MY BIG BROTHER, MY CONFIDANT AND THE KEEPER OF MY SECRETS
Dear Editor,
When I started at the Star Phoenix in 1973, Bill was already there. Although still in his teens, Bill knew his way around the newsroom. It was a great time to be a reporter. Newspapers were distinctly newspapers. Reporters were assigned specific beats, of which we were very protective. We competed daily to have our stories on the front page (above the fold) or at least on the third page. The newsroom was a buzzing hub of ideas, edits, rewrites and camaraderie. Many a discussion carried over in the (long since gone) Pioneer Room at the Bessborough on a Friday evening.
Bill took on numerous responsibilities over the years, always searching for something different. One that stands out was his proposal for the paper’s first-ever provincial beat. Embraced by the powers that be, this gave Bill the opportunity to chase stories in small town and rural Saskatchewan, even covering city council in Prince Albert. For several years I was the agriculture reporter (yes, the Star Phoenix actually assigned a reporter to cover farmers, farm meetings and agriculture policy full time). It was not uncommon for the two of us to head out on a road trip together exploring the fabric of the province and its people, helping to make the paper an integral part of the community.
Our reporter notepads were eventually abandoned for other forms of writing and communications. When I left Saskatoon for a new life in Grenada and a new name (no longer a Russell), Bill was the master of ceremonies at my wedding. And every Christmas he sent me a box of books, usually about Saskatchewan. Our shared love of dogs endured, having had to say goodbye to a few four-legged friends over the years.
“He’s still a planner, always looking ahead; and a risk taker with so many admirable and bold accomplishments. And he’s still one of the most believable storytellers I know, even when he exaggerates.”
As our careers evolved, we never lost touch. He’s still my big brother, my confidant and the keeper of my secrets. He’s still a planner, always looking ahead; and a risk taker with so many admirable and bold accomplishments. And he’s still one of the most believable storytellers I know, even when he exaggerates.
I’m honoured to celebrate Bill’s contributions to Saskatoon, the United Way and the community he has served with distinction. May he enjoy health and happiness in ‘Sask-West’ with sweet Paul at their home where, most appropriately, dogs rule.
Nancy McGuire Edmonton (Former SP Business Editor)