Bill Barlee passed away last Thursday, June 14 at the age of 80.
Bill was the guy who brought "Canada West Magazine" to life in the late 60s, and many books, including Gold Creeks and Ghost Towns. Along the way, he was elected to government and was for a time Minister of Tourism. His television show, "Gold Trails and Ghost Towns", was a nation-wide hit over many years.
And it was HIS recounting of the Slumach story in "Canada West Magazine" that sparked OUR interest in doing a more thorough rendering of the legend, which resulted in our 1972 version of Slumach's Gold. Our 2007 offering was dedicated to him, and to that interest he sparked in the tale being told well!
Here's a Wiki on him. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Barlee
And an obituary from the Times Colonist. Click here.
1 comment:
RIP Mr Barlee. When i was what must of been 17 years old (42 now) i stumbled across one his books about gold mines and ghost towns. I have been hooked ever since. I also caught his tv show a few times and it was just captivating, he was an amazing historian. This man influenced me to a degree that not many have done in my life. Its a shame hes gone now, I would of loved to say thank you in person. Cheers to you.
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