Johnny Barend Remembered

Johnny Barend was remembered today in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser as a great entertainer and fan favorite, especially in Hawaii. This is very true as anyone who watched his interviews on 50th Sate Big Time Wrestling would know. But, he was more than an entertainer, he was a great man and friend. I spoke to Johnny and his wife, Annie, only months ago. We had reconnected after years and had begun catching up with one another’s lives. Johnny was enjoying retirement and seemed to be very happy in upstate New York–raising chickens and growing vegetables. Annie, a native of the islands, was always in close contact with her family there.  She is a real sweetheart.

Having promoted wrestling for so many years in Hawaii, I saw it all. One of the best things I was a part of was Johnny’s wedding to Annie inside the wrestling ring!  There was a sellout crowd of over 10,00o fans who gathered to watch the ceremony and wish them both well. For wrestling fans in those days this was the royal wedding.  

I recall many terrific TV interviews I had with Johnny on my show. He always came up with some unexpected comment or scenario that would knock your socks off.

Rest in peace, John. I will always remember you.