My vacation in Canada was about people I love.  Almost all of them were flesh-and-blood – two were metal.

First is Jack Layton:

Jack was the leader of the New Democratic Party in federal politics.  He fought for people’s rights.  He talked cordially to his political opponents.  He said “Hi” to people on the street.  And all-round nice guy.

Jack was a Trekkie.  He showed up in an officer costume at a Star Trek convention.  He loved singing and playing guitar for people, and getting them to sing along.

The enduring image of Jack, captured in his statue, was he and his wife Olivia Chow riding their tandem bicycle through the streets of Toronto. 

Jack was my friend … from afar.

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Second is Johnny Bower:

Johnny was the goaltender for the Toronto Maple Leafs ice hockey team from 1958 till 1969.  From age 33 till 44!  Amazing.  For years he had toiled in the minor leagues of hockey.  During his time with the Leafs, he led them to four Stanley Cup championships – the pinnacle of the sport.

I loved watching Johnny perform gymnastic moves on my black-and-white TV.  He was fearless.  And this was in the days when goaltenders didn’t wear masks.

Johnny was my hero.  If he could do great things at age 40, there was hope for the future of this 16-year-old kid.

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When I lived in Canada, I often visited Jack and Johnny’s statues in Toronto.  I’d hold Johnny’s hand.  Since Jack’s hand was busy on the handlebar of his bicycle, I’d hold his arm.

I did the same last week