There’s always beauty just around the corner and much to be thankful for, even amidst the pain and loss of recent months, and we hope in turning the pages of this issue, you’ll find some respite, joy and even a little magic.
However, as we publish the summer edition of Homefront Magazine it’s with a sense of loss, amidst cherished memories of our Publisher Helmut Dostal who passed away on April 8th. It’s to him that we dedicate this issue with sincere thanks for his patience, guidance and steadfast commitment to Canadian publishing.
Helmut was a veteran print management and advertising man who loved the smell of ink on paper at midnight after a press run and the challenges of sales and distribution. Against all odds, he skillfully transitioned his company, BCS into the digital world and strategically kept us afloat when others closed their doors. 2021 was, in fact, our company’s 50th anniversary—something he wouldn’t want us to forget.
By his own admission, Helmut had no regrets. He’d raised a wonderful family, spent fun times with his grandchildren, travelled the world and, as an automotive journalist, test driven the finest automobiles in the most magnificent of settings.
Born in Austria, the land of his beloved Mozart and Salzburger Nockerl, Helmut was a proud father, a true gentleman and a prince who enjoyed music and art, almost as much as he loved cars and publishing Homefront. He was much respected and well-loved and will be truly missed by us all.
Caroline Tapp-McDougall,
Editor-in-Chief
caroline@bcsgroup.com