Yours truly (YT) has been writing for the outdoor community since 1985 in magazines such as Ontario Out of Doors, Angler & Hunter, Outdoor Canada, Cottage Life, The Country Connection, and The Landowner.
I have also written a weekly Out of Doors column in The Bancroft Times since the early ‘80s and the weekly Times Traveller column since 1992 as a prelude to the paper’s 100th anniversary. Due to popular demand it has continued to this day.
In 1993 YT published The Algonquin Centennial Series celebrating Algonquin Park’s 100th birthday. The book focuses on the people and events that contributed to the birth of AP featuring interviews with folk whose roots date to the pre-park era in addition to historical and archival research. The book is still available for purchase.
Ron and Sheila Kaighin started Outdoor Canada in 1972. I wrote for OC; Teddi Brown was my editor. She was excellent often taking me in tow and helping hone my writing skills from that of a “Dickie Bird writer” (her words), to a more accomplished neophyte. I recall yearly all-day seminars to teach us improved skills, topped off with a sumptuous dinner at the Prince Hotel in Toronto.
Jack Davis was my editor at the OFAH’s Angler & Hunter magazine. He and I both hailed from Long Branch in west Toronto. Jack was a no nonsense editor who red-inked almost everything before returning the article for polishing. Tom Doyle once told me that he received a reply from Jack and one sentence somehow escaped the red marker.
“I’m worried, Jack” Tom told Jack.
“How’s that?” asked Jack.
“You missed a sentence, Jack!”
Jack retired and Dave Golden took over; a very pleasant man. Sadly he drowned in the rapids near the Peterboro Zoo dam when he presumably slipped while fly fishing the fast waters below the dam I believe. Gary Ball, a well known outdoor writer from North Bay moved to Peterboro and took over Dave’s vacated post. Gary was well liked and respected – self included. Shortly after the federation terminated A&H magazine.
Eventually the OFAH bought Ontario Out of Doors and all members receive a copy. Burton Myers and John Kerr were my editors. Presently Lezlie Goodwin is the editor. However, Lezlie has retired and Ray Blades is the new editor/associate publisher. I remain a Senior Reporter. Literally!