another classic

From the March 18, 1958 Vancouver Province, a picture of Phil Gaglardi and Bernie Smith.

Flyin' Phil and Whistlin' Bernie

An old Vancouver Province story with Phil Gaglardi hamming it up with Bernie Smith.

more sad news, Whistling Bernie Smith, RIP

Not much information on this, but it was reflected upon by Mike McCardell on Global news this evening. Whistling Bernie Smith has passed away. He was in his late 80s. A long time Vancouver policeman he helped get the hot rodders off the street and onto the drag strip. He was recognized by the Greater Vancouver Motorsport Pioneers Society in 2004.

http://www.news1130.com/news/local/article/422014--whistling-bernie-smith-dies

http://www.gvmps.org/inductees/bernie_smith.htm

easter 1973

 I didn't get out to find the parade. From what the web showed the one to Steveston from Oakridge was canceled but the Hyack parade to Queen's Park was still on.

And there hasn't been a be-in for a lot of years. Never made it to one of those either. I see Sgt. Bernie Smith was there in 1973. And he was handing out flowers to the flower children.

racers and politicians

Dodgy mixture. Like oil and water at times. But B.C. did have Flyin' Phil Gaglardi. Was the flyin' for the Lear jet he had for a time? Or for the speeding tickets he got? As highways minister he said he was just testing the curves. Here's one of a few photos that seem to pop up of Phil in a race car. This time a straight line dragster getting a ticket, or maybe just a warning, from Bernie Smith. From the Motorama of 1958.