Trent Frayne passed away this weekend at the age of 93. Now, you may ask who was Trent Frayne? And the answer would be, he was Canada’s iconic sports journalist and author. A man who plied his trade during a time of little television coverage and via his wordsmithing supplied readers with a visual image that would not be outdone by the video medium. He had, nor will have an equal in Canadian sports print journalism.

Trent was married to June Callwood who died at the age of 82 in 2007. They spent over 60 years together as husband and wife. June was a Canadian icon in her own right; as a journalist, social activist and author. Though married, they were as well known for their individual careers and accomplishments as opposed to being a couple.

What struck me most about this couple were these words spoken by June about Trent in a 2006 interview. They were reprinted in the February 11 2012 edition of the Toronto Globe and Mail. Callwood described what had attracted her to Frayne. “Everything. My dad was a rascal and I was never in love with any of the men I said I would wait for [during the war], but I fell in love with him because he was a rock. He is an honourable man. He’s got integrity, he’ll never let you down. I wanted somebody I could be safe with who I could count on and who wouldn’t walk out in the middle of the night like my dad did, never be promiscuous, never lie – just an honourable man.”

Those very thoughts are how I feel a man should be for his wife and family. Now, I am not of the same age cohort as Frayne or Callwood. In fact I would be several generations removed. But my mindset is built upon those values and I feel they are the measure of a man and a couple in love. My only reservation is this; does the current generation feel the same way? Honour and integrity are words we seldom hear these days especially in regard to a loving relationship. For me they are mighty words. Do they still hold the same sway with young couples today? I hope so.

So, as Valentines Day approaches if you are fortunate enough to be in love, I hope your bond includes honour and integrity; and if you are searching for love, be certain to include those characteristics in your quest.

Happy Valentines Day.

In My Opinion: Bryan S