A crazy timeline of events from early September till now. One morning like usual I just roll into work and find out one of my favourite actors Christopher Walken is portraying a man from Bruno Saskatchewan. I thought “oh that’s really cool” What a cool opportunity for Saskatchewan and a small town to get its place in the spotlight with such a celebrity.
I lived and work on the radio for 4 years in Humboldt which is just east of Bruno. I made a few friends while I was there and so it was fun to witness the communities in the surrounding area so excited about the movie when was announced. It opens in the local theater tomorrow. (Friday, Oct 16th)
I just couldn’t help myself telling people about the movie and talking about it as it opened in theaters across the country last week. Not sure why, I know nothing of farming, I have family that does. Maybe it’s because I am a proud born and raised Sasky boy that maybe in another life was a farmer and don’t remember. But I have massive respect and admiration for the lifestyle and the industry.
So in early Sept I throw a youtube trailer of the movie “Percy” on the radio station’s website and see a lot of enthusiasm for the story the movie tells. Apparently, this was a big deal? I was barely a teenager when Percy Schmeiser was bouncing all over the world defending his land, lively hood, and family in a massive court battle. So I knew nothing of this till now.
I was gaining a lot of interest in the events that transpired from the late ’90s to the mid-2000s As I talked to people over social media, reading articles, and eventually getting the honor to talk to Percy’s wife Louise over the phone two weeks ago. We had a great conversation, and I want to thank her for her time I was very grateful. My impression of Louise was a kind-hearted person that doesn’t give herself enough credit for how well of a speaker she is in my 20 min conversation and only asked maybe three to 4 questions.
By no means is this movie a documentary and more for entertainment based on true events so there surely are some inaccuracies in the movie as Louise pointed out to me.
Nonetheless, it told a story that happened two decades ago that rekindled people’s attention. Then last night I read about Percy’s passing shortly after Thanksgiving. I myself lost a family member who suffered from dementia on the thanksgiving weekend. It’s not easy losing a loved one let alone around a holiday. So I want to send out my condolences to Louise and the family.
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