As magazines and newspapers began to wane in the late 90s, local writer and editor, Paul Sullivan began to use the term “citizen journalism.” In one case he hired some Vancouver prostitutes to write for him at no pay. I was repelled by the idea of the non payment. Now in this 21st century I find that we citizens have to pitch in if the media decide to not work on holidays and ignore people’s deaths until later.
Freelance journalist Glenda Bartosh informed me via email today that Kay Alsop died on Sunday a bit past her 100th. It is difficult for me to corroborate Bartosh’s communication and I will take my chances.
In 1987 Kay Alsop was a YWCA Woman Of Distinction. A few years later, probably 1992, the YWCA decided to publish a magazine with portraits of some of the past winners. I took those portraits and one of them was the most gracious and lovely former fashion writer for the Province, Kay Alsop. I had met her a few times before in the Vancouver Sun/Province newsroom and I came to the conclusion that Alsop prevented the really styleless Province from being so. I felt like going to her and saying, "How can a classy gal like you work in a place like this?"
When I met her at her home for her photos she told me she loved her white camellia. This would mean that I must have taken the pictures in early spring of 1992. Malcolm Parry had been a columnist for the Vancouver Sun for about a year. I asked her about him. Kay Alsop smiled at me with that beautiful smile of hers and said, "Mac will turn off the lights at the Sun."