I never thought I would see the day that Jack Tennant, one of the greatest columnists in the country would retire from writing. What a surprise!
As Jack would say, “Unless you’re dead or living in Edmonton,” you have probably heard the news by now. The truth is he did not really ‘retire’. This man, at the age of 77 years is embarking on a new career in real estate.
I don’t believe that Jack can ever stop writing and my prediction is that he will start a column in the CREB (Calgary Real Estate Board) publication – wait and see.
The only good news is that the Cochrane Eagle, now owned by Great West Newspapers, has promoted Jack’s wife Brenda Tennant to publisher and well deserved. Congratulations, Brenda!
Jack looks quite happy in the photo taken at his retirement party, with posters of “Jack Tennant for Mayor” in the background. Now that is ‘food for thought’.
Jack will be a great loss to the newspaper industry. Sadness looms, as our controversial guy on page two of the Cochrane Eagle will no longer be there. Who is going to question town council, now that they don’t have a bulldog nipping at their heels?
Whether you agreed with Jack’s point of view or not, he made you think. He reaffirmed our Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms for freedom of expression and freedom of the press.
I remember many years ago, before I ever had the opportunity to meet Jack, whenever there was a hot issue facing Calgary, I would pick up the Albertan and later the Calgary Sun to see what this guy had to say about it.
How can you argue with a guy who speaks the truth? Very often people are thinking about these issues, but are hesitant to comment.
In the 11 years that Jack owned the Cochrane Eagle – previously, Cochrane This Week; and other newspapers before that – he has displayed a talent for getting people involved in issues important to their town. There is strength in numbers when it comes to advocacy.
Besides his own charity work he made a point of promoting local charities in order to gain assistance and funding.
Jack has always given people a break and/or a chance to prove themselves, which usually resulted in helping others. It’s just like ‘paying it forward’, which becomes contagious.
Jack is a strong believer in just “keep it simple”, embrace each day and you will be surprised with the rewards life has to offer.
Working with Jack has been one of the most interesting facets of my life. I’ve learned so much from him and have been encouraged by him.
I thank him from the bottom of my heart for welcoming me to Cochrane and giving me the opportunity to write a column in the “Mighty Eagle”.
