Late July 1979. The lobby bar of the Westin Hotel. A man sat alone at a table. In the corner.

Edmonton Sun columnist Paul Rimstead — a character’s character among newspapermen — was with me, and asked if we could join him.

TAIT: Remembering editor, friend and mentor George Ward Back to video

It’s beyond logic that he said yes, given our entrance.

You see, Paul was sitting in my wheelchair.

And I was pushing him.

Paul was cradling his traditional triple scotch, and every time I got a little jerky, he’d bark, making sure everyone within earshot clearly heard him: “Cam, better not spill my drink.”

I got into my chair. In fact, the man sitting by himself helped me.

The moment he introduced himself, I knew exactly who he was — from his name on the front page of the Edmonton Journal sports section, right under the masthead.

George Ward. Sports Editor.

He asked if I was working. I said no.

The conversation continued.

Five minutes later, George offered me a........

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