Andrew Suknaski Moose Jaw Memorial & Memorial Fund

A memorial celebration of the life of Andrew Suknaski will take place in Moose Jaw in the theatre of the Library/Art Museum complex at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, June 3rd. Sid Marty will give the main remembrance of Suknaski. Marty and Suknaski became friends in their late teens. It is expected that other writer-friends of Andy's will also tell anecdotes and read some of Andy's poems. Sid has suggested that he will bring along some of Andy's artwork and early chapbooks, photos and similar memorabilia. Others are encouraged to do the same if they have something they would like to share with those in attendance.

If you are interested in attending and participating in any way, do let Bob Currie know at rgcurrie@shaw.ca . The theatre will hold 100 people and I expect there will be a considerable turn-out for the event on June 3rd.

In the meantime, friends of Andrew Suknaski and the SWG have created an Andrew Suknaski Memorial Fund to assist in paying for the costs of holding a Memorial Celebration for him. After expenses have been covered for the memorial, a consensus from donors will be sought for any remaining funds for ways in which to continue to honour him.

Please make donations to the Saskatchewan Writers'9 Guild. Payments may be made by cheque (mailed to Box 3986, Regina, SK, S4P 3R9) or dropped off or couriered to our office (1150 8th Avenue, Regina), or by PayPal
http://www.skwriter.com/payments-and-donations/guild-donations

For information on the Ottawa memorial, click here; for information on the Montreal memorial, click here.

a sad note from Robert Currie: Gary Hyland (Nov 25, 1940 - April 5, 2011)

Gary Hyland

"And then, having lived life full tilt and loved it enormously, I will be gone."

-- Gary Hyland, Love of Mirrors

Peace at last. Gary Hyland passed away Tuesday, April 5, 2011, surrounded by the love of his family and friends. Predeceased by his parents, Iris and Kenneth “Teck”, he will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Sharon Nichvalodoff; his sons, Mark (Jennie), Michael (Terri-­Lynn), Miles (Tanya); his brother, Jherryd Jhordynn; five grandchildren, Sara, Laura, Brayden, Brooklynn, Brett; his best friend, Bob Currie; many extended family members and numerous friends. Gary loved his family and always looked forward to spending time with his grandchildren. Gary was born Nov. 25, 1940 in Moose Jaw, growing up on South Hill where his adventures and creative imagination began. He loved Moose Jaw and chose to live and work here. Gary was a teacher, writer, cultural activist, consultant, and editor, volunteering his time to put his many ideas into action. He set high goals for himself and others. He was an author of eight books, a member of the Order of Canada, founder of the Sask. Festival of Words, instrumental in the creation of the Cultural Centre, as well as many other organizations, and the recipient of numerous awards and prizes. Gary's battle with ALS is now over, but our memories of him and his legacies will live on. He will be dearly missed, and we will always have a special place for him in our hearts. Thank you to all who touched Gary's life. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at the Church of Our Lady, 566 Vaughan Street, on Friday April 8, 2011 at 11:00 am.  Father Carlos Jimenez will be the Celebrant.  An Evening Prayer Service will be held at the Church on Thursday at 7:00 pm.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Sask. Festival of Words, 217 Main St.N., Moose Jaw, S6H 0W1, or The Gary Hyland Endowment Fund, c/o the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation, #2 – 2700 Montague St., Regina, S4S 0J9.  In living memory of Gary, a tree will be planted in Besant Park by W.J.Jones & Son Funeral Home.