Wow, what a great and well deserved honor for Doc, although I always called him Harold. When I ran into Kenny Karibelnikof several years after college he told me about a jam session at The Bridge—I went and that road sent me on a fabulous adventure into music. What I think is Harold’s best trait is his inclusiveness and encouragement. He’d always ask people new to the jams if they had a song they wanted to sing or to play; he was always happy to learn a new song; and was always pulling out some song or tune from that amazing memory that he hadn’t played in thirty years! I was ecstatic when I joined the band to play the washtub base in September 1979—and through the years was inspired to learn the mandolin, banjo and bass, as well as improve on my guitar. And I’m not the only one—there are many fine musicians who got their start at the Bridge jams. As a band we didn’t just play music—we hiked, went on picnics, cross-country skied, and checked out every 2nd hand store and dump on any route we travelled! And the stories on long drives up and down the rail belt...rambling topics of all sorts and lots of laughter and some tears. Being a member of the South Family Band was the best—everything else is gravy. I am happy and very gratified to see ‘Doc” get the recognition he so richly deserves.
Stephanie Bissland
The State Fair Photo was taken by a photographer from the Frontiersman. The other by a friend of mine.
