One of the toughest parts of being a columnist is when you have to write about the loss of someone you know in the all too small world of sports.
It was just a month or so ago that I wrote about my good buddy, former soccer star Brian Budd's passing of a heart attack at the too young age of 56. Before that it seemed that we were losing the core of the old guard of the local world of sports with the passing of sports writers and media personalities such as George Gross, Pat Marsden, Jim Proudfoot and Jim Hunt just to name a few.
Again, I have to compose my thoughts on a very remarkable man, a former elite athlete, who made the difficult transition from the football field to the television studio with the grace, ease, ambition and class that helped showcase the big man's many talents. Leif Petterson was a good guy, a solid family man, who one would be hard-pressed to find anyone on the planet to say an unkind word about. He passed away at home in Etobicoke late last week of an apparent heart attack at the frightening young age of 57.
It's frightening because Leif kept himself in such great shape. A great natural athlete, he boasted of keeping the same 34 inch waist that he had 30 years ago when he was in his prime as one of the top receivers in the CFL for the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Hamilton Tiger Cats. This was a special man that touched all that came in touch with him. My deepest condolences go out to his wife Lee and their two daughters and to all the friends that this remarkable man leaves behind.
All reports coming in from Beijing are that the Chinese have pulled out all the stops welcoming all to their politically vital Olympic Games which begin on Saturday.
The city is spotless; the once dreadful pollution problem has dissipated, temporarily at least. I received emails from friends telling me that accommodations are great and definitely above the norm for sportswriters. The Chinese government has spent huge money to show the world that it can pull this big show off and that the world's fastest growing economy deserves to be front and centre as a world leader. I hope that the games will be a success for all and that politics finds a way to take a back seat to what's really important here, the athletes. Best of luck to all wearing the Maple Leaf! Go Canada!
With the reinstatement of Packers legend Bret Favre to the active team roster, it will be fascinating to see how this football drama will unfold itself.
Favre, who retired in March after 18 record breaking NFL seasons, has decided that the retirement lifestyle just wasn't the life for this quarterback icon and is making a well publicized and controversial comeback. With NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell taking on the role of Henry Kissinger in this messy situation it now looks like Favre will have an opportunity to compete with Aaron Rodgers for the starter's job. Still if it comes down to Favre actually playing this season look for the Packers to trade their ageing legend and pick up a few young draft prospects. Take my word on this, Favre still has a few dozen touchdowns in that rifle of an arm and I hope he finds a home that will appreciate his talent and leadership. If not with the Packers then I still think that either the Vikings or the New York Jets are the perfect fit for Favre.
Brett in the Big Apple would not only sell the place out for every home game, but also bring the spotlight on the team away from the current Super Bowl champs the Giants. Jersey and other collectable sales would be mind boggling. It's a win –win situation for the team who should open the vault and make him the offer he deserves. As much as the Vikings would be a great fit for Favre, who reports say would be interested in suiting up for the Packers NFC North rivals, there is no way that the team would ever trade him to a division rival where his talents could leap out and bite them on their butt.
Congratulations to Mississauga's own Ron Fellows, who won the NAPA Parts 200 in Montreal Saturday. The four-time winner of NASCAR Nationwide series events fought the elements and beat 2nd place winner and fellow Canadian Patrick Carpentier by a decisive 33 second advantage in a race that was ended 26 laps early due to the weather. Just another former class mate of mine to make his mark on the world. Way to go Ron, we're all proud of you.
Wanted to send my deepest condolences out to my dear friend Dr. Vaithilingam and his family for their loss of their beloved mother Kamla , who passed away a few weeks ago after a long courageous fight with cancer. Even though I never met Mrs. Vaithilingam, if any indication of ones success in our mortal life are the accomplishments and character traits of the ones that we bring into this world, than she was without a doubt a woman who stood above the rest. Along with being a first class doctor , her son is a kind and sympathetic man and is a credit to the practice of medicine, and from every indication it was traits received from his hard hardworking, nurturing parents.
Until next time
