Showing posts with label Obituaries. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Obituaries. Show all posts

09 August 2023

On Robbie Robertson (w/ update)



I don't mean to be an ass about this, particularly in light of such sad news, but do note that the New York Times' report on Robbie Robertson's passing includes three references to America, three references to Americana, and one to the Confederacy.

At no point is it mentioned that he was a First Nations man who was born and raised in Canada.

I'll add that not one of his Band bandmates is named, nor is Bob Dylan.

Damage control:


04 August 2022

Remembering Sean Kelly



Sean Kelly is the first writer I got to know and love. Together we witnessed Alexis Nihon's burning ashes, survived Hurricane Bob, questioned Martin Luther and Brian Mulroney, and wondered over Henry Kissinger's soul. I mention none of this in today's Globe & Mail.

Sean died last month.

The greatest Canadian humorist of his generation, he would've enjoyed the typo.

10 April 2021

Remembering Fraser Sutherland


I'm honoured to have been asked by the Globe & Mail to write an obituary of poet, critic, journalist, biographer, and lexicographer Fraser Sutherland. It'll be appearing in print this coming week. For now, you can read the obituary online through this link (note: it's behind a paywall).

Fraser was the first person I interviewed for A Gentleman of Pleasure, my biography of his friend John Glassco. He as unfailingly generous and encouraging. In this way, my relationship with the man was anything but unique.

One of the last times I saw Fraser was at the Montreal launch of The Heart Accepts It All, a selection of Glassco's letters I edited for Véhicule Press. He'd made the effort of travelling from his home in Toronto.


Carmine Starnino, Fraser Sutherland, and Mark Abley
at the launch of The Heart Accepts It All.
The Word, 14 August 2013

Fraser always expressed an interest in my work, particular the discoveries made while working on this long exploration of forgotten and neglected Canadian literature. My final visit to 39 Helena Avenue, the house he'd shared with his wife Alison, was to pick up some old Canadian pulp novels he'd wanted me to have.

I will never forget his kindness.

RIP, Fraser.


Update:

The Globe & Mail, 14 April 2021