If 20 years is a long time, then 20 years in broadcast production must be an eternity. In fact, a tribute in a newspaper (nothing against Playback, a fine publication in its own right) is not nearly enough. I suggest an inflatable likeness be launched, circling the John and Richmond area at 45-minute intervals, so all young producers can look skyward and behold the benchmark of professionalism in broadcast production.

Why, in my short experience working with Bette I gained a veritable treasure chest of knowledge. And who wouldn’t? This classy lady gives new meaning to the word ‘seamless.’ To say she is organized is a gross indecency. Always one step ahead.

I’ll never forget the first time she had my clothes laid out for me. I awoke after a sound evening of martinis to find my favorite slacks and shirt awaiting my pickled body. Surprisingly, they were recently Martinized and included a note detailing my every move for the next two weeks of production. Just one of many skills Bette had in her bag of broadcast production tricks.

I liken her to a magician. Making the difficult seem quite easy and always begging the question ‘Hey, how’d you do that?’ (‘Course, to me the Caramilk Secret is still a mind bender.)

But of all the qualities you might find in a great agency producer, there’s one that Bette is most known for, her smile. It shows she has perspective. That she isn’t just making commercials. She’s making friends. With the exception of that one client, that was more of a tooth-grinding smile, or a grimace.

To those who are lucky enough to know Bette this tribute comes too late, to those who don’t. . . well. . . I guess you’ve been freeze-dried or just finishing that last leg of hard time in Millhaven.

Congratulations Bette. Hot spit!! q

Steve Gardner is a writer at TBWA Chiat/Day, Toronto.