Around the world, people are talking about the legacy of Michael Jackson, his incredible impact as an entertainer, and the surreal twists of his personal life.
A Vancouver man who worked with Jackson during some of his most turbulent times says some of the best experiences of his life were the times he spent with Jackson.
Stuart Backerman began working for the pop star in 2002 as his spokesperson.
"I wasn't a 20-year-old with stars in my eyes, I was a 50-year-old, almost with a family, and home in Vancouver," Backerman said. "Part of the reason he brought me onboard is because I wasn't from the Hollywood crowd."
Backerman describes Jackson as a sensitive, soft-spoken man doted to his children, when he was away from the limelight. He says Jackson's kids were the reason he wanted to perform again.
"The raisons d'�tre really for concerts were money, yes, but more importantly he wanted to perform live for his children," he said. "He wanted his children to see Michael Jackson as he was in his sense, in his heyday."
Backerman resigned from his post in 2004 and lost touch with Jackson. But he maintained contact with people close to him.
"He was an incredible performer, and of course all the gossip stuff and his very real eccentricities gained more prominence than his skill set in the last ten or 15 years or so," he said.
Despite the controversies that dogged Jackson throughout his career, for fans, it's all about reliving his music. Local stores are selling out of his CDs and memorabilia is quickly disappearing.
For Backerman, his own collection of memorabilia, including Neverland stationary, pictures, and a book with a message from Jackson inside, serve as a reminder of the pop icon's influential career.
Backerman hopes people will remember Jackson for what he did provide; a legacy of music and dance.
"He really wanted to be a good person, he wanted to give so much."
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Maria Weisgarber
