Ed's Story

I met John in 1964 in front of a radio station in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I was 14 years. If memory serves me right, my buddy from school told me that Johnny Crawford was at CHUM 1050 radio station on Yonge Street, south of St. Clair Avenue. I was attending a private boys school (Del LaSalle Oakland's) around the corner on Avenue Road, about three blocks away. My friend told me that "Mark McCain" from the Rifleman series was making an appearance and said let's go see if we can meet him.

When I arrived at the radio station, there he was standing outside by himself. I could not believe it was him at the time. He was tall and looked just like he did on the television. I went up to him and just stared, not believing it really was him. I asked him if he was Mark and I remember him smiling and answered me, telling me he was Johnny Crawford. I just stared at him dumbfounded and told him how much I liked the show and what not.

It did not hit me until I was at home and told my mother who I just met, how stupid I felt because I didn't know what to really say to him. I suppose meeting him so suddenly the way I did, not expecting it, I became tongue tied. I have regretted it ever since.

I have relatives in California and when I was older and started traveling as an amateur photographer, I met a great many stars. I had no trouble talking to them, but I still regret to this day, that at the time I met John I might have embarrassed him or me for the way I just stood there like a fool, as if he was just anybody. I sure wish I could go back in time and do it right with all the respect due him.

-Sincerely,