As the years fly past and 2020 eeks by, we lose people and parts of our childhood and formative years. A few years back, it was open season on all of my music heroes from a bygone era. David Bowie. Tom Petty. Prince. Tough days and with the recent passing of Eddie Van Halen, the precious few remaining I worry for. Older family members pass away as do teachers, mentors, enemies and those we have loved. It is the way and I try to be philosophical about it as much as possible but the passing of Alex Trebek hurt. I’ll take Nostalgia for 200, Alex.

Now I know, the terminal dork in me is what loved Jeopardy so much. There are very few places where one can show off their knowledge, or lack there of, with impunity. The son of a very educated dad, I learned at an early age to not call out your answers unless you were certain it was correct. Nothing gets a cold glance or hurtful glare like answering Minnie Minoso when the answer was obviously Bobby Avila. Duh. Still, as I grew and learned and my memory elongated, I became as formidable as my dad in most categories while lacking in others. I knew I’d grown up to a certain degree when I first answered the Final Jeopardy question correct and my dad did not. “What is Manifest Destiny!” I called out with certainty.

Alex Trebek played a small yet significant part of my growth. It was a half-hour five nights a week where being smart was not laughed at or retaining knowledge wasn’t looked down upon. As my athletic prowess waned and my intellectual growth continued, Jeopardy provided a fun outlet for learning. I am positive my memory today is a direct result of sitting on a couch next to my dad and brother watching Alex tsk tsk a player for pronouncing Arch de Triumph incorrect. I’ll take Potent Potables for 400, Alex.

And so farewell my Canadian friend, you will be missed. As I stare down the barrel of my 50th year on this planet, just around the corner (a few years away still), I wax nostalgic sometimes and ponder who I was when I became who I am. I remember the gangly, curly haired kid with a stutter and lisp and do my best to not recall the incidents that could have broken my spirit but the moments that uplifted and carried my soul. The school yard is where minds are hardened and spines are toughened but for me the living room, in front of an old RCA television set at 7 PM Monday through Friday is where my mind evolved. And for that, Alex Trebek, I thank you. I’ll take Fond Farewells for 1000, Alex.