R.I.P. Bob Clark

I was saddened to learn this weekend of the passing of Bob Clark, director of the beloved Christmas Story, Porky's and one of my personal favourites, the original Black Christmas.

I had the honour of meeting Mr. Clark a couple of years ago when he participated in a panel discussion at Cinemuerte for the launch of a book on Canadian horror films from the "Tax Shelter" period. I had just seen Black Christmas and excitedly told him of my admiration for it. He was very gratious and struck me as a very genuine, optimistic man filled with passion for film and his upcoming projects.

While often cited as a Canadian director, Bob Clark had actually been born in Louisianna, but decided to settle in Toronto after shooting a movie there. Although not a native son, he considered himself an honorary Canadian and took great pride in his adoptive country.

My sympathies go out to his family and friends.