SAM THE RECORD MAN- WHEN A CANADIAN ICON DIES

There are many symbols and people that are icons in this country. For the musician and music world, Sam Sniderman, who had the record stores- Sam the Record Man- was their hero. He believed in the music and made money selling the records, tapes and other memorabilia associated with music. In Toronto, the iconic store on Yonge Street in the downtown core was a favourite tourist attraction. With the internet and downloading, many record stores lost business since they did not keep up with the online buying and selling. Sam died at 92 and with his death it is a reminder of many things Canadian that transcended generations. I think of Pierre Berton and his books that annoyed historians since he wrote in a folksy manner. However, he wrote about all things Canadian- from a railroad that united a country, a war, a gold rush and many other important events that made our history come alive. Gordan Sinclair with his opinions on everything allowed us to think and often disagree with him. Barbara Frum who hid her cancer until her death and wrote from the heart about all things Canadian. Terry Fox and his mother who taught us to have a dream and keep the faith. Do you have favourite Canadian icons or heros for whom you would write a eulogy? Many of our heros were not the richest in the world but they did make a difference to the masses. They left a mark!