Thanks, Barry
(In memory of Barry Maggs, 1964-2020)

For helping me get through Ryerson School of Journalism. You were one of my first and best friends there when we started in 1988, and also played matchmaker so I ended up with the woman of my dreams (it didn’t work out, but shit happens). Cheap beer by the glass at Nuts n Bolts and Brunswick House, pints with Tapper on Spadina, live music and pickled eggs at Grossman’s. We also drank so many bottles of The Singleton that I’m surprised that we graduated.

For joining me on road trips, especially to go skiing. But also that time in HK we took advantage of a Cathay Pacific flight deal for 2 to Bali for Valentine’s Day -- and left our girlfriends in HK! So many laughs and adventures, especially riding our motorcycles in the rain, and golfing in sunshine on that stunningly beautiful course (still my #1 day of golf). We did a lot of miles together, and I wish we could do many more.

For making my move to HK in 1996 so smooth, and even possible. I couldn’t have done it without your generous support: letting me stay for free in your flat for a month while you went to India, loaning me some cash (paid back!), introducing me to many amazing people that I’m pleased are still great friends, getting me in the Bamboo Hosers hockey pool (that I now admin), sharing HK tips and contacts plus interesting job leads, having a few spliffs, downing a great many pints at The Globe (the old one on Hollywood Rd across from Asia, Inc’s office), playing roller hockey, that hilarious night of the HK Handover to China when we all got soaking wet and sought refuge at the FCC wearing shorts and flip-flops, chatting over glasses of scotch in your office at HK Mag, the list goes on.

For listening, and laughing, a lot... like in the hot tub at your condo near Ryerson, on the ski chairlifts, in the cars, on the Lamma ferries. You could always calm me down, or lift me up, and especially make me laugh. You may look like Bill Murray, but your sense of humor is so unique (and superior to the 'other' BM).

For taking me roller-blading in Central Park, before we went zooming down Broadway (still on skates, we were a little high). Also for a lovely day at a cottage in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. We didn’t get bitten by ticks!

For taking me to that wonderful old pub in NYC, where as soon as we sat down a beautiful woman walked over, got on my lap and started kissing me. I thought you set me up, or it was some kinda retro-pub girlie bar! Then she whispered, “Pretend you know me, there’s a guy hassling me.” So we kept kissing, and then we all laughed so much once the guy left the bar. What a time we had in the Big Apple!

For your wonderful family, whom I promise to keep in better touch with and help in any way. Just like you did for me. Thanks, Barry. You’re one of a kind, and will always be my friend.

Love ya, man!
GLEN WATSON aka Craig Hurst
Lamma Island, HK