PWP Nation’s own Bruce Hart talks about the generosity shown by all in aiding the great Dynamite Kid, especially a certain someone named Chris Jericho.
In a recent Hart Murmurs column, I brought to the attention of my readers the sad plight of my friend and former Stampede Wrestling colleague – the Dynamite Kid (Tom Billington), who, after a series of debilitating strokes and other serious health issues, finds himself in a pretty dire situation, broke and down on his luck, struggling to get by in a bare bones health care facility.
On Dynamite’s behalf, I appealed to wrestling fans and wrestlers, past and present, to lend a helping hand and was gratified and touched with the response, as several fans made generous donations and offered inspiring get well wishes to Dynamite – which, I’m sure, he greatly appreciated.
IF YOU’D LIKE TO DONATE TO THE DYNAMITE KID, YOU CAN CLICK HERE TO DO SO!
I was particularly impressed by the remarkable generosity and kindness extended by WWE superstar and graduate of the Hart Dungeon, Chris Jericho (Irvine), who, I’m told, donated $5,000 to the cause. In the ring, Chris plays an arrogant, obnoxious heel type, but, truth be known, is one of the genuine nice guys in our business – always there for friends and colleagues.
I remember back in 1999, the day after my brother Owen tragically died in Kansas City on a WWF pay per view, Chris, who was then a big star in the WCW, cancelled all his bookings and flew up to Calgary, where he spent the week leading up to the funeral, at my parents’ place, babysitting grandchildren, cleaning dishes, greeting visitors, comforting and supporting grieving friends and relatives and doing anything he could do to help lighten the load – which made an enormous impression on my parents and myself.
A few years later – by which time Chris had become a major star in the WWF, Vince McMahon and company were doing a Monday Night RAW taping in Calgary at the Saddledome, and Chris contacted me a few weeks before the show and asked if I could bring my dad to the show, because he’d like to surprise him by introducing him in the ring and thanking him for having helped launch his career.
I brought my dad down to the show and, in front of over 20,000 “Jericho-holics”, Chris delivered an eloquent, heartfelt tribute, which brought tears to my dad’s eyes (and, I might add, to most of those in attendance, as well), and made a profound impression on me and others in our family. I’ve been around the wrestling business for a long time and have come across a lot of people, but I can’t think of many guys in the wrestling business whom I have more respect for or hold in higher regard than Chris Irvine – truly a class act.
On behalf of the Hart family and friends and family of the Dynamite Kid, I’d like to express our appreciation for his generous donation and for the many other selfless acts of kindness he’s been responsible for.
While it’s been gratifying to see so many fans coming forward with donations for Dynamite, he’s still in a pretty tough situation, so anything any of you can do for him would be greatly appreciated. I’d also like to take this opportunity to challenge other wrestlers and members of the wrestling brotherhood to step up to the plate for him, just as Chris Irvine has done. Donations can be made to GoFundMe. Thank you and God bless. Until next time.
IF YOU’D LIKE TO DONATE TO THE DYNAMITE KID, YOU CAN CLICK HERE TO DO SO!
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