Birk Sproxton, 1943-2007

A sad note, forwarded by Rob Budde:

Thursday, 15 March 2007

Dear Friends,

I'm sorry to have to inform you of the untimely passing of our dear friend and colleague, Birk Sproxton. Birk died suddenly of a heart attack last night. He was a lovely man, an engaging writer and a delight to work with as an editor. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his family, friends, students and to all who have had the good fortune to know him over the years.

I last wrote to Birk on Tuesday to let him know that The Winnipeg Connection, which he edited for Prairie Fire Press, has been short listed in both categories of the Manitoba Writing and Publishing Awards in which it is eligible: for the Carol Shields Winnipeg Book Award and for the Manuela Dias Book Design of the Year Award. I had been waiting for Birk's reaction before circulating this news more widely. Congratulations to everyone involved with the book, especially to Birk Sproxton who so wonderfully imagined it into being!

Sincerely,
Andris Taskans,
Editor, Prairie Fire

related notes: my review of Sproxton's headframe: 2