The Hotel fire, in so many ways was a turning point in both John's life and mine.   Ironically, when my pal, Ron Plucer, lost one of his hotels, it impacted many.

It impacted John, myself, Ron ... and even Ron Plucer's father-in-law, Joe Shoctor of Edmonton.

---

The report that follows stemmed from another matter altogether. One of my lawyers, Brian Wittwicki, was in Court representing me against Power Corporation.   Power Corporation was in the midst of an end-run, and we were in Court. That was an expensive day for me -- costing over $500,000.   As luck would have it, Royal Insurance, the insurance carrier for the hotel was in the same Court room that day.

The statement was made in light of a reward by the Burns Foundation, a reward in the Morley case that never materialized.   I guess, if the Burns Foundation (and the City were responsible) and if Joe hadn't used political leverage, things might have been different for John and I.   You can see here what that reward would be worth, if invested in the S & P, or alternatively, the OGP -- the Oil and Gas Producer's Price Index.   Rather than spending my money on this case, we might have sought treatment options for him.

His dad, John's dad, an Ontario fire chief, wouldn't have had to bury his son.

He might even be alive today. Ten years later.

The report and attendant covering letter follows:

My name is Keith Kendal and I am meeting with Steve ******* and we are going
to tape a conversation as concerning a fire that occurs July 13, 1992 and
involving the Forest Lawn Hotel and/or the 17th Avenue Inn.

Steve, you are aware that our conversation is going to be recorded?

SO: Yes, yes I am.

KK: Now Steve before we get into the interview and the discussions could you
    give me your full name and address please.
    
SO: OK.  It's ****** *******.  My address is **** **, ********************, 
    Calgary.
    
KK: Residence phone number

SO: That is uh ***-****

KK: Date of birth

SO: ******** ** ****

KK: Marital status

SO: Single

KK: Do you have a second name or other names other than ******

SO: My middle name is ***** or ****** and ****** is Steve in English so I tend
    to go by Steve
    
KK: So for the purpose of our conversation we'll use the name Steve, that's
    okay

SO: Sure Steve is fine

KK: I also had a phone number that you gave me when we talked on the phone
    a week ago -- ***-****
    
SO: Right

KK: What's that.  Is that a residence number too

SO: Uh, that's a residence number too.  I, that's more in the down town core
    and I am in the process of moving right now.
    
KK: And can you give me your occupation

SO: I am self employed

KK: As --

                              
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