Mike Bullard obit

Mike Bullard dead at the age of 67

 

He was not on the list.

Mike Bullard, a comedian and former late-night talk show host who hailed from Mississauga, has died at the age of 67.

Known for his pioneering role in Canadian late-night television with Open Mike with Mike Bullard. His career spanned decades, during which he earned a devoted following for his candid humor and quick wit.

From his notable work on Open Mike, which ran from 1997 to 2003, to his time on Toronto’s Newstalk 1010 radio, Bullard was known for his engaging personality and unfiltered comedic style. He was also an active stand-up performer, entertaining audiences at Yuk Yuk’s clubs across Canada and continuing to work in comedy into his later years.  However, his journey has not been without challenges.

In recent years, Bullard has faced personal and professional struggles, including financial difficulties and legal issues related to a 2018 incident involving allegations of harassment. He continued to engage with his audiences until his last days.

Multiple media personalities who knew Bullard said he died of a heart attack, though his family has not yet issued a formal statement confirming the cause of death.

Several friends and former colleagues took to X, (formerly Twitter) to express their condolences. Broadcaster Bob Cowan posted, “His last years were troubled, but @MikeBullard1997 never stopped making people laugh. RIP Mike Bullard.”

His last years were troubled but @MikeBullard1997 never stopped making people laugh. RIP Mike Bullard.

Another friend, Ryan Doyle, shared a heartfelt memory, describing Bullard as “a caring friend that would give you the shirt off his back.”

A resident of Mississauga since he was 14 years old, Bullard worked briefly as a police officer with Peel Regional Police in his youth, but resigned when he was not permitted to moonlight in comedy clubs. He then returned to Bell Canada, where he had worked previously, and eventually was promoted to associate director of corporate investigation, while also working part-time as a stand-up comic. His promotion occurred after his manager saw him perform as an emcee at the Just for Laughs festival, leading him to conclude that if Bullard could handle a crowd he could also handle corporate investigations.

Bullard had a long-time association with the Yuk Yuk's chain of comedy clubs, as both an emcee and headliner, since first appearing at the Toronto club in July 1988. He started performing at the venue after being introduced to Yuk Yuk's founder, Mark Breslin, by his brother, writer and comedian Pat Bullard. Bullard asked Breslin for spots emceeing shows at Yuk Yuk's rather than as a headliner or a spot in the lineup in hopes of preparing himself to eventually become a talk show host.

He continued to perform at Yuk Yuk's shows across Ontario until the end of his life. Yuk Yuk's proprietor Mark Breslin, who knew Bullard for 35 years, said of him: "He was probably the best emcee and host in the country. Nobody did crowd work like Mike. That was his real super strength.

Following his television show's cancellation, Bullard resumed his career as a stand-up comic playing in comedy clubs such as Yuk Yuk's, released a comedy CD, did commercials for a weight loss clinic, and made a cameo appearance at the Gemini Awards taking part in a skit in which he played a corpse protesting "I'm not dead yet!" while paramedics removed him from the stage. In October 2006, Bullard launched an uncensored morning satellite radio show on XM Canada's Laugh Attack channel; the program was cancelled after five months.

Bullard returned to TV to host HouseCapades, a reality series following and assisting people selling their homes, in 2006. In August 2009, Bullard became the host of The Mike Bullard Show on Talk820 Radio (CHAM) in Hamilton, Ontario, however his evening show was cancelled when CHAM switched to a country music format in July 2010.

From 2010 to 2016, Bullard hosted Beyond the Mic with Mike Bullard weekdays at noon on Newstalk 1010 in Toronto.

He returned to broadcasting in October 2018 on Sauga 960 AM in Mississauga as host with Lawrence Morganstern of the afternoon drive time show, The Getaway. The show ceased production in late January 2019.

Writer

Introducing the RighterBoyz (2022)

Introducing the RighterBoyz

TV Special

Writer

2022

 

CBC Winnipeg Comedy Festival (2002)

CBC Winnipeg Comedy Festival

5.0

TV Series

writer

2010

1 episode

 

HouseCapades (2006)

HouseCapades

3.4

TV Series

Writer

2006

 

Open Mike with Mike Bullard

2.4

TV Series

writer

1998–2004

58 episodes

 

Comedy Now! (1997)

Comedy Now!

5.5

TV Series

writer

1997

1 episode

 

Actor

Introducing the RighterBoyz (2022)

Introducing the RighterBoyz

TV Special

Ari

Boss

Restaurant Patron 2

2022

 

Finding ODO

8.0

Short

'Big Ed' Lockwood

2009

 

HouseCapades (2006)

HouseCapades

3.4

TV Series

Show Host

2006

 

Freddy Got Fingered: Deleted Scenes (2001)

Freddy Got Fingered: Deleted Scenes

6.7

Video

Policeman

2001

 

Tom Green in Freddy Got Fingered (2001)

Freddy Got Fingered

4.7

Policeman (scenes deleted)

2001

 

Centre Stage

1.6

TV Series

2000

 

Traders (1996)

Traders

7.7

TV Series

Telephone repairman

1999

1 episode

Ka obit

Ka, Beloved Rapper of the Brooklyn Underground, Dies at 52

The proudly independent musician and New York firefighter released the final album of his lifetime, The Thief Next to Jesus, in August 

He was not on the list.

Ka, the storied Brooklyn rapper and proudly independent musician born Kaseem Ryan, has died, according to a statement posted to his official social media channels. A hero of drumless beats, hushed vocals and an effortlessly wordy flow, he “died unexpectedly” this past Saturday (October 12) in New York. “We kindly ask that the privacy of Ka’s family and loved ones be respected as they grieve this incalculable loss,” the post reads. He was 52.

“Born and raised in Brownsville, Brooklyn, Ka lived a life of service—to his city, to his community, and to his music,” the statement continues. “As a 20-year veteran of the New York City Fire Department, he put his life on the line to protect his fellow citizens. Ka rose to the rank of FDNY captain and was a first responder on September 11, 2001 during the attacks on the World Trade Center. He leaves an extraordinary legacy as a recording artist, including eleven remarkable self-released solo albums.”

From his debut record with Natural Elements, in 1994, on through to his final solo album, August’s The Thief Next to Jesus, Ka carefully considered each word in his raps and the impact it could have on his local community. Seeing that through, he often hosted DIY events for his album releases where he would talk to fans one-on-one and celebrate bringing people together in person. Arguably most famously of all, Ka took great strides to remain independent wherever possible, from self-producing his work to shipping orders himself, never taking for granted that he landed a second life in music.

For Ka, hip-hop was love on first listen. As a six-year-old, he heard a rap song drift out of the radio and was immediately transfixed. “I knew as a child this was for me—I was chosen for it. It was my music,” he later told Impose. Though he witnessed hip-hop’s rise firsthand in his Brownsville neighborhood in Brooklyn, Ka didn’t rush through the songwriting process or learning how to hone his own unique flow. Instead, he took a pen to paper and, after a friend taught him to zoom out when writing, started focusing on crafting verses instead of just lines.

His first big break came with Natural Elements, the underground New York group led by Mr. VooDoo, L-Swift, and G-Blass. Ka was a natural fit as they carved out their place in the city’s independent rap scene, and they were quickly offered a development deal with Def Jam Recordings with some help from A&R talent scout Dante Ross. Four songs and one studio trip later, it fizzled out. Ka felt like the odd man out. In his own head and down on his verses, he left the group. Apart from a brief turn linking up with rapper Kev to form Nightbreed and dropping the 1998 indie rap 12" “2 Roads Out the Ghetto,” Ka started to retreat into the shadows for good.

A decade later, Ka found the motivation to give it another go, this time in the name of sharing his musical skills with friends and family. “I wanted to give my mother a CD to put in her hand. I just wanted to prove that I didn’t waste 20 years of mastering a craft without anything to show for it,” he told Complex. Ka dropped his solo debut, Iron Works, in 2008, and the project eventually found its way to GZA. Impressed with his steadfast lyrical flow, the Wu-Tang Clan member invited Ka to contribute to his then-upcoming album Pro Tools on the track “Firehouse.” Ka threw everything he had into his part, aware of the opportunity’s make-or-break potential. Next thing he knew, he was introduced to Roc Marciano, and the two became close friends and collaborators.

Over the next few years, Ka slowly became a local fixture–turned–nationally revered rapper with 2012’s Grief Pedigree and 2013’s The Night’s Gambit, both released on his own label, Iron Works. By the time Honor Killed the Samurai dropped in 2016, Ka was now lionized as a cult favorite by younger rappers like Earl Sweatshirt and MIKE, both of whom considered his later-in-life ascent, especially his focus on craft over output, aspirational. Ka continued with a steady roll of albums that kept his tongue sharp and his peers on their toes: 2020’s Descendants of Cain, 2021’s A Martyr’s Reward, and 2022’s Languish Arts and Woeful Studies.

Ka also found time to collaborate with other artists. He did 2015’s Days With Dr. Yen Lo with Preservation, and 2018’s Orpheus vs. the Sirens with Animoss. He also collaborated with Navy Blue, Chuck Strangers, and, of course, Roc Marciano.

Though his comeback was heralded with accolades and high praise, Ka was most grateful for the renewed perspective on life it gave him. “I’ve been around way too much death and I know that living is better,” Ka once told Impose. “I appreciate being able to just go and take a walk in the park—the things I never did as a kid, like I never learned to fish, I never flew a kite as a kid. I bought a kite last year and went out with it to Prospect Park. I felt like a nerd, but it didn’t matter. I was hoping nobody knew me, but I was happy, man. I was in the park with a kite like a big kid. That’s living to me.”

Countless artists have paid tribute to Ka after learning of his death, including Westside Gunn, Chester Watson, Nicholas Craven, Curly Castro, L’Orange, Rome Streetz, Ankhlejohn, and Brainorchestra. “I always called him a living PROPHET because thats what he was to us,” the Alchemist wrote on X. “Me and Roc always said when KA rapped it was like he was delivering his words from the top of a mountain off a stone tablet. The truest man and artist I have ever been lucky enough to cross paths with. There is so much I want to say. It was an honor to call you a friend and comrade. Thanks Roc for connecting us. KA, you made all of us better. My condolences to the family. Rest easy Kaseem Ryan aka BROWNSVILLE KA. Till we meet again .”

Dottie Leonard Miller obit

Christian Industry Veteran Dottie Leonard Miller Passes

 

She was not on the list.

Dorothy “Dottie” Leonard Miller, founder and CEO of Daywind Music Group and New Day Christian Distributors and co-founder of Billy Blue Records, passed away today (Oct. 11). She was 79.

A member of the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, artists and songwriters Miller has worked with have garnered countless Dove Awards, Singing News Fan Awards, BMI Christian Music Awards, Grammy nominations, one Grammy Award and over 125 No. 1 songs.

Raised in Wilmington, Delaware, Miller didn’t discover her professional calling until later in life. While raising two children in Hendersonville, Tennessee as a single mother, she gained business knowledge through clerical work at an accounting firm and a law firm, sales experience selling Jhirmack hair products and political savvy working for the Democratic Party of Tennessee on campaigns for Senator Jim Sasser, President Jimmy Carter and others. She also worked a second job in ER admissions at Hendersonville Hospital to make ends meet.

On a whim, she applied for a receptionist position at Calvary Records in Nashville, which brought her into the music industry. She later worked with radio stations and Christian bookstores to promote Gospel artists like the Hinsons, the Telestials and others.

After a stint with Windchime Records, Miller started New Day Christian Distributors in 1981. The music distribution company was housed in her garage and focused initially on sheet music and albums by independent artists like Mike Adkins and Jimmy Swaggart.

New Day Christian Distributors became a one-stop shop for labels and independent artists in Christian music. When she discovered the need for product of her own, Miller started DayWind Soundtracks with her friend and former boss at Windchime, Ronnie Drake. DayWind Soundtracks began to provide tracks to Christian and Gospel singers around the world to sing to in church.

Later, Miller and Drake started DayWind Records with the Cumberland Boys as its first artist. The label has recorded the top Gospel artists of the past 35 years, including Greater Vision, the Crabb Family, Gold City, Karen Peck and New River, Brian Free and Assurance, Triumphant Quartet, Down East Boys, the Perrys, the Hoppers, Tribute Quartet, the Guardians, Jonathan Wilburn, the Steeles, Joseph Habedank, Scotty Inman, the Blackwood Brothers, the Nelons, Southbound, Lefevre Quartet, The Sound, High Road, Michael English, Truesong, Legacy Five and more.

Miller eventually added Daywind Music Publishing to the fold, as well as two recording studios and a cassette and CD manufacturing facility. She also created ventures Daywind Worship, Spiritus Distribution and Daywind Music Foundation.

In 2019, Miller joined forces with son Ed Leonard and renowned songwriter Jerry Salley to form bluegrass label Billy Blue Records, and later Billy Jam Records and Billy Blue Publishing. Billy Blue artists include Appalachian Road Show, Authentic Unlimited, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, Darin and Brooke Aldridge, Tennessee Bluegrass Band, Carolina Blue, Carson Peters and Iron Mountain, Kristy Cox and Grasstime, Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers, Bob Minner, Dave Adkins, Alan Bibey and Grasstowne, Donna Ulisse, Caroline Owens and more.

Miller’s legacy has been honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Gospel Music Association, BMI, the Southern Gospel Music Guild, SingingNews Magazine and Absolutely Gospel Music.

Miller is survived by her daughter, Susan Leonard Sovine and grandchildren, Taylor McKellar and Kennedy Sovine; her son, Ed Leonard, his wife Kathleen, and their children Eddie Leonard, Mary Leonard, Evan Leonard, Aidan Leonard (Caroline Leonard), Rachael Zuckett (Joey Zuckett), Caroline Leonard, Ian Leonard, Liam Leonard and Emily Leonard; her great-grandchildren Leo Zuckett and Eloise Joyce; her sister, Cynthia Paranczak; and her longtime companion, Jere Miller. She was preceded in death by her brother, Bill Golt, and her parents, William and Dorothy Golt.

A celebration of life for Miller will be held at a later date.

Adam Abeshouse obit

Powerhouse classical music producer Adam Abeshouse dies at 63

 

He was not on the list.

Renowned classical music producer Adam Abeshouse has died.

Over a career that lasted more than 30 years, Abeshouse made hundreds of records with some of classical music’s biggest stars. He won two Grammy awards, including Classical Producer of the Year in 1999.

Abeshouse died Thursday at his home in Westchester, N.Y. He was 63. His death was confirmed to NPR by his studio engineer.

Early in 2024, he had been diagnosed with bile duct cancer, and the disease swiftly metastasized. He was a producer who inspired great love and loyalty with the artists he worked with. Shortly before the end of his life, a dozen of his celebrity clients came together to perform for Abeshouse one last time, in a private concert at his home studio.

Adam Abeshouse understood musicians because he was a musician himself.

Born on Long Island in 1961, he began playing violin in the third grade. He studied at New York University and the Manhattan School of Music, and performed for years before and after he began producing other musicians, including such groups as the Orchestra of St. Luke’s and the Metropolitan String Quartet.

His career as a producer started with making audition tapes for friends in a small basement studio Abeshouse built himself.

“I found that I was really good coaching people through the process,” he told NPR. “This rhythm isn’t right; this line would speak much better if you aimed for this note. You try to find the essence of the music that you’re playing.”

Abeshouse said he wanted his clients to feel safe and loved during the pressure of recording sessions.

“I didn’t care about mistakes because we could always edit that out,” he said. “And to see people come in at the beginning — they were kind of nervous at the beginning. And there was always a point where you could see a change, where people would relax. You could see it and you could hear it.”

“We’ve made many many recordings together,” violinist Joshua Bell told NPR. “I’ve spent many hours with him in the studios, doing a process which is usually excruciating for me. But with him it always became a fun time together. Those moments have been so precious to me.”

Bell spoke to NPR during the farewell concert organized by another of Abeshouse’s celebrity clients, pianist Lara Downes. Musicians flew in from all over the world to be there, including Jeremy Denk, the MacArthur “genius grant” winning pianist.

“Adam has a combination of exactitude and patience,” Denk said. "That’s extremely essential for this kind of work. He’s also pretty interested in the individual character of each musician — what they’re trying to say, and what they’re after, what their dreams and goals in life are in a certain way.”

Denk performed an Ives sonata. The string trio Time for Three played an original composition entitled “Joy.” Abeshouse produced a record with the group performing with the Philadelphia Orchestra. The recording won two Grammys and Abeshouse said the project was one of the highlights of his career.

Time for Three’s violinist and vocalist Nick Kendall said Adam Abeshouse was the most selfless and talented producer the group had ever worked with.

“What he said to us before we saw him last is a reflection of how he is selfless,” said Kendall. “Before we left, he said, ‘Boys, just continue listening to each other.’ That hit us huge, and will always live with us.”

In 2002, Adam Abeshouse founded the Classical Recording Foundation to help artists record music they were passionate about but might not have economic appeal. Because he said, “Recordings are just as important an art form as live performance.”

Ethel Kennedy obit

Ethel Kennedy Dies: Robert F. Kennedy’s Widow & Human Rights Advocate Was 96

 

She was not on the list.

Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Attorney General and New York Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, died Thursday of stroke complications. A political force unto herself, the sister-in-law of President John F. Kennedy and mother of 11 children was 96.

The family revealed on October 8 that Ethel Kennedy had suffered a stroke in her sleep on October 3 at her Cape Cod home and had been taken to a hospital.

Her daughter Kerry Kennedy announced the news on social media.

Having survived her husband by 56 years, the family matriarch went on to form the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights in the months following the then-presidential candidate’s assassination in 1968 in Los Angeles. Respected and beloved by generations of Americans, and many others around the world, Ethel Kennedy was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2014.

“You don’t mess with Ethel,” President Obama noted at the White House ceremony to laughter, adding on a more serious note that Kennedy’s “love of family is matched only by her devotion to her nation.”

Born on April 11, 1928 in Chicago, the daughter of Great Lakes Carbon Corporation co-founder and coal mogul George Skakel met the third-eldest son of Joe and Rose Kennedy on a family skiing trip in Canada in 1945 via her college roommate and RFK sibling Jean Kennedy. At the time, Bobby, as his family and friends called RFK, was dating Ethel’s sister Patricia.

Soon after the two met, RFK was dating Ethel.

While the couple waited five years to get engaged, they were married in less than six months on June 17, 1950, in Greenwich, CT. Not long after that, as his older brother Jack moved into national politics, Bobby followed and moved his burgeoning family to Washington D.C.

An active participant in JFK’s successful 1960 bid for the White House, Bobby’s 1964 senatorial run, as well as other family campaigns, Ethel was an strong advocate for her husband seeking the Democratic nomination for president in 1968. More than three months pregnant at the time, Ethel was not with RFK celebrating his victory in the California primary on June 5, 1968, at the now-demolished Ambassador Hotel in L.A. when her husband was fatally shot. However, she was by his side in the hospital when the 42-year-old senator died from his wounds more than a day later.

The Kennedy family has been portrayed in countless films, TV series and stage performances, and Ethel appeared as herself in a 1982 episode of Cheers. RFK and Ethel’s youngest daughter, documentarian Rory Kennedy, turned the camera on her mother and her life in Ethel, which premiered at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival.

The film aired on HBO later that year. Here is the trailer:

Ethel and Robert F. Kennedy had 11 children, with sons David and Michael passing away in 1984 and 1997, respectively. Along with Emmy-winning filmmaker Rory, Ethel Kennedy is survived by her other offspring, former independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr; Kathleen Hartington Kennedy Townsend; Joseph Patrick Kennedy II; Courtney Kennedy Hill; Mary Kerry Kennedy; Christopher George Kennedy; Matthew Maxwell Taylor Kennedy; and Douglas Harriman Kennedy; as well their children and grandchildren.

Jose Manuel Carbajal Zadivar obit

El Taiger, Cuban reggaeton star, dies week after shooting in Miami

 

He was not on the list.

MIAMI - Cuban reggaeton artist Jose Manuel Carbajal Zadivar, known professionally as El Taiger, died Thursday afternoon, seven days after he was found shot in the head in Miami.

"During this incredibly difficult time, family, friends and followers came together in prayer, hope and support, seeking a miracle," according to a statement posted on his Instagram page. "To all who offered their prayers, we thank you. Sadly, this afternoon, El Taiger was pronounced dead and has now been reunited with his beloved mother in heaven."

He was in critical condition after he was found shot in the head in Miami.

The incident occurred shortly after 7 a.m. when officers responded to reports of a man shot in the head inside a black Mercedes SUV near NW 17th St. 10 Ave.

First responders rushed El Taiger to Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center, where he was placed on life support.

Before going to the hospital, manager Macel Reinosa told CBS News Miami that there was a person of interest, someone who he said knows the artist and the person allegedly called 9-1-1.

"His family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the medical team at Jackson Memorial Hospital for their tireless efforts, as well as to the millions who offered prayers and tributes during his hospitalization. These last few days have been incredibly difficult for those who loved him, and the support received from around the world has meant a lot," according to the Instagram post.

El Taiger fans are encouraged "to honor his memory by celebrating the joy he brought to so many. Turn up your music, dance and celebrate your life. The Taiger was the feeling of the people, and now we must keep that feeling alive through their music and their legacy," according to the post.

Details about a memorial service will be announced at a later date, the post said.

El Taiger is well-known in the Latin music scene, particularly for his contributions to reggaeton, a genre that blends Caribbean rhythms with urban beats.

Donnie Marshall obit

Donnie Marshall, last surviving member of Canadiens' 50s dynasty, dies at 92

 He was not on the list.

Don Marshall, the last surviving member of the Montreal Canadiens’ historic 1956-60 Stanley Cup-winning dynasty, has died. He was 92.

A remarkable 12 players, along with general manager Frank Selke Sr. and coach Toe Blake, were members of all five of the Canadiens’ unprecedented run of five consecutive championships, a record that seems likely to stand forever.

Defenseman Jean-Guy Talbot, the second-last of the 12 surviving players, died in February.

The historic dozen, with Marshall: Jacques Plante, Henri Richard, Dickie Moore, Doug Harvey, Jean Beliveau, Bernie Geoffrion, Tom Johnson, Bob Turner, Maurice Richard, Talbot and Claude Provost.

Marshall, a native of Montreal-district Verdun, made his National Hockey League debut in 1951-52, playing one game with the Canadiens before he found a permanent role with the team during the 1954-55 season.

An excellent goal-scorer with soft hands around the net, Marshall was cast in a largely checking role with talent-rich Montreal, playing behind fellow centers Beliveau and Henri Richard.

Marshall would play 585 games with the Canadiens between 1951-63, with 254 points (114 goals, 140 assists) and had 18 points (five goals, 13 assists) in 78 Stanley Cup Playoff games with Montreal. He skated primarily on a line with Phil Goyette and Provost during his tenure there.

A versatile center, strong role player and one of the best penalty-killers of his day, Marshall played 10 seasons with the Canadiens, having played his minor hockey in Verdun, just a few miles from the Montreal Forum.

He then played seven years with the New York Rangers before finishing his career with one season each for the Buffalo Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs, retiring after the 1971-72 season with 589 points (265 goals, 324 assists) in 1,176 NHL games and 23 points (eight goals, 15 assists) in 94 playoff games.

Marshall went to the Rangers in an eight-player blockbuster trade on June 4, 1963, dealt to New York with goaltending legend Plante and Goyette for future Hall of Fame goalie Gump Worsley and skaters Dave Balon, Leon Rochefort and Len Ronson.

The Canadiens had high hopes for Marshall, based on his fine junior and minor-professional offensive output.

But Marshall, slotted by coach Dick Irvin Sr. between wings Maurice “Rocket” Richard and Bert Olmstead, broke his ankle in 1954 during training camp and played sparingly with senior-league Montreal before he could rejoin the Canadiens.

By then his prime position was lost, and Marshall was deployed by coach Irvin as a checker, penalty-killer and almost as a fill-in, as he was by Blake when the latter became coach in 1955-56.

Blake immediately led the Canadiens to their unprecedented five consecutive Stanley Cup titles, Marshall a key player on all five champions.

An efficient goal-scorer, he played the defensive role his coaches wanted without a murmur of protest, and he was one of the best of his generation.

"I could do it, as simple as that," he told NHL.com in 2017, speaking of being recast as a checker. "In the minor leagues, I killed penalties and scored goals. In the NHL, I killed penalties but didn't get the opportunity to score many.

“I knew I could play hockey, any position, and if I had to do what my coaches wanted to get on the ice, I'd do that. I had no problem with it."

The Canadiens of that era, he said, were simply expected to win, and a season without a Stanley Cup parade was viewed as a failure.

Marshall, who said with a laugh of his trade from Montreal to New York that he "was going from a team that was very good to a team that wasn't so good," recalled Blake as a coach who was "very good" with his players, a ferociously intense man who had his own way of doing things.

“We worked for those championships, don’t you worry,” Talbot said of the unbeatable Canadiens dynasty. “Before every game, we were afraid of losing. We worked so hard and the harder we worked, the more we won. We had a super team, all the players were like brothers, OK? Everybody went everywhere together; we never had a fight.

“The money we made wasn’t much, but it was better than lots of people. Lots of good players never won the Stanley Cup -- Gilbert Perreault, Marcel Dionne, Rod Gilbert, Jean Ratelle, Bill Gadsby … all good players. You have to be in the right place at the right moment.”

Marshall got his start in organized hockey in Verdun at the age of 10, skating effortlessly through bantam, midget and juvenile ranks before joining the Junior Canadiens for the 1950-51 season.

His path to the NHL was paved by winning Canada’s major-junior Memorial Cup championship with the 1949-50 Montreal Junior Canadiens and the 1953-54 American Hockey League rookie of the year award with Buffalo after having been a dominant force with Cincinnati of the International Hockey League in 1952-53.

Like many players of his day, Marshall had other business interests to make NHL ends meet. With Canadiens teammate Goyette, he opened a bowling alley in Montreal-suburban Lachine but it hit the gutters when he and Goyette were occupied with the Canadiens during bowling’s busy winter season.

Marshall would also do some broadcast work in Montreal, working with the legendary team of Danny Gallivan and Dick Irvin Jr. as an analyst.

“I enjoyed it even if it was pretty hard to get a word in with Dick and Danny going at it,” he joked.

Marshall found other work in the trucking industry and with a mechanical power company, eventually retiring to his beloved golf, which he played very well until his final years.

He knew when it was time to hang up his skates, miles still left in his blades but realizing he’d been away from home for too long.

“You like playing but you know when you can’t do the job anymore,” Marshall said a 2003 interview. “In the nine years after the Canadiens traded me, I only had my family with me twice. That was a reason to call it quits.”

He divided his later years between homes in Vermont and Florida.

 

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Regular season             Playoffs

Season Team            League            GP            G            A            Pts            PIM            GP            G            A            Pts            PIM

1949–50            Montreal Jr. Canadiens            QJHL            35            8            7            15            10            16            1            4            5            4

1949–50            Montreal Jr. Canadiens            M-Cup            —            —            —            —            —            13            8            6            14            2

1950–51            Montreal Jr. Canadiens            QJHL            37            19            32            51            6            9            5            8            13            0

1951–52            Montreal Jr. Canadiens            QJHL            32            32            46            78            6            11            4            5            9            6

1951–52            Montreal Canadiens            NHL            1            0            0            0            0            —            —            —            —            —

1951–52            Montreal Jr. Canadiens            M-Cup            —            —            —            —            —            8            6            5            11            8

1952–53            Cincinnati Mohawks            IHL            60            46            51            97            24            9            5            5            10            0

1952–53            Montreal Royals            QHL            2            0            0            0            2            —            —            —            —            —

1953–54            Buffalo Bisons  AHL            70            39            55            94            8            3            1            4            5            0

1954–55            Montreal Canadiens            NHL            39            5            3            8            9            12            1            1            2            2

1954–55            Montreal Royals            QHL            10            5            3            8            2            —            —            —            —            —

1955–56            Montreal Canadiens            NHL            66            4            1            5            10            10            1            0            1            0

1956–57            Montreal Canadiens            NHL            70            12            8            20            6            10            1            3            4            2

1957–58            Montreal Canadiens            NHL            68            22            19            41            14            10            0            2            2            4

1958–59            Montreal Canadiens            NHL            70            10            22            32            12            11            0            2            2            2

1959–60            Montreal Canadiens            NHL            70            16            22            38            4            8            2            2            4            0

1960–61            Montreal Canadiens            NHL            70            14            17            31            8            6            0            2            2            0

1961–62            Montreal Canadiens            NHL            66            18            28            46            12            6            0            1            1            2

1962–63            Montreal Canadiens            NHL            65            13            20            33            6            5            0            0            0            0

1963–64            New York Rangers            NHL            70            11            12            23            8            —            —            —            —            —

1964–65            New York Rangers            NHL            69            20            15            35            2            —            —            —            —            —

1965–66            New York Rangers            NHL            69            26            28            54            6            —            —            —            —            —

1966–67            New York Rangers            NHL            70            24            22            46            4            4            0            1            1            2

1967–68            New York Rangers            NHL            70            19            30            49            2            6            2            1            3            0

1968–69            New York Rangers            NHL            74            20            19            39            12            4            1            0            1            0

1969–70            New York Rangers            NHL            57            9            15            24            6            1            0            0            0            0

1970–71            Buffalo Sabres  NHL            62            20            29            49            6            —            —            —            —            —

1971–72            Toronto Maple Leafs            NHL            50            2            14            16            0            1            0            0            0            0

NHL totals            1,176            265            324            589            127            94            8            15            23            14

Jerry Covington obit

Official Obituary of

Jerry Glenn Covington

February 15, 1955  -  October 9, 2024

 He was not on the list.

Jerry Covington, 69 year old long time Woodward business owner and resident passed away, Wednesday, October 9th, 2024 in Woodward. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at the Woodward Conference Center. Burial will follow in the Elmwood Cemetery with Billings Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Jerry was born on February 15, 1955 in Cleburne, Texas. His father worked for the railroad and moved the family to Southern California when he was six. In 1980 he moved to Woodward and worked as a Mechanic at Northwest Ford and Irwin Chevrolet before opening his own shop Ultimate hot rods. He loved spending time with his wife, Kathleen, his children and grandchildren. He Enjoyed working on his hot rods and going to car shows with friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents And three sisters then survived by two brothers Meredith Covington, Bob Covington, sister Jean Ligon, his wife, Kathleen 4 sons Jerry Covington, Jr. (Pee Wee), David Covington, Dusty Brown, Cameron Brown and one daughter Tammy Covington, nine grandchildren, Aubrey, Brek, Waylon, Anna, Chloe, Mason, Sophie, Scarlet,Lawless and two bonus grands Taylor and Journye.

Jerry started building custom motorcycles (choppers) in the early seventies and founded Covingtons Customs in Woodward, Oklahoma, in 1993.

Covington became well known in the motorcycle industry as one of the top custom builders for his clean designs and high quality custom motorcycles, and appeared in numerous television shows including the Discovery Channel's Biker Build-Off series, Carlos Mencia's Mind of Mencia, and Corbin's Ride On.

Covington was also been featured in several custom motorcycle related books including "Art of The Chopper", and "Top Chops".

Covington's unique motorcycles won many awards, have been featured in dozens of magazines, including Easyriders, HotBike, and Street Chopper, and have been photographed by Michael Lichter Photography.

Covington built motorcycles for celebrities such as comedian Carlos Mencia, musician Sammy Hagar, and race car driver Billy Boat.

Covington died on October 9, 2024, at the age of 69.

Press and publicity

Magazine covers

American Bagger (U.S.) Apr. 2009

HotBike (U.S.) Feb. 2009

Easyriders (Germany) Mar. 2009

Easyriders (U.S.) May. 2008

American Cycle (U.S.) Jan. 2008

Bikers Life (U.S.) Sep. 2008

Easyriders (U.S.) Oct. 2007

Biker Zone (Mexico) 2007 Vol 168

Street Chopper (U.S.) Nov. 2006

Hot Rod Bikes (U.S.) Jan. 2005

Easyriders (U.S.) May. 2004

V-Twin (U.S.) Mar. 2004

Hot Rod Bikes (U.S.) Oct. 2003

Street Chopper (U.S.) Apr. 2002

Magazine articles

V-Twin (U.S.) Aug. 2009: To Russia, With Love: An International Success Story

Distinctly Oklahoma (U.S.) Jul. 2009: "Get your Motor Runnin... Head Out on the Highway..."

American Bagger (U.S.) Apr. 2009: "Covingtons: Retro Custom Bagger"

HotBike (U.S.) Feb. 2009: Finned with Finess: Covingtons Classy Shovel

American Bagger (U.S.) Feb. 2009: "Covingtons Customs: Billet Covers Part 2"

Easyriders (Germany) Mar. 2009: Interview mit Jerry Covington

V-Twin (U.S.) Apr. 2009: Jerry Covington: In For the Long Haul

American Bagger (U.S.) May. 2008: The Fabricators Motorcycle: A Covingtons Showcase Bagger

Easyriders (U.S.) May. 2008: Lucifer II: Giving the Devil His Due

American Cycle (U.S.) Mar. 2008: Whiskey: Russell Orr's Covington Chopper

American Cycle (U.S.) Jan. 2008: Covington vs Covington

AMD (U.S.) Jan. 2008: Covingtons Cycle City: It's a Family Affair

V-Twin Annual (U.S.) Jan. 2008: A Fist Full of Dollars: Covingtons Hi-Tech Pro-Street

Hot Bike Baggers (U.S.) Jul. 2008: Sweet Glide: Covingtons Customs FLHX

Bikers Life (Mexico) Sep. 2008: Psychodelic Chopper

Easyriders (U.S.) Oct. 2007: One For The Books: Drag Specialties FatBook Sourced by Jerry Covington

Barnetts (U.S.) Oct. 2007: Covingtons Customs Bobber: Featured Custom

Easyriders (U.S.) Aug. 2007: A Fist Full of Dollars: Covingtons Hi-Tech Pro-Street

V-Twin (U.S.) Jun. 2007: One Hundred Bucks Bought It: One lucky ticket holder got the deal of a lifetime

American Bagger (U.S.) May. 2007: Covingtons Black Bagger Goes to South Africa: A Stunningly Subtle Two Wheeler

Biker Zone (Mexico) 2007 Vol 168: Covingtons Black Bagger Goes to South Africa: A Stunningly Subtle Two Wheeler

HotBike (U.S.) 2007 Vol.39 No.9: Covingtons El Capitan: Two Firsts For Covingtons Custom Cycles

Easyriders (U.S.) Jan. 2006: Covingtons Pagan Gold Hot Rod: Lucifer 1

Street Chopper (U.S.) Nov. 2006: Covingtons Hot Rod Twin Cam

Hot Rod Bikes (U.S.) Jan. 2005: Scaring Soccer Moms Everywhere: Ultra Classic Redux

Iron Works (U.S.) Aug. 2004: Shop Bike Special: Old School Bobber

American Iron (U.S.) Jun. 2004: Covington Built Bagger: To Mark, It's the best of everything in one machine

Hot Bike (U.S.) May. 2004: Old School Looks: At an Old School Price

Easyriders (U.S.) May. 2004: Spirit Of The Chopper: Covingtons Keeper

V-Twin (U.S.) Mar. 2004: When quality alone does all the selling: It's a Keeper

Best of American Iron (U.S.) Softail Special 2004: Hold That E: An extreme machine for Xtreme Machine

Best of American Iron (U.S.) Softail Special 2004: In Spades: Rodeo rider keeps it on two wheels

Hot Bike (U.S.) Nov. 2003: Stretch Limo: Low Long and Aggressive

Hot Rod Bikes (U.S.) Oct. 2003: Searchin: It all Began With an Axle Cover

Street Chopper (U.S.) Jan. 2003: A Builders Bike: Or So He Thought

V-Twin (U.S.) Dec. 2002: Master Builder Covington: Jerry's Lean, Clean, Running Machines

Hot Rod Bikes (U.S.) Aug. 2002: Green, Clean, Riding Machine: A Pro Street Built for Two

V-Twin (U.S.) July. 2002: A Herd of Choppers is Hittin' The Trails: Meanwhile, Back at The Ranch

Street Chopper (U.S.) Apr. 2002: Arrogant Attitude: You'd Have One Too

American Iron (U.S.) Apr. 2002: Hold That E: An extreme machine for Xtreme Machine

Hot Bike (U.S.) Sep. 1998: Jerry's New Bike: All it cost was a shop ticket

Easyriders (U.S.) Apr. 1997: Mutual Admiration Society

Books

Today's Top Custom Bike Builders 2009

Art of The Bobber 2006

Top Chops Oct. 2005

Art of the Chopper Sep. 2005

Television appearances

Discovery Channel’s Biker Build-Off : Jerry Covington vs. Warren Vesely January 11, 2005

Corbin's Ride On!

Mind of Mencia : Season-1 Episode-9

V-Twin TV

Speedvision

Discover Oklahoma

Oklahoma Horizon

Pat Fischer obit

Ashburn resident, former Redskins player Pat Fischer passes away 

He was not on the list.

Longtime Loudoun County resident and former Washington Redskins cornerback Pat Fischer passed away this morning. Our condolences to his family, who shared the following obituary with us.

It is with deep and incredible sorrow that we announce the passing of Pat Fischer, a beloved father, friend, and iconic figure in the world of professional football, on October 8, 2024, at the age of 84.

Pat passed away surrounded by his loving family, leaving behind a legacy that transcends the football field and touches the hearts of everyone who knew him.

Born on January 2, 1940, in St. Edward, Nebraska, Pat’s journey was defined by resilience, passion, and an indomitable spirit. As a standout athlete from a young age, he excelled at the University of Nebraska before being drafted into the NFL in 1961.

Pat’s professional football career spanned 17 seasons, during which he played as a cornerback for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Washington Commanders (formerly Redskins), making his mark as one of the most formidable and fearless defenders in the league despite his relatively small stature for the sport.

Standing at just 5-foot-9 (if you believe the back of the trading card) and weighing 170 pounds, Pat defied all odds, proving that heart and tenacity can triumph over size. Known for his aggressive and relentless play style, he became one of the NFL’s most respected and feared cornerbacks, earning three Pro Bowl selections during his career.

His contribution to the game and to the Washington Commanders was immeasurable, with fans and teammates alike admiring his leadership, grit, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Off the field, Pat was a devoted family man and a cherished member of his community. He was named Ashburn’s Favorite Celebrity in 2023 by the readers of Ashburn Magazine.

He brought the same tenacity and dedication to his personal life that he did to football, always putting family first, fearlessly protecting and loving them and sharing his love of the game with those around him. Pat’s humility, kindness, and integrity defined his life, making him not only a sports legend but also a role model and mentor to countless individuals.

He is survived by his children Allison Shannon (Mat Shannon) and Martin Fischer (Andrea Fischer) and his 6 grandchildren – Madison, Kamryn, Landon, Patrick, Claire and Brody. He is also survived by his best friends Bubba Tyre and Carol Nalls. Family, friends and fans will forever carry his incredible toughness and spirit in their hearts. Pat’s enduring legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched both on and off the field.

A public visitation will be held at Loudoun Funeral Chapel located at 158 Catoctin Circle SE, Leesburg, VA 20175 on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, from 5 – 8PM.

The family invites friends and fans to celebrate Pat’s life and legacy by attending his funeral services. A funeral mass will be held at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church located at 55 Oakcrest Manor Dr NE Leesburg, VA 20176 on Wednesday, October 16 at 10am.

Fischer was pursued by both the National Football League and the American Football League, albeit late due to concerns over his size. He was drafted in the 17th round draft by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1961 NFL draft. He was also recruited by Dallas Texans. He described the latter as a “fallback. I thought the NFL was the better league. If I didn’t make the Cardinals, I could always go on and try out for the Chiefs." Fischer was used for occasional kick returns in his rookie season and he recorded no defensive statistics that year. That would change in his second season, in limited form. In the September 16 game against Philadelphia, he recorded his first interception off quarterback Sonny Jurgensen.

Injuries limited Fischer in 1966, where he had just one interception. Fischer had disputes with Cardinal head coach Charley Winner that influenced him to leave the Cardinals in free agency. Fischer signed with Washington as a free agent in 1968. In the first of only four times the NFL exercised the Rozelle rule, the Cardinals received a 1969 second-round selection (35th overall–Rolf Krueger) and a 1970 third-round pick (69th overall–Colorado defensive back Eric Harris) as compensation. He was a 1969 Pro Bowler. The 1971 season saw the arrival of George Allen as head coach, and he instituted an approach to using veteran players exclusively to the point where his teams would be dubbed the "Over-the-Hill Gang", as the average age of starters was over the age of 30. Fischer would play a key part for the team in the following years.

In 1972, the Redskins won the NFC Championship Game of the 1972–73 NFL playoffs against the Dallas Cowboys, when they limited Roger Staubach, their quarterback, to only 9 completions in 20 attempts for 98 passing yards and three allowed sacks, Fischer and Mike Bass, the other cornerback, being particularly successful in shutting down their wide receivers. But though the Redskin defense allowed only 69 net passing yards, it could not stop the running game of the Miami Dolphins (184 rushing yards) as the Dolphins won Super Bowl VII.

Fischer finished his 17-year career with 56 interceptions, and he ranks seventh all-time in Redskins career interceptions with 27 and fourth all-time with 412 career interception return yards. The 56 interceptions were tied for 6th most in NFL history. In a near half-century since his retirement, he still ranks among the top 20 all-time. At the time of his retirement, Fischer had played in 213 NFL games, then a record for a cornerback. He was well known for his strong tackling skills despite his diminutive size. Some of Fischer's most memorable defensive match-ups occurred against Philadelphia Eagles receiver Harold Carmichael who stood eleven inches taller than Fischer. Fischer's mantra "get a leg up and you own him" is used today to motivate and teach smaller defensive backs how to defend taller wide receivers.

Fischer, alongside fellow Cardinal safety Larry Wilson were prolific defenders, and the Cardinals, in attempting to deal with the problem of having a defensive hole left by a charging Wilson in the safety blitz, found a way to try and deal with the problem in the "Bump and run coverage", in which Fischer would physically harass receivers. Fischer wasn't the first to utilize the tactic, as it started with Willie Brown early in the decade of the 1960s, but Fischer and defensive coordinator Chuck Drulis utilized the coverage to great effect.

 

Career history

St. Louis Cardinals (1961–1967)

Washington Redskins (1968–1977)

Career highlights and awards

2× First-team All-Pro (1964, 1969)

2× Second-team All-Pro (1965, 1972)

3× Pro Bowl (1964, 1965, 1969)

George Halas Award (1978)

80 Greatest Redskins

Washington Commanders Ring of Fame