Profile: Gordy Dodd

ordy Dodd & GRANDFATHER Community Superhero

Gordy Dodd isn’t your typical grandfather. Who else do you know that’s just as comfortable playing Super Gordy, Bob Barker and the Incredible Hulk as part of his 40-year TV ad campaign as he is playing with his grandchildren?

Awarded the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, Gordy Dodd is known not only for his TV alter egos and his furniture store, Dodd’s Furniture and Mattress, but also for his ongoing philanthropy and community work. His Peace Walks have raised money for Victoria Hospice and his annual Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinners have helped feed thousands of people in need. Here are his thoughts on one of his favourite roles of all times—being a grandfather...

What do you love most about being a grandfather?

I take time off from my business to spend as much time as I can with them. They’re going to school now and growing up so fast—so weekends are special. We also try to pick them up from school a few times a week. Sometimes we go to a restaurant, for ice cream or to one of their favourite parks nearby.

What’s the difference between being a parent and being a grandparent?

Parents definitely have the harder job these days with many more responsibilities. Between homework and so many other after-school activities, a child’s life is quite structured. Moms and Dads really have the hard work. Grandparents get to enjoy watching them grow up and play—we play ALOT! That’s the upside and there’s no real downside. We’re all just happy to see each other and be together.

How does it feel, seeing your children as parents?

We remember our kids at that time. My wife will say how they resemble each other—our children and our grandchildren—how my son used to do the same thing or how our grandchildren resemble their parents.

What are your favourite things to do with your grandkids?

I love setting up games for them in the backyard. Whether it’s volleyball, badminton or soccer or blowing up balloons. It’s really nice, for myself and my wife. We forget all the stress and just get to spend time with them.

How have you handled the pandemic and social distancing with your grandchildren?

It’s a concern, especially now that they’re back in school. But we keep reminding them to keep their distance, wear a mask and wash their hands. All of Dr. Bonnie’s advice is good advice of course.

What do you wish for your grandchildren?

I wish for them much happiness. They always say: Grampa everyone knows you! All of our friends say: “You’re the famous Gordy Dodd!” Now they don’t have to be like me, but I want them to be happy and successful.

What do you hope they have learned or will learn from you?

I hope they’ll always be proud to be my granddaughters and strive to do great things in their life as I have. They have their dreams and they’re already learning to give back. I’m proud to take them with me to help serve Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners at Our Place. They need to know that not everyone is as fortunate as we are. We all have to do our part to help those in need.

You’ve dressed up as so many characters What do your grandkids think of your antics? Do they have a favourite persona?

Superman is pretty famous in their eyes. They’ve enjoyed all of my characters over the years. They know my name is recognizable. My grandaughter calls me my name sometimes, “Gordy Dodd” just for fun.

Advice for your grandchildren?

Times are tough and it’s easy to get down. The only way to make things better is by getting a good education. My middle granddaughter wants to be an eye specialist—the first in our family. That goal may change but with the right education, kids can do anything. Do something to keep the tradition of helping others. They’re trying.

1Advice for other grandparents?

Love your grandkids and cherish every moment. Once they become teenagers, they’ll have their own friends and be making their own way into the world. You want to be part of that for as long as possible.

Ravinder + Gordy Dodd with granddaughters (l-r) Amara, Zahra + Avani

Ideas + Inspiration Grand7

Calling All Bakers

Do you like to bake? Would you like to meet with others who enjoy baking and try new recipes every month? Then join Vancouver Island Regional Libraries’ Virtual Baking Club. Each month will have a theme to inspire you to make different baked goods. Try a new recipe or make one of your favourites and then join the Zoom session at the end of the month to share the recipe and what you made with everyone else.

November’s theme: No Butter Recipes.

December’s theme: Holiday Treats.

All ages are welcome. Space is limited and registration is required. To register or for more information, email kparker@virl.bc.ca.

Self-Management BC

Self-Management BC offers free health programs for British Columbians online, by telephone, and by mail. The programs are for adults of all ages living with one or more ongoing health conditions and there is no cost to participate. The University of Victoria’s Institute on Aging & Lifelong Health aims to help improve the health and quality of life with an increasingly diverse population of older adults, and to assist their families, health care providers, and governments in meeting the challenges and potentials of an aging society. For information, visit selfmanagementbc.ca.

3 Have-to-Haves for Techie Grandparents

1. Aura by Carver Digital Frames. See the people you love—on rotation!—and invite them to add photos, too. Smart digital frames provide crisp details, full light, and great quality. With social distancing, photos are the next best thing to being together. 2. Apple iPhone SE. Sure most iPhones are notoriously complicated, but the SE has basics including email, texting, video chatting and watching videos. The camera is excellent and includes portrait lighting. 3. Muse S Brain Sensing Headband. Stressed Out? This soft band meditation device is easy to put on and the app is easy to install. Together they help to calm your mind and help you relax.

Read ‘A Story Before Bed’

A Story Before Bed lets you record a video of yourself reading a children’s book to be played back any time. Some grandparents want to be able to read books to their grandkids live. A Story Before Bed lets you read in realtime, too, using a Google+ Hangout. Grandkids in multiple cities? You can read to all of them at once using the app. And it’s completely free. astorybeforebed.com

5 Styles of Grandparenting

According to research conducted by two University of Chicago social scientists, there are five distinct styles of grandparenting.

The Formal provide special treats and indulgences for the grandchild, but they maintain clearly defined lines between “parenting” and “grandparenting.”

The Fun Seeker plays with the child and has a good time. The relationship is one in which “authority lines are irrelevant.”

The Surrogate Parent is found only among grandmothers, “when the young mother works and the grandmother assumes the actual responsibility for the child.”

The Reservoir of Family Wisdom. The grandfather who dispenses “special skills or resources.” The young parents are usually in a “subordinate position”—which they may or may not resent.

The Distant Figure. The grandparent who “emerges from the shadows on holidays and special ritual occasions” like “a somewhat intermittent St. Nicholas.” Source: New York Times

Babysitting the Grandparents

Two of Jean Reagan and Lee Wildish’s bestselling books are available in one adorable boxed set. From making a pirate cave fit for a Grandpa, to planning a sleepover with Grandma, each book is chock full of tongue-incheek tips and ideas for enjoying time with the grandparent in your life.

FYI Grandparenting Stats

• The average age of Canadian grandparents has jumped from 65 to 68 in a single generation. And the number of grandparents over 85 has nearly tripled since 1995. • Life expectancy has increased so much that an average 65-year-old today can expect to live 22.1 more years if she’s a woman, and 19.3 years if he’s a man. • Seniors comprise twice as big a slice of the work force today (14 per cent) than they did in 2003. • Grandparents have fewer grandkids (down to four from five, since the 1990s), and have them later. But grandparents get to know their grandkids (and vice versa) way better, and for way longer. Source: Globe & Mail