at the Vancouver Club, sponsored by the Initio Nuclear Medicine people where the Provincial program manager, Monita Sundar, welcomed the dressy guests.

The evening’s emcee was Dr. Celestina Higano, the Medical Director of the P.C. Supportive Program while Fred Lee was auctioneer.

Spotted among the crowd were Lori Rowe and her husband Lawrence Goulet, Devina and Paul Zalesky and Jim Murray of Brian Jessel BMW and his date, Linda Mah.

The evening’s presentation was delivered by the well-known uro-oncologist, Dr. Larry Goldenberg, who gave a light, humorous but very informative update on men’s health, prostate cancer awareness and treatment, and of the importance of screening for prostate cancer.

Then Fred, as the hot to trot auctioneer, got the crowd hyped up, offering the biggest hit of the evening. It was Cioffi’s Dinner for 12 which got everyone’s attention, as Cioffi’s is the most authentic Italian and European meat market and grocery store in Burnaby. Brothers Rino and Sergio Cioffi are passionate about food and dedicated to offeriing the highest quality of local and European foodstuffs. Their Dinner for 12 was snapped up immediately.

Seeing how popular their offered prize was, Rino instantly donated a second Cioffi’s Dinner for 12.

Each of the dinners brought in $6,000.00, adding to the evening’s final total of $157,170.00.

Everyone left feeling well fed, well satisfied, and determined to make that all important doctor’s appointment…

ARE YOU READY FOR OCTOBER?

Get ready for a very busy October!!

Starting the official fall season on a very high note, it’s the sixth edition of Italian Design Weeks with the Italians’ showing off their limitless style in creativity in design and fashion.

The launch of Acqua 2024 will take place on Wednesday, October 17 at BFJ Design (get your tickets now) and winds up on November 1 with the fun and exhilarating adventure of an authentic Venetian Masquerade at Brian Jessel’s BMW Showroom.

Leeta Liepins and Jim Gordon, hosts of “Our City Tonight” will be the emcees of the closing of Acqua 24’s masked gala.

Think silks and satins, lace and brocade with bejewelled face-covering masks. It’s bound to be an evening rich in mystery, glamour and seduction…

AN AUTUMN GALA FOR CHINATOWN

Speaking of a true gala gala do, I was completely blown away by last year’s Chinatown Foundation’s spectacular Autumn Gala which was held at Fairmont’s Hotel Vancouver.

The evening was breathtakingly beautiful with pink roses and blush-coloured blossoms everywhere, even plush pink drapes, greenery fresh and gleaming, young musicians playing – it was an evening to experience .

And it’s back!

This year’s Autumn Gala 2024 will be held at the Hotel Van on Tuesday, October 29. It will be a celebration of the progress that the foundation has accomplished with their social housing project called Bob and Michael’s Place and the revitalization of Vancouver’s Chinatown.

Darlene Poole and Sam Feldman are co-chairs … Can’t wait!

BACK IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Someone I have been missing on the local TV news scene for the past couple of years is the delightful and insightful Randene Neill, the former Global TV co-anchor who seemed to have disappeared from the media scene.

I’m happy to report that Randene is living in Sechelt and is happy and well and deeply immersed in politics. In fact she is the NDP candidate for the riding of Powell River-Sunshine Coast in this month’s (October 19) provincial election. Win or lose, more on her new career next time…