Author Information
Tribute to Barbara Frum
One night in 1937 there came a stork
Which visited Niagara Falls, New York
In 1937 a baby named Barbara was born
Now in 1992 for her today we mourn
In 1959 she graduated from UT
With a degree in Modern History
She started journalism in free-lance writing
Ushering a brilliant career in broadcasting
She tackled Macleans and Chatelaine
And for ten years she did retain
The top spot on "As it Happens" on the CBC
Always exuding her special charm and dignity
Then she was catapulted as the coveted hostess
Of the "Journal" and all agreed she was the best
Presiding over 26 episodes, a gargantuan task
And for better or more, no one can or dare ask.
It was a pleasure to see her in action
As she cornered Ministers in traction
Yes she became one of Canada's treasure
Up to her standards no one could measure
She knew the rules and none could bamboozle her
She would never let up until she got her answer
She stuck to the topic and kept her cool
Slicing like a technician using his tool
At home and even abroad she was the best
Travelling north, south, east and the west
She respected everyone below the ladder
Success never clouded her head, never
She was a real Canadian, was Barbara Frum
A woman of integrity and social decorum.
She would be missed by many American
Yes Canada has lost a great Canadian
Loved by both the French and English
With the Maple Leaf she had one wish
To see a peaceful and united country
Where all nations can live in harmony
Not where one ethnic group or one nation
Fighting over every trivial confrontation
She believed in "United we stand,
Divided we fall" for this good land
And if Barbara's death must not go in vain
Then we darn well have to work to maintain
The strength and determination of her
And by Cod, help us keep Canada together
Where the word distinct does not exist
Where everyone is included in the list
Where Canada comes first and foremost before all
And where proud Canadians can walk ten feet tall.
As we watched her on the telly
Reducing grown men to jelly
She was fighting back the tears
Hiding from us her real fears
Yes she suffered with a hideous phenomenon
And eventually after 18 years leukemia won
Everyone lost, foe, friend or chum
With the passing of Barbara Frum
Those who did not have lost a real experience regretfully
Those who did felt sad, empty but enriched thankfully
If Canada should go bust and Canadians go insane
Then dear Barbara Frum?s death would be in vain
But if Canada unite and stay as one
Then even evil leukemia has not won
For looking down at us from high above
She is still showering us with her love
Oh devious dark death where is thy shame?
Why do you have to defile the Frum?s name?
Why do you spare those who cheat and lie?
Why do the good people always have to die?
