Late in the day yesterday, word spread around the call center that Israel Asper had died. I hadn't heard, choosing when I woke up to watch the California Recall Circus(Congratulations Arnold) and because of the latter, CNN had no coverage of the former, though I doubt it is their kind of story. He is no John Ritter, Johnny Cash, or Bob Hope. The Winnipeg Sun today had 8 pages plus two pages worth of editorials on the loss of one the biggest media mogul's in this country. He grew up in Minnedosa, Manitoba, and went from being a lawyer to owning the CanWest Global television network, several news papers worldwide, and getting his name on more buildings in this city than anyone, but his name and face were well deserved, giving millions himself over the years.
This philanthropy did not stop there, though, with not less than three foundations giving enough money to more than overshadow the giving of the man himself. With the funeral scheduled for tomorrow, it is certain that many will attend, as his hand was felt by many in this city. Izzy Asper's friends, rivals, and even his sworn enemies have come out to praise him for what he became, and there are so many ways that what he did will affect me that the name Israel Asper will not be lost on the lips of Winnipegger's for many years. CanWest Global Ball park, the Winnipeg Goldeyes, the planned Human Rights Museum at The Forks, focusing on the atrocities done to people of Asper's faith, Jewish, and more. Asper was 71, though his legacy will last much longer.
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