Nature Canada and its supporters were saddened to learn of the passing of our friend, supporter and mentor, Graeme Gibson, in London in September.  He will be deeply missed.  Graeme, who was born in London in 1934,  was a celebrated author, birder, environmentalist and social justice advocate. He was awarded the Order of Canada for his outstanding contributions to our country.

He published both fiction and nonfiction over his writing career, and his novels Five Legs (1969), Communion (1971), Perpetual Motion (1982) and Gentleman Death (1993) were widely acclaimed. He co-founded of the Writer’s Union of Canada and the Writer’s Trust of Canada and the English branch of PEN Canada.  In the early 2000s he published his two last books, The Bedside Book of Birds and The Bedside Book of Beasts.  Graeme was Margaret Atwood’s partner since 1973, and they worked together in support of many causes, including bird conservation.

Graeme was a founder and President of the Pelee Island Bird Observatory, and served with Margaret as co-Presidents of BirdLife International’s Rare Bird Club. Over the years they have led various campaigns, and most recently they have been the inspiration and driving force behind our campaign to Save Bird Lives.  Graeme is survived by his partner, Margaret, their daughter Jess, and his two sons Graeme and Matthew.

Nature Canada is blessed to have had the support of this kind, thoughtful, generous, and witty man. We are grateful for his contribution to our organization, and to our country.