Craig Baird
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thread 1/8
For a brief period in 1995, a Regina gas attendant became one of the most famous individuals in North America.

This is the story of Dick Assman!

Richard Arthur Assman was born in Neudorf, Saskatchewan on Feb. 14, 1934.
His unusual last name is a German-derivative of Erasmus.
10:03 AM - Apr 08, 2024
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Craig Baird
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thread 2/8
It is pronounced "Oss-man"

While living in Regina in the 1995, he began working at a Petro-Canada station in the city. The station owner took out an advertisement in the newspaper featuring Dick Assman's name.
10:03 AM - Apr 08, 2024
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Craig Baird
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Someone sent that advertisement to David Letterman, who featured it on the show on July 24, 1995. For the next month, Dick Assman was a nightly feature on the show. He was often referred to as Assman the Gasman.
10:03 AM - Apr 08, 2024
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Craig Baird
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There were several live interviews with Assman, with Joe Namath calling himself an Ass-maniac.

In September 1995, Angus Reid polled Canadians and found 49% of Canadians had heard of Dick Assman.
10:03 AM - Apr 08, 2024
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Craig Baird
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Over the course of four months, Assman received contracts for commercial appearances, marriage proposals and offers to run for public office.

Dick Assman took the entire situation in good humour.
10:03 AM - Apr 08, 2024
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Craig Baird
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thread 6/8
In August 1995, Assman visited the Dave Letterman show and was presented with a bouquet of roses by Letterman.
In October 1995, James Blanchard, the US Ambassador to Canada, visited Assman at his gas station and called him an international celebrity.
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Craig Baird
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Following this point, Dick Assman returned to his regular life and remained living in Regina.
He passed away on Aug. 15, 2016.

In an odd bit of timing, the Seinfeld episode The Fusilli Jerry aired on April 27, 1995, only three months before Dick Assman became famous.
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Craig Baird
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thread 8/8
It featured Kramer getting a licence plate that said "Assman" accidently.

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