In a heartfelt year-end reflection, longtime Calgary Herald columnist David Parker is extending his gratitude to the vast network of community members who have been the lifeblood of his popular "Around Town" column for more than two decades. Parker emphasizes that the richness of Calgary's stories comes directly from the people who live them.
A Network Built on Trust and Time
David Parker admits to being a collector, not just of books but of relationships and paper trails. While sorting through old columns, he was struck by a constant theme: the enduring reliability of sources he first connected with over twenty years ago. These individuals, he notes, remain his go-to contacts for spotting a compelling narrative or verifying a crucial detail, proving that the foundation of local journalism is often built on long-term trust.
"It’s quite amazing, really," Parker writes, reflecting on the continuity. He points to figures like George Brookman, whom he thanked in a similar column back in 2002 and can still rely on today. Another is Richard White, whose unwavering enthusiasm for downtown Calgary is matched only by his willingness to share insights over a beer—a tradition they have recently scheduled to continue after the holidays.
The Faces Behind the Stories
Parker's column serves as a roll call of the city's engaged citizens. He lists numerous individuals who have consistently contributed to his understanding of Calgary, including Terry Moore, Marshall Toner, Ron Kurczaba, former MLA Richard Gotfried, Chris Law, and Peter Mayerchak. The list extends to community pillars like Niha Prasad-Kroliczek, Bob Harris, Michael Kehoe, and Bill Chomik.
He also fondly remembers those who have since retired but left a mark, such as Donna Banks, Doug Porozni, Randy Mowat, and Bruce McKenzie. Some, like Harvey Thal and Brad Regier, "try to retire," while others, including former Consul General of France Jean-Charles Bou and PR expert Rosemarie Enslin, have moved away but stay connected, proving the column's reach extends beyond city limits.
Remembering Friends and Changemakers
The reflection takes a poignant turn as Parker acknowledges the friends and contacts the city has lost. He pays tribute to boosters like Art Smith, Larry Ryder, Glen Tibbles, philanthropist Doug Mitchell, and Chris Richardson. This year, he specifically mourns the passing of Terry Napper, Ross Glen, Ray Clark, and Gerald Knowlton, noting he sorely missed Lou MacEachern.
Despite these losses, Parker expresses profound fortune in having chronicled the work of Calgary's changemakers. He names individuals whose efforts have shaped the city for the better, including Kevin Gregor, Darby Lee Young, John Brown, community advocate Eva Friesen, Mike Shaikh, Wayne Chiu, and Ron Ghitter. Others like Laureen Regan, Randy Remington, Misheck Mwaba, and Bob Brawn round out a list that exemplifies the diverse drive of Calgary's citizens.
Ultimately, Parker's column is more than a thank-you note; it's a testament to the symbiotic relationship between a journalist and his community. It underscores that the pulse of a city like Calgary is best measured through the stories of its people, shared and preserved over countless conversations and two decades of ink.
