ProCrew Concert Labour Support

MY DAD AND HIS LIFE . Hi Everyone Thank you so much for all the family friend and entertainment industry support over this last week over dads passing in Aus...tralia.The overwhelming response to dads passing has been heart felt and a true testament to the man and all the people he touched in his journey of life and his life long work. After a week of reflections I think it is time to share some things about his life and what it meant to myself and all the people he touched . Dad came to Canada in 1955 at the age of 19 to find a new life . Dad could not speak english well but was determined to learn to read and write which was a very big challenge . Dad came from a well to do family in the Netherlands with his Grandfather being a prominent lawyer in their city who wanted dad to take up law. He lived through occupied Holland in WW II which was liberated by Canada with his mom passing away of MS during the war. Dad met Canadian soldiers who gave him chocolate and let him ride in a military vehicle which was the beginning of his love for Canada . I always asked dad why Saskatchewan wtf !! the snow the weather dad (lol) . He always said son if a tidal wave came we would be protected by the mountains (lol) . Dad got placed by the government as a Saskatchewan farm worker near Rosetown and quickly figured out that sucked . Dad worked a couple odd jobs but had a interest for things electrical and began repairing small appliances etc . This led to his first store on 20 th street and began his journey in Saskatoon business. Putting up tv antennas became a big business for abit till he realized people would not need a new one for 20 years (lol) but fixing the tubes in TVs that were hooked up to the antenna was NASA PLAN B smart move pop ! He soon realized that records were selling and thought hey that is a good idea sell records also in the store .Then someone came in one day and said hey do you know anyone who can record me . So Dad goes and buys a early recording unit with a record cutter and so starts his recording studio journey . Dad first recording were done in the current stage area of the Roxy Theatre in the late 50 s. This was the start of one the very first recording studios in western Canada. Dad always mentioned Nels Warner owner of Roxy theatre and Skyway drive in for his start in the entertainment business and was always thankful to him . Hifi house turned into Studio B as in Barb my moms name and the home of Barb and Nicole records my sisters name . Dad did almost all of the Cotton Pickers recording and tv shows before they syndicated in Toronto and many other regional bands and choirs of the era. Including some early recording of Kenny Shields when he was just a kid . A recording master we are still looking for today (lol). During this time dad landed a job at CFCQ television in town working in the control room . This led to him working at Centennial Auditorium right from the opening day it was opened . He continued there for lots of years as a worker and tech and fulltime head of lighting for about 7 years . I landed up working there for 37 years also always following in his footsteps . Dad then headed to Saskatchewan Place when it opened also and ran all the local crew support for concerts till his retirement at 81 years of age in 2016 after 60 years in the business. Sasktel Centre as it is called now was dads favorite job and love besides his own staging business . He loved working with people and was able to work on some of Saskatchewans smallest and biggest productions and largest acts to come through thousands of shows over the years . It was not all easy and we would be rushing to get ready . But dad knew the saying in the industry .....doors are at 7 ....and failure is not a option. We would always get it done somehow definitly a miracle at times (lol) . During our many years working together i have realized later that dads out of box thinking and innovative vision for the industry has been astounding. Many of the things he thought of came to reality many years later. I cant image going from tubes to integrated circuits and seeing the revolution of a industry from very basic analog to digital what a ride . Dad always said your work needs to be fun or you wont really have your heart in it dads heart was always in it . Dad you were a legend to the industry and will always be my hero . Dad it has only been a week but i miss you dearly . You always said me being born on june 21 1964 fathers day on the first day of summer was one of the most special days of your life . Dad you being my best friend mentor and just a great life loving man was the most special 56 years of life and gratitude that your youngest son Richard could have hoped for Love u lots Pops U are da King ! I posted some pics i could find in dad s honor . Some of you techs might recognize some gear. Thank you for reading it would mean alot to dad who is i am sure watching

Thank you Brian Sklar for sharing these memories

With heavy hearts, we are sad to announce the passing of Creative Staging founder, a leader and a legend, the iconic Rudie Heineke. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him, by those who knew him, and by those touched by his generosity and kindness. His legacy lives on particularly in the live event industry where he was an innovator, a motivator and often ahead of his time.... Obituary link to follow.

Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart has died at age 67. https://trib.al/UrSugH4 - @CBCNews