I blogged last month about the sudden death of my 82 year old father, Bernie Caron.  In the picture, he is holding his award for winning the 2006 Tanner City Idol Competition for his rendition of Frank Sinatra’s Young at Heart. The local newspaper profiled my father before the 2007 Competition last night.

Our family gathered from distant parts last night and watched 17 very talented performers (for the winners, see here).  As I said in the eulogy I delivered at the funeral, the last year of my father’s life was his happiest, as he absolutely loved everyone associated with the Idols.  Last night, the Idols showed how much they loved my father:

• They dedicated the show in his honor, with a heartfelt tribute in the program
• The musical director sang You’re Nobody ‘Till Somebody Loves You, accompanied (through the magic of technology) by my father (like Nat King Cole and Natlie Cole’s Unforgettable) .
• All 17 Idols sang an original song celebrating my father’s life.
• They awarded the Bernie Caron Award to Robin Rossignoll, the Idol who "best exemplifies the marvelous qualities of our beloved friend — consistently demonstrating dedication to the group, good humor, and encouragement to the performers."

We want to thank Stephanie McGeney, We Are America Productions, and the Idols for one of the most memorable nights of our lives and for all they did for my father.  For their video tribute to my father, see here.