Ode To....

[Peter Canuck]

I just wanted to tell folks about a person I knew who passed away last weekend and I would like to invite you to tell us about someone who you knew or touched you in a personal way.

Harry Dekker Sr. was about 80 years old ago when he died. At least in age. He'll always be a hip dude to me.

Harry was a 5 foot 4 inch cigar chomping, scotch drinking, crusty old broadcaster when I started a career in radio. And that was 18 years ago.
He managed CJNB Radio in North Battleford Saskatchewan from the late 50's until the early 90's.
He was also on the air most of the time too.

Harry had a voice that could stop traffic. And that was when he whispered. He loved his community, his family, and his trade.
He didn't grandstand on the air, he talked. He didn't open the mike when he had nothing to say, he let others say their bit. And he was as friendly a man as I could ever hope to meet.

When I was 18 and starting in broadcasting Harry had just had a heart attack (the first of 4) and he was off the air for the first time ever in his life. That meant he didn't have to be in for the early AM shift, but he would pop down the station during the day to check phone calls, check on his family (who worked at the station) and make sure the folks representing his station (like me) knew how to pronounce the local names, carried ourselves professionally, and got to know us too.

I think the way Harry ran his business in the community was based on relationships with so many people. Be up front and honest and trouble rarely comes knocking at your door.

THe great thing about Harry as a boss was that he let you learn from your mistakes, even if you didn't know he was doing it.
The braodcast industry has changed alot since I was in it. Harry was a throwback in the way he did his thing on air, but he was also the most contemporary guy I know.

I recall in 1987 Harry was on the bus from North Battleford to Saskatoon to catch Sawyer Brown at the auditorium and then took the whole staff out to a live club show later on (followed by many scotch) and talked about the great time on the air the following week.

To the one and only Harry Dekker Sr.

Thanks. Thanks for being you.

[damienpaul]

Thank you for sharing your experiences and about your mentor Peter,

My grandmother has always inspired me, as a school teacher in World War 2 in the bush here in Australia, she was a headmistress at only 19 years old! With no resources other than what could be found or made. She also helped me speak and walk after a serious illness when i was a toddler, and also helped me through the betrayal of when my sister tried to kill me 11 years ago.

Thank you again Peter.

[DippyHippy]

Thank you Peter and damien... I raise a glass too to Harry and damien's grandmother...

Me... well, aside from Carl Sagan (who influenced millions) I'm not sure who's been a mentor in my life...

I'll have to have a think about it LOL

[Chook]

Peter and Damo:
It was really rewarding, and inspiring, to hear your sentiments and (for want of a better word) love for someone you admire.

When you consider the hate and vengeance that exists in many parts of the only world we have - it is great to, again, realize that there are some (often unsung and unrecognized) giants within out own circle of acquaintances.

I've been around the traps for awhile - but I think the most inspiring person I know is a fellow called Ron Beer, who was Chief Accountant of the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital when I first met him.

Ron had been an officer in the Second World War and had won the Military Cross during one of the battles in the Middle East. He was a born leader and inspired the best in people by expecting and encouraging the very best from his staff. He was a brilliant Management Accountant, ahead of his time, and brought his expertise with him to the job and planned a total re-organisation of the Office of Budget and Management along military lines. He was totally inspiring, rewarding those who raised themselves to his level of expectation and encouraging all his staff to think and be a positive part of the team.

Ron went on to be CEO of Sydney hospital (where I again worked for him), then promoted to Regional Director of all hospitals in Sysney. By this time I had left Australia.

Ron finished up as General Manager of a huge International organisation (where I worked for him again) before finally Consulting for one of the United Nations instrumentalities.

But wherever Ron worked he brought the best out in people. He is now retired and lives with his daughter in Melbourne.

God bless you Ron.

[damienpaul]

Thank you Chook,

Let's hope that we can even be able to stnad in their shadow and more to the point be able to do the work that they have done/do. My grandmother has never really stopped teaching and yesterday (27th March) she turned 80, the following is an exerpt of an email i sent her:

Hello and Deaest Grandma, How are you?

Happy Birthday!!! Wow, what a milestone - 80 years you have been blessing this Earth, 27.4 of these years you have been a blessing, an inspiration and a reminder of the good in the World to me.

Thank you for everything, <raises his glass> heres to more years of your continuing blessing. God made an Earth Angel on March 27, 1924 who continues to bless us today.

Love you and Grandpa

Damien

True leaders are usually those who have been with us for a while.

[galaxygirl]

Awww, that was such a nice e-mail. All of these stories are really great. Keep them coming!

I would just like to thank my teachers, especially my 7th grade teachers- Mr. Murch, Mr. Kal, Dr. Trunfio, and Ms. Gannon. They helped me realize that I can follow my dreams, and have given me support in following them ever since.

[kashi]

Great idea for a topic Peter. I don't even know where to begin with this. I've been touched and influenced by so many people (some of whom I know really well and others I've never met). I could name about 100 musicians/composers but I won't bore you. Non musically speaking I'd have to include Stephen Hawking, Rowan Atkinson, the Dalai Lama...the list goes on.

Galaxygirl you're very articulate for a 14 year-old. You must read a lot.

[Faulkner]

I think the most inspiring person I know is a fellow called Ron Beer
Well with a name like that, I can understand your respect for the gentleman.

I wish I could name somebody who's had an influential effect on my life. But I can't. :(

...Tho' I have fond memories of my Grandma too...we watched many monster movies together when I was a little monkey...

[Weaselbunny]

Interesting posts... B)

I had a drama teacher that I started seeing when I was ten. She taught me, one hour each week, 1-2-1, until I was 23 and moved away to complete my studies.

She coached me to a number of sucesses, was my constant inspiration and shaped my talent in so gentle a way. She inspired my love of poetry and writing and helped me to find my vocation in life. She was also the voice of reason and impartial advice through my teen years. A true confidant.

During her long life she had helped many people and learned many things, and at the age of 83 she was still going to the gym every morning at 7.30!

Sadly she died early last year, before I graduated, and before I started my writing and radio career.

She will always be alive to me. The voice of reason, the voice of encouragement, and the voice of strength in my mind's ear.

[galaxygirl]

Originally posted by kashi@Mar 29 2004, 07:53 AM
Galaxygirl you're very articulate for a 14 year-old. You must read a lot.
Thank you Kashi. Yes, I do read a lot. I also watch the news, listen to classical music and read things like The Elegant Universe for fun. I'm probably the nerdiest 14-year-old anyone will ever know.

[Weaselbunny]

I'm probably the nerdiest 14-year-old anyone will ever know.

Nah, if you're a nerd, we're all nerds, and I'm not a nerd. The only reason that the stuff you're into isn't more mainstream is cos not everyone can wrap their melon round it.

You've got a bright future if your posts that I've been reading are anything to go by, and judging by your pic in the rogues gallery you're also a stunner.

Just consider yourself to be more enlightened than some of your peers. B)

[galaxygirl]

Thank you for that Weaselbunny! :)

I didn't mean to imply that everyone here is nerdy, because you're not. You are all very intelligent and admirable people- not to be confused with being a nerd. I just ment to say that in the age of MTV and a media controlled society, it's not normal for someone my age to be doing things like this.

Sorry for getting so off topic...

[damienpaul]

Well in all honesty, as a teacher people such as you galaxygirl are ones I admire - mainly for the effort and heart you put into life and your interests...

I fully agree with Weasel's and Kashi's comments!

By the way, grandma says hi to you all!

[Weaselbunny]

Hey grandma!

I just ment to say that in the age of MTV and a media controlled society, it's not normal for someone my age to be doing things like this.


When I like something, it's cos I like it, not cos I'm supposed to. At school it seems like the people who have the easiest run are the one's who fall in line like a bunch of sheep, the right clothes, music, friends, everything. It takes more individuality and character to do your own thing.

Sooner or later you start to realise that the 'sheep' people are often quite 2D!

Pity really, poor things!

[kashi]

I agree with you wholeheartedly galaxygirl. Don't let MTV and media driven stereotypes put you off what you enjoy. I get the feeling that the "nerd" stereotype is a lot more prevalent in American society than it is here in Australia. I am 19 and I think that reading intelligent literature and listenning to classical music is not only important, but essential. Check out the Deutsche Grammophon recording of the Brahms piano concertos performed by Emil Gilels and the Berlin Philharmonic. It doesn't get any better than that.

[Faulkner]

Sooner or later you start to realise that the 'sheep' people are often quite 2D!

Pity really, poor things!

Hell, don't feel sorry for these expendable morons, Weaselbunny! They're the ones that make this world boring & lame!

[kashi]

Let's get back on topic people. Special people who have touched us or influenced us in one way or or another.

[Peter Canuck]

Some nice stories so far folks... when on topic.

Teachers are special people the world over. Anyone can instruct a class of people who want to learn and think creatively and take instructions.
Most teachers get stuck with regular kids who stare out the window (guilty) doodle all over their math text (guilty) and really dol forget their homework (guilty many times over).

Special ODE TO for teachers - Yes I know some of you are of that species.

Your fellow Ron Beer sounds like a man who was an orgainzational wizard. When those folks put their talents to good use, they make the world go.

Keep the stories coming folks. I like readin em.

Oh yeah... Ode to Aunt Monica... She's a teacher.

[MikeJ]

One of the most inspiring people I have known was my secondary school principal (age 14-18). On top of being college principal, he was bit of an educational innovator in the area of community education. He was also my best friend's dad (principal's son, gotta hang with the nerds ;-) ), and a Quaker. His contribution to my education was immense, and especially in the things I really value, rather than the things politicians seem to expect from teachers.

His teaching was imaginative and he could easily shock even jaded teens into re-thinking assumptions, and society at large. Even the drop-outs granted he was kind of cool for a teacher. He had passion, talent and integrity, and wanted to educate individuals, not train sheep.

The most inspiring person I have ever met is Desmond Tutu. I was surprised how short he is, about shoulder high to me, but his presence is enormous, like a dynamo of charisma. His humility, warmth and - dare I say it - grace, is profound. He has clearly been a huge spiritual influence on his nation, and the depth of his personal compassion and conviction in driving the Truth and Reconciliation process has probably averted horrendous bloodshed in South Africa. A great man, though he would deny it himself, of course.

[damienpaul]

I have another person who i admire to share with you all:

He is a simple man, not many know his name, but to know him, one feels enriched, he has always been in the background, prefering to let others take the credit. If he ever does get recognition, he alwatys takes it as part of a team.

My grandfather, Howard, he has always done things like help people quietly and with only kindness in his heart.

He was a child of the Depression, earning money for his parents, as did a lot of people of that day.

During the Second World War, yes he was there, but he never used a weapon, he was a wireless operator for the Catalina Air-Sea Rescue for the Royal Australian Air Force, he doesn't know how many people he helped save, nor will he admit he did 'anything special'. He married my grandma (mentioned earlier in this thread), after the war, they raised 4 children.

We almost lost him when 11 years ago, the whole family was shattered by the rage then disappearance of my sister. But after a quadruple bypass he came back and came back with a vengeance!!.

One thing I love looking at (as my memories are blank from 11 years ago) are photoes of grandpa in teh ANZAC day parade, there he will be marching alongside his buddies, eyes straight and a hint of a cheeky grin.

He and grandma have been married for over 56 years!

Recently, he taught himself to transfer all the Supa 8 and other old film to CD rom (these help me get my memory back), and he is also online, I chat with him and grandma online now a days as well as email them.

He is 80 years young in a couple of months, if I could do even just a quarter of what either of my grandparents have done, then i will have lead a full life.

The best thing is, their picture is on my wall, its like they are still watching over me, even though the are over 2000km away. But I still can just email and phone them.

Just liked to share that

[galaxygirl]

That was nicely said, damienpaul!

I would just like to say ode to everyone in the UT forum. You guys (and gals) are the best!

[RadioMan]

Hey Peter Canuck. A friend was recently googling the name Harry Dekker and your post came up. He forwarded it on to me. Imagine my surprise.

You see, Harry Dekker is my dad.

I joined this blog in the hopes you might see this heartfelt thank-you for your moving tribute to dad and maybe finding out more about your identity.

One of the Dekker boys

[farmerjumperdon]

1st to mind off the top of my head, a gentleman named Milt. Can't remember his last name. At one of my earlier jobs working in a GE plant in Chicago Heights Illinois over 30 years ago I wrote some rascist grafitti in the bathroom. Got caught, got made to look like a fool, got in arguements with a fellow white guy (he actually ratted me out), and was befriended by an elderly black man, named Milt. It was a crushing day that still makes me think real hard about a lot of things; but Milt was the guy there for me. He sought to understand rather than to judge, the beginnings of a lot of things for me:

<> the beginning of a friendship
<> the beginning of the end of my rascist attitudes
<> the beginning of a way of thinking that changed the rest of my life
<> the beginning of my lifelong quest to understand TDH's (Those Darn Humans)

[Swift]

Hey Peter Canuck. A friend was recently googling the name Harry Dekker and your post came up. He forwarded it on to me. Imagine my surprise.

You see, Harry Dekker is my dad.

I joined this blog in the hopes you might see this heartfelt thank-you for your moving tribute to dad and maybe finding out more about your identity.

One of the Dekker boys
Wow! That is pretty cool that you found this. Worth bringing back a two year old thread.

[Peter Canuck]

Cool to say the least.
I'll be waiting to see which of the boys it is.
I was very surprised to see that thread and even more so to see the note from Radioman.

[Big Brother Dunk]

I work in television in Saskatoon and I remember when Harry Dekker died. We lost a giant in broadcasting in Saskatchewan with his passing.

[Andromeda321]

Yes, I do read a lot. I also watch the news, listen to classical music and read things like The Elegant Universe for fun. I'm probably the nerdiest 14-year-old anyone will ever know.
Don't worry, I did the same sorts of things when I was 14 and I turned out fine. Well ok, I became a physics major so it depends on your definition, but yea. ;)
As for the topic at hand, although I've never met him or anything and only fell in love with his works after he passed away, I am forever in debt to Carl Sagan for giving me a vision for the universe that I have never regretted having. Also for making me assume that any scientist has a social responsibility to teach what they know to the rest of the world because it's just so beautiful, as I was truly disappointed when I learned this isn't really the case for many.

[Peter Canuck]

In case anyone wanted an update....

Got in touch with Radioman. One of the Fab Four brothers that carry on their Dad's good work. Wonderful to hear from him again.

A super family to know.