Irv Weinstein

-
Hard to believe that it’s been nearly 20 years since Irv Weinstein retired from doing the nightly news here in Buffalo.

Irv passed away earlier this week.

I immediately thought of the USA Hockey win over Russia in 1980. I was watching the game on tape delay on Irv’s channel.

Game was tied at two.

“USA stuns Russia!” Irv told me during the commercial break.

Other than that...

...he was the perfect newsman for this town.

He was with Tom Jolls and Rick Azar for years.

Everyone watched Channel 7 back then.

We all wanted to hear about the fires, the criminals and that’s where we got our news back then. Guys and gals who read the news were trusted...

...we didn’t hear or believe that it was actually fake information.

And, so, Irv was the toast of the town. He was the most recognized man not counting the sports stars. By all accounts he was a good guy and he represented the city well.

He was a little guy, with big glasses, big ears...

...not exactly a media darling.

But he was a star.

Of course, Irv suffered later in life...’

...he passed away at the age of 87, but he was afflicted with ALS and he broke down slowly.

He handled it with grace, according to all who spoke to him throughout his years in California.

As a kid, growing up there are people you admire in the media...

...Irv was one of those guys.

He was influential...

...that’s a pretty good word to get to when your life is over and people are talking about you.

RIP to a Buffalo legend.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

My Buddy, Dave

-
Way back in 1997, I started working with a steel erection company out of Syracuse. I was coming straight from a long stint with a steel erector here in Buffalo so I knew my stuff when it came to steel erection safety rules. On day one, I met with the safety director and he was just getting started as a safety guy, but man, he certainly cared about the guys he worked with. Dave was a good man from the start. He’d say things like: “You’re so full of beans.” Just a down to earth, hardworking guy who became a fast friend. We drove all around New York State setting up jobs. I always let Dave drive so that I could rest. One fine day, way up North of Syracuse, we passed a state trooper.  I glanced at the speedometer. “You’re screwed,” I said, and seconds later, the lights came on. Dave was beside himself.  The cop stopped by the window, grabbed the license and registration and headed back to his vehicle. “Here’s the thing,” I said. “You’re pissed, but you’re such a good guy that I be...
Read more

Mom & Ollie

-
Image
 Ollie Stadium is a mess. The heavy rains rendered the backyard a mud pit and even though we threw in the side yard, the Big O was looking for more, and we were both covered in mud. I had to take some steam out of him somehow so I suggested we go visit Grandma. Ollie hates the car, but he laid quietly as we made the trip. We even brought the football because there is plenty of room to play at Grandma’s. Mom opened the door and started laughing. I thought about the love she had for every single dog we ever had. Oliver was quick to give my Mom a kiss, and then he stood beside her. The love between Mom and Dogs is a mutual bond. Through the years, Mom would make breakfast for the dogs.  Fried eggs, toast, bacon… She would wrap Christmas gifts for them. “To Jeter, Love Santa,” she would write on the cards. They played with the big chicken that made a lot of noise. Mom tossed the football and Ollie brought it back to her. As the visit drew to a close I headed for the door.  “C...
Read more

Eyes on the Horizon

-
Image
My sister’s book is out there! Go get it!! It makes me so proud to see the book on Amazon, knowing that it’s very, very great! It’s been a long, long time since we were out in California, brainstorming my stories long before they were published. Carrie Lynn was writing, writing and writing some more through the years and I kept telling her… …”Go for it!” Well, she did!  To amazing results. Of course I was able to read the book as it was being put together, but I ordered a copy from Amazon yesterday and can’t wait to read it again. The shoe is on the other foot now as I have been sitting on a lot of my writing lately. I plan on getting it out there before the end of 2024, but for now: Carrie takes center stage! And it’s so great… …go get a copy!
Read more