Melvin must be sore at all the jibes I have posted about him. The Mr Canada in 1970 was held in British Columbia for the first time. Usually the contest is in Montreal or Toronto. I was lucky because only Philippe Alfani came from the eastern provinces. No one came from Ontario. So the title was a soft one but it was still the Mr Canada IFBB. Unlike many other countries such as Australia there is an overall winner and not many other organizations running the same title. So it means something to win it. Paul Dillett didn't win Mr Canada because he was disqualified for using drugs. That shows how hard it is to win the title.
In 1970 there was a Mr Pacific Northwest and anyone from the bordering states could compete but not many did and I won that, too. Sort of an international title but hardly significant because no one of note came from Alaska or Washington State.
There was a good lineup and Ken Rivard looked big and won best arms, chest, and back. He got 5 first place votes from the 13 judges. I got 8 votes so it was close. I won best legs and best poser. Walter Milner won best abs and most muscular. We called Walter "Cuts". He was a nice kid from Manitoba, I believe. He went on to win Mr Canada years later. John Mikl was the best junior and went on to become the stage star Thor after winning the Mr Canada title.
1. Vince Basile
2. Ken Rivard
3. Phillipe Alfani
4. Walter Milner
5. John Mikl
I think those are the placings. I will see if I can find some photos of the other lads. Rivard had the best upper body in the show by far. He was let down by very average legs. He hardly posed well and didn't even have a tan. I guess he thought the title was in the bag.
I competed in the Canadian Arm Wrestling championship that night and came second to my mate Big Jim Forsythe.
I was told by Dr Walzack that I could win the Mr Universe in 6 months if I used steroids and moved to Las Angeles. I never took up his offer.
I emigrated to Australia in Jan 71 to get a job and raise a family and have been here ever since. I taught PE in high school for 10 years and also bought a gym in August 1971 that we have expanded and still own.