You may have seen him at church or out having a coffee. Maybe you've seen him at the golf course, at the grocery store or maybe you are lucky enough to be his neighbour. Or maybe you have listened to him serenade the crowd at the pancake breakfast for Farmers' Days. And if you are blessed enough to know him, then you should know that you are in the presence of a star.
A passion that brewed inside him years ago has led Bob Leslie down a wonderful and truly amazing road. After years of pursuing music and performing in many different venues, the joy of music for Bob has not faded. And, his love for the art has opened yet another door for him.
In June, Bob partook in a musical competition (song or instrument) - 2013 Senior Star - which is a competition much like that of American Idol but for those ages 65 and over. The competition, put on by Chartwell House Canada, held regional competitions across Canada and on June 21, Bob took home the title of "2013 Senior Star - Edmonton" for his rendition of I Love You So by Perry Como. But it wasn't the first time Bob competed in the competition; last year, he took home the "2012 Senior Star - Regina."
However, this year's win has turned out to be a bit different. While each contestant was on stage, video cameras were rolling, taping the performances. Performers who won first and second in the regional competition (approximately 120 contestants) then had their tapes sent to another panel of judges who then narrow that group down to the top 10 of Canada.
This year, on Aug. 30, Bob received a call saying that he made it into the top 10. As for the phone call, Bob said it was "breathtaking. I couldn't answer the guy for a few moments; it was overwhelming. I was lost for words."
So, Bob and his wife Joan will jet off on an all expenses paid trip to Niagara Falls, Ont. to compete in the 2013 Senior Star National Final, which will be held at the Scotiabank Centre on Tuesday, Nov. 5. For the three days they are there, they will be treated like royalty, attending a high end banquet to meet the other contestants as well as being chauffeured around in limos. Bob says, "it's an honour and privilege to think that one of the Top 10 is from Wilkie, Saskatchewan."
As for support, Bob credits his wife Joan as his biggest support.
"We've been married 55 years and she thinks I am her star."
And you can tell that this couple, which celebrates that momentous anniversary this month, has all of the love and support in the world for each other.
And until the big day, Bob will continue to do what he loves. This past weekend Bob and Joan headed off to Edmonton where Bob performed at the Chartwell Houses in Edmonton and Sherwood Park, whom, Bob says, are really excited to have a top 10 contestant performing for them.
Bob says that the whole experience is an "encouragement for seniors. You don't have to give up your dream".
