Bill Atanasoff was a former City-TV cameraman who was struck by a drunk driver on November 9, 2010, while on assignment. Bill suffered severe head trauma, a broken neck, broken pelvis and two broken legs, but his story was not a sad one, but an inspiring one.
Peter Gross called me with this sad news moments before I received this text from Lorne Honickman.
Hey Mike. I just wanted you to know that Bill Atanasoff just passed away one week before his 74th birthday. You did a great tribute to him with Peter. If you want post something as I know you do that when significant and important people have died, you can say that its a very sad day for his family, his friends and for all his colleagues from his many years at CITY TV.
Lorne is referencing episode 1770 of Toronto Mike'd in which I chatted with Peter Gross about his friend and former CityTV colleague Bill Atanasoff. In addition to hearing from Peter Gross, Jim McKenny, Lorne Honickman, John Whaley, Al McCormick, Bill's sister, and Bill's caregiver, Bill himself speaks about the accident and the years since. I am grateful to Peter that we have this audio, as Peter tells me it was likely the last time Bill shared his story in such detail.
I urge you to listen to that episode about Bill Atanasoff and to be inspired by a man who best played the cards he was dealt. My sincere condolences to all who knew and loved Bill.
