I am taking a moment away from my present “to do” and “to avoid” lists to write a few words on behalf of an old friend. His name is Alex Trebek. For 36 years he was the host of the popular TV show, Jeopardy! Alex died today after a long fight with pancreatic cancer. We are all dealing with a roller coaster ride of emotions stemming from a viral pandemic, a contested national election, an economic recession, widespread unemployment, another hurricane bearing down on the US; from nerve-racking cabin fever, isolationism, and a very uncertain near-term future along many other fronts. Still, friends are friends, and good ones are hard to come by. Alex Trebek has earned his way to the top level of my short list.

I never met Alex, but I’ve admired him for at least 50 years. He was pure class. Never desiring the limelight, always subdued, directing a very popular show with humor, impeccable language skills, and a winning personality, it was easy to see how easily he won the hearts and minds of nearly every contestant who ever appeared on his show. He gave every contestant his or her 15 seconds of fame with a chance for a short tale about themselves. He laughed along with them, and even offered them some good-natured advice.

About 35 or more years ago Alex inadvertently showed us that he was one of us. He apparently showed up for a rehearsal of a TV commercial a little bit tipsy. There he was, a man who could speak the English language as well as any human who ever lived--slurring his words. He became frustrated and even uttered a few expletives. I laughed my ass off. It might have been staged. I don’t know. If it was staged, Alex was also a good actor.

Alex fought the good fight. And he did it with dignity, style, and grace. He and his wife, Jean, were also generous contributors to the homeless and to many others in need. He will not be forgot by this viewer. Rest in peace, my friend.