Defining a successful career....Forbes style.

When your Father is a legend in the business - and your two brothers have a 3 and 6 year head start on you - you obviously have to be pretty inspired to 'be the best' at your craft and especially if you carry the Forbes name.

Double that if you HAVE your Fathers actual name and you think that the Jerry Forbes Centre for Community Spirit is named after 'you' - but they just spelled it wrong.

Brother Ger is hanging up his headphones at CJAY in Calgary shortly - after about four decades of success at some 'legendary' radio stations across Canada working with 'nothing but great people'.

Being a Morning Man is one of the toughest gigs in the world.

Insane hours.  Pressure to get up at an ungodly hour and entertain and inform your listeners - often at minus 30; or after a long night out;  and to make sure you are fully prepared (every day) with the craziness of the world factored in to your prep.

As well "serving the community" isn't a cliche to anybody in the Forbes Family.

Our Father started a great radio station and an even greater charity in the mid 1950's that are so powerful that this year, 37 years after he passed, a building is being named for him in Edmonton.

jerryforbescentre.ca

How's that for 'pressure to perform?'

Ger got it.  Early in life.  Growing up listening to 630 CHED and 1050 CHUM...with a goal to be as good as or better than some of the finest broadcasters "in the world."

It's a long list but he will tell you - among them - Wes Montgomery, Bob McCord, Jungle Jay Nelson, Norm Edwards, and to be humbled...'his brothers.'

There isn't enough room here to list Ger's accomplishments. 

The WAB |Hall of Fame; the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee for Community Service; and even in a fun way I believe he holds the record for the most CBSC 'complaints' ever for a broadcaster - which, when you're in rock radio, is truly a badge of honour if you're doing your show properly.

But above all - day one - and on his last day - I'm pretty sure that Gerry will tell you his absolute greatest accomplishment is what he did to pay his success forward with community service.

For some in the media that means the odd mc gig - or hosting an event.

For Gerry it means day after day giving his entire focus to helping out in the city that treats him so well.

If we could go back and count the actual CASH that has been raised through his charity work it truly would be immeasurable.

Big cheques to big projects - but even more meaningful little checks or little gestures to help somebody out.

I know of many many times when Ger quietly visited a home to help somebody out who was 'challenged' with a problem.

It could be a stolen bike.  It could be helping out a blind kid.  It could even mean helping out another employee of the radio station and Ger somehow magically made something good happen for those people.

I'm not going to dwell any further at this point - as I hope to write a tribute to him for one of his (likely) many retirement gatherings and I'll post that.

Ger, I've been proud of you from the very first day you headed out to CHNL Kamloops to start your career - and even though you had to steal the stations toilet paper to survive those first few years - your move to CHUM, CFTR, CHQR, CHFM, the The Bear and eventually CJAY - all help to define an amazing career at the biggest and best companies in Canada.

 I simply can't tell you how much I respect you.

The Forbes boys got their start by hanging around Dad's "Family" room - the fireplace going with real logs; a hefty glass of Cutty Sark scotch on the table; Dad's legendary aromatic pipe smell - and a few words of advice that the three of us have never ever forgotten....

"Don't ever forget the power you have in your hands with your radio station."

Worked for him.  Worked for us.

Thanks for making me laugh all those years too Ger.  We paid the price often for people who didn't understand our unique relationship working together - and many of those folks have fallen by the wayside with their careers - but I can safely tell people that even after 40 plus years in the business that you and I still text other daily - OFTEN - and ALWAYS about one thing.

Radio.

(OK there was the ODD time we may have crapped all over the other guys favorite sports team - but just the odd time eh)

We were so damn blessed by Dad and by being in a business that truly rewarded all three of us with wonderful careers, families, and 'true' friends.... and all three of us enjoyed success in entirely different areas of the business.  Not many other radio families that I know can say that!

We were also blessed by a Mother, and Step Father that were behind the three of us boys all the way too - never under estimate how much of a huge influence they were on your career - many many times we needed them to prop us up during those down times.

Now bro...sleep in...you deserve it!

Calgary's losing a gem.

Love ya!

Marty

Seeing the sunset...and remembering Family and Friends...

I have to admit.  I'm struggling lately - with 'death.'

Don't be shocked by that statement...it's just that I've lost several good friends over the past few years, most younger than me, and these are all people who have had a huge impact on my life.

As each friend passes away it's now taking me longer and longer to 'get over' the sadness of their loss.

Everybody, including experts, say this feeling is normal as we age but none the less it doesn't soften the loss in any manner.

First off I've lost my Father, late step Father, Mother, Aunts/Uncles and those close friends of my Parents that we called 'honourary' relatives.

My Dad's brother was 47 and left 7 kids when he died.  Dad's folks were just 61 and 62 when they passed away.

My Mother made it to 87 years old, and most of her side of the Family made it to their 90's.

I'm 67 and have outlived several of my elders in the Forbes clan.

Recently I decided to make a major change in my lifestyle that is reflective of the losses of my Friends and Family members by deciding to sell our Arizona condo, which we have held for the past decade.

As I explained to my friends - who I all adore down there - there are no guarantees in life and each of these losses have had a combined profound affect on my psyche that leaves me with an overriding desire to be around MY family and friends back home in Edmonton - Alberta - Canada.

My brothers are in Toronto - Calgary - and Vancouver.  I don't get there often enough to see them and, as time flies, know we MUST plan better to spend some time together...before....it's...too...late!

Yeah sitting in a blinding snowstorm - or chipping snow off my windshield certainly magnifies the effect of the move - but - each year over the past few years my Days in the USA have been falling significantly meaning I'm funding a place that is two thirds of the year 'empty' at an inflated cost due to the Canadian/US dollar exchange but more so when I see '100 days' as my track record I can't help but think I'm missing some pretty good family moments every year.

Birthdays away.  Anniversary away.  Those magic moments that only Grandchildren can provide - like watching 18 month old Liam mimic everything that Mom Rayanne does and receiving a video of him walking around nude in the living room with a kids size vacuum cleaner 'helping' Mom simply breaks my heart.

To help cheer you up your friends and Family - and I guess the experts - tell you to focus on the qualities and impact those people you lost had on you while they were still alive - and for that it works temporarily because the quality of people that I hang out with are all 'top notch' and I applaud what they did while they were here on earth - but the true story is I'd really like to spend more time with them and 'grow old' together - somehow celebrating the fact of what we did here on the planet while we were blessed with our lives here actually meant something.

Is there a heaven?  Are we going to hook up again?

When you hear your Fathers voice on the radio 37 years after he passed away.

When you drive through the Riverbend area and see the road signs named after him.

When you're part of a group that is opening a synergy centre called the Jerry Forbes Centre for Community Spirit.....

|It only reminds you of how sad it is that Dad missed seeing his three sons achievements in the broadcasting business.

Dad...we all did 'pretty good.'

|It reminds you of how sad it is that he didn't get to meet my daughters - and eventually his grandchildren.

Proud as punch and honoured at such recognition - but you know what - I'd love for him to have little Liam sitting on his lap - tugging at his Pipe - or grabbing at his ears just once in my life.

58 was way too young to leave us - but you can imagine the sheer pride I have watching 25,000 toys scoot out the door of Santas Anonymous every Christmas.

Nothing makes me prouder than seeing them help out at Santas  events - or selling 50/50 tickets at an Oilers game to raise funds for the cause.

The list of those lost is way too long to properly honour those friends of mine who have passed away over the past decade especially.

I have been so blessed to have been able to enjoy almost ten years of retirement allready with the lifestyle that I enjoy.  A nice car - motorcycles - place in the Sun - travelling to some of the most exotic countries of the world.

Some good gigs too.

I don't take a day for granted any more - and my entire focus for the past ten years while I have time on my hands is to "tangibly" give back to the City of Edmonton.

That's why I work so hard at the projects that I get involved in - and they too are numerous - and the people inside those organizations are the reason I work my butt off because each and every one of those people enrich my life, greatly.

So as I write my Edmonton Sun goodbye column about Tommy Banks this morning I'm just feeling a little sorry - not for myself - but for those great people I was so blessed to call friends over my six plus decades on this crazy planet for not being around anymore.

I miss each and every one of you and thank you for the pleasure of knowing you in my lifetime.

|I'm a product of the amazing people I call friends - and Family - and I just wish that they'd gotten to enjoy the 'sunset' a little more like I'm planning to do.

I'm hoping for a fire alarm to be pulled on my 100th birthday as the candles set it off in my home.

Bless every one of you for whatever small moments we spend together - and I hope you realize how much each of those moments mean to a guy who is ageing and missing his best friends and family members.

...and Sunday Morning Coming Down!

 I hope the weather is good this Sunday morning cuz I plan on having my butt placed firmly on the Yamaha FJR 1300, pointed west, and on a long stretch of highway doing a little 'reflection.'

Sunday is one of those rare calendar days where my Fathers birthday falls on the same day as Mothers Day.

Both are gone now but 'not really.

Dad's voice is heard every Christmas through 630 CHED's Santas Anonymous and his life is very much celebrated by having a building named after him - the Jerry Forbes Centre for Community Spirit.  jerryforbescentre.ca

Mom left us on Remembrance Day, which will forever have a double affect on me.

My favorite answer these days to the question "how're you doing?" is a simple one.

"I'm the luckiest guy in the world" - and mostly because of the two people I will be honouring on Sunday.

Dad was one of the most dynamic people in the world.

Tall.  Debonair. Smart. Talented.  Respected.

An amazing sense of humour and a heart as big as West Edmonton Mall for the 'community of Edmonton.'

Mom was just that.."Mom"...the rock of the family and especially after our world fell apart at "1:30 on July 15th, 1961" when Gord, Gerry and I boarded the plane with Mom to head to Toronto without our Father.

Divorce.  It's ugly and I guess it's why I have always had a huge compassion for 'single Mom's' and what they have to go through in life trying to raise their children.

I use the term 'we lacked for nothing' because Mom (and Dad as well) made sure that we had as normal lives as possible throughout this separation.

We'd spend summer in Edmonton - the school year in Toronto - and as silly as it sounds I apologized to Mom just before she passed away because it took me far too long to understand that, through the divorce, we had 'robbed her' of our summers together. 

She never complained.

Everything we learned....everything we became in life was because of these two people. 

I've made sure I passed along their teachings and guidance along to my two children as well - and I'm pretty damn proud and happy how they turned out too - and how lucky I am to have them in my life too.  

Lauren (Noreen) Forbes

Dad used to say "now you know the circle of life!"

And with that 'circle' thing the introduction of little Liam into my life is simply 'immeasurable"  ..."luckiest guy on earth."  

Liam Boychuk

Not to make this an epic blog but suffice to say once I hit the lakeside park this Sunday, sitting on a little park bench, I'm going to crack out a big cigar and spend an entirely too short of a time remembering Murray McIntyre (Jerry Forbes) and Noreen Elizabeth Mooney (Sheehy) and thank the big guy up in the clouds for whatever role he/she had in making them my parents and simply for everything I have in my wonderful world because of them.



Happy Birthday Dad.    

  


Happy Mothers Day Mom.    

                                                    Damn.  I sure miss them.

Alberta Motorcycle Safety Society - we're here for You!

I'm extremely proud to be part of a great group of motorcycle riders in Edmonton, Alberta lead by our dynamic leader Liane Langlois, called the Alberta Motorcycle Safety Society.

Our AMSS Executive and Media Team

It was Liane's personal quest to help other riders a year or so back when she contacted me for some assistance with getting her message out to the media in Edmonton.

Liane Langlois - President

One thing led to another and the amazing domino effect of positivity resulted in one of the finest multi media campaigns I've ever been involved in - and the building of a great team with other team members Terry Bleau, Doug McFayden and Mike Schmidt who each bring their own skill and expertise to our group along with the same message of 'passion' for safety on the roads.

That being said it's 'pre season' and I thought I'd send out a few thoughts to people either thinking of getting into our glorius sport this year or for 'relatively' new riders anxious to get out again on their particular choice of motorcycle or trike.

First off "wait" for the roads to warm up.

NOTHING is worse than cold tires on cold tarmac.

So when we get those nice fresh warm days in March or early April please hold off for a bit and let Mother Nature take her course.

As well the road crews need to remove all the sand & gravel and repair those vicious potholes that sneak up and bite you when you least expect it.

Our logo

For new riders buy the proper bike for your riding skills and style.

There is a huge variety of motorcycles available and each is designed for a particular type of riding.  City.  Highway.  Long distance.  Off Road.  Partly off Road.

You know what I mean.

Start with a lower cc bike and get the feel for it.  Ride as often as you can with 'seasoned' riders to get those experienced rider tips that could save your life.

Most of all ride 'confident' - because if you're afraid of that bike or the drivers around us you're going to run in to trouble.

Second, it doesn't have to be your last bike - so 'progress' through the riding season(s) and when you find out your real riding style move into a bigger bike in the proper category for your skill level and riding style.

Next, take a proper riding course.  There are some very good ones available and the folks that teach it simply will NOT let you get your licence without knowing that you are 100% ready to hit the roads

Wear the proper gear and trust me/us when we say... flip flops and shorts aren't 'proper' gear for the rider OR passenger.

And PLEASE don't use the city streets or surrounding freeways to race or show off.  There are track days at Castrol Raceway for that several times a year.

If you're a returning rider after not being on a motorcycle for several years take an upgrade course.

Many 'veteran' riders left the sport years ago to raise families and when they return to riding find out very quickly that motorcycles/trikes have changed 'dramatically' over the past decade or so and you really do need to learn how to ride again with these upgrades - like ABS, lower weight bikes, gps, etc.

I've had my licence since 1966.  I ride year round in Edmonton in the summer and Phoenix Arizona in the winter.  I ride in every weather extreme possible.  I ride with some of the most experienced riders as possible.  I still learn from other riders and there is a wonderful team feeling when helping teach another rider a new safety tip or style on the road.

There isn't a day nor a ride that goes by without me being 100% aware of my surroundings - and in a world of Cell Phone/Texting and Distracted Driving you have to be fully cognizant of your surroundings at all times and to be ready to react to pure stupidity at a moments notice.

I've had drunk drivers try to run me off the road.  People have thrown things at me riding.  I had an elderly man try to spray me with a hose simply for riding on his street one day.  I've had furniture fall off the back of a truck on a highway.  I've dodge Coyotes, Moose, dogs and cats.

Every rider has had a close call and especially with those left turn scenarios OR with a driver looking 'past' you on the road and pull out in front of you.

Throughout it all simply remember that a MOTORCYCLE can KILL YOU.

I repeat - a MOTORCYCLE can KILL YOU.

So.  Be prepared.

Constantly upgrade your skills and knowledge.  Ride ride ride to get more confidence and experience.

Last years Alberta Motorcycle Safety Society was launched with a multi media campaign on television, radio, newspaper and digital.  We are on Facebook and Twitter sharing as many good articles and advice as we can possibly can.

The campaign was highlighted and endorsed by some of Edmonton's finest media guys - like CTV's Daryl McIntyre, Global Televisions Gord Steinke, Alberta Prime Times Michael Higgens, CKUA's Cam Hayden,  CFCW's Sean Burke, Capital FM's Shane Michaels, K97's Terry Evans, 630 CHED's J'Lyn Nye, The One's Steve Zimmerman, and this year we are also getting our message in to Calgary to help spread our message Province wide.

If you'd like to support our cause please go to the website www.ab-amss.org  You will be able to view our television spots and to buy some of our swag or a membership in AMSS.

We are 100% non profit and all proceeds to to help us purchase more media and to assist us in participating in shows and causes around the Province where we spread the good word on motorcycle safety.

Your AMSS team looks forward to meeting you this season - #motosafety

Like us on Facebook - Follow us on Twitter @ab_amss  - and please share your photos with us on Instagram ab_amss

High flying advice!

I’m just back from spending a couple of months in the United States and watched with interest, like most of us, the hand off of the Government from Democrat Barack Obama to GOP President Donald Trump.

It certainly has had a world wide effect quickly so the first question that comes to mind for many of us Snowbirds is “how will this affect Canada” and I guess the easiest analogy is being witnessed with the almost daily changing of the rules, regulations, and especially the systems for travelers.

With the ban - no ban - overruling of the ban - court challenge etc. there is much confusion for travellers so here are just a few thoughts that might make things a little easier for “Joe Average” for crossing the border.

First off these poor Border Guards have a tough enough job as it is, asking the same questions over and over day in and day out in their little security booth, so be gentle.  It can’t be fun for them either.

Add to the fact now that their instructions are changing daily as to what they can and can’t legally do, how much power do they have to detain people etc. and to be perfectly frank it must be stressful simply “dealing with liars” as well as trying to figure out who’s a good guy and who’s a bad guy.

So if you’re going to EIA remember a few things:

You’re highly advised to get a NEXUS card.  Simple to apply on line and you will get invited for a pre screening interview; and shortly thereafter (around 3 months in all) you have been approved for travel at the highest security level between Canada and the US which, in this day and age, is now a virtual gold mine.  It’s cheap as it averages out at about $10 per year.  You often get a separate line at security and usually whisk through the borders quite quickly both coming and going.  It also has domestic privileges.

Get to the airport early.  Weather woes add to winter travel delays but this new awareness and changing of the rules means you’re likely going to be waiting longer to be at the gate.

 People who complain about weather issues or mechanical problems delaying their flights baffles my mind. 

Be careful of your social media posts.  Border security has the right to check your Facebook and Twitter accounts or even to ask for your password on your smartphone or iPad and if you show any tendencies to violence, hate or negative thoughts against the Government you are drawing a big red (and white) flag on to yourself and they CAN deny you entry into the US instantly and for as long as they desire.

Don’t wear offensive t-shirts or hats - or convey any ‘attitude’ when going through their questions.  

I now travel extremely light as well, even to Europe.  Usually just one small carry on with just the essentials for the trip to make it easier.  

It’s getting extremely costly to pay for luggage, both ways, and often it’s cheaper to just buy a few things at your destination. Many folks I know now mail their things back home. 

In the middle of winter in Alberta you’re likely not going to need your flip flops, shorts, and scuba mask so why not?

Finally, this may sound simple....but...be patient. 

There’s already a great fear of flying on a normal basis that gets matched up with the stress of long lines ups, security checks, flight delays and other distractions so go in with a nice open mind and be nice to those folks who’s job it is to get us all safely on our way to our destination. 

Traci Bednard, Fly EIA concurs.

"Bottom line is to talk to your airline and be explicit about your circumstances so they can tell you what they will do in your specific circumstance. Yes, certainly Nexus! Yes, caution on posts!"

There's a lot of confusion these days so Traci suggests contacting your particular airline not EIA especially with travel bans or the like.

"The airport itself has not been advised of significant issues, outside of some confusion from travellers. We don’t receive passenger information, so technically we wouldn’t be advised if passengers were denied boarding for example."

By the way there was a Canadian Snowbird Association meeting in Mesa two weeks ago where their President tells us that the Canadian Snowbird Visa IS moving forward albeit slowly.  With the Republicans controlling both houses they are suggesting that it actually may move quicker now and all indications are that the 181 day rule could be approved to 240 days (with special restrictions you sign off on) sometime this year.  It's a complicated issue so I'll leave it at that until I receive further official and legal information.

The only bad part about travel is the travel part.   Good luck.

A Medium done rare.  I’m honored to be one of the ‘fryers’ at the upcoming Capital FM’s Rob Christie Roast that will be held on March 8th at the River Cree Resort.

I’ve known Rob for over four decades now and have a deep respect for his career and achievements and proud that I get to pile on a little fun on Rob with my Edmonton Sun page mates Graham Hicks and Cam Tait, along with media pals Bryan Hall, Susan Reade, Sean Burke and Bruce Bowie.   

The roast is a benefit for Edmonton Rotary and it will be a night full of laughter and love.  I can't wait to hear my favorite "sit down comic" Cam as he just doesn't play fair and somehow gets away with shots that the rest of us just can't.  A true pro.  

Please come and support Rotary projects in Edmonton.  Tickets are available at edmontonrotary.com under 'events.'