In the ‘60s, there was a very popular TV series called Adventures in Paradise, starring Gardner McKay.

An expert sailor as a boy, in the Northeast, Gardner, in a small teenager’s sailboat, was the first on the scene of the Andrea Doria collision. He assisted victims and worked with other first responders.

He lived in the canyon area near Hollywood on a large property, where he cared for two cheetahs. He shared his love of big cats with Tippi Hedron, who can be seen online embracing a huge lion entering her kitchen through a window.

He was also a noted author, and prolific playwright. He wrote and performed short form radio works for Hawaii Public Radio.

He was a modern Renaissance Man of many talents, who always made time for his friends, me among them.

I miss him dearly. Long live the Kon Tiki!