Otto Tucker articulated the overall thrust of these pages. The acclaimed humour author Ed Smith flagged for me the tricks and pitfalls of being a published writer. I thank them both posthumously.
I am especially indebted to Salvation Army historian Gordon Moyles and his wife, Ada; Seattle Times columnist Joel Connelly; my work colleague in Baghdad, Nick le Du; former federal minister and senator Hon. David Smith; and my brother Dave, for their editorial guidance.
With thanks, I acknowledge the generous help of Bill Goulding of the federal Department of Fisheries; US immigration attorney Greg Boos; Andrea Hyde, Legislative Library, House of Assembly, St. John’s; Loretta Barber, Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa; Catherine Parker, my former Ottawa PR press aide; and Joan (White) Upshall, my House of Assembly staffer; and her husband, Roy.
My sons, Paul and Mark, lent a hand wherever needed. Thanks, guys! As well, I offer my sincere thanks to the many other family members, friends, and strangers who have assisted me, as follows:
Alberta: Colin Alie, Rick Hoddinott, Sean Kealey, Doug Mitchell, Rose Poole, Cavell Simmonds, Bonnie Simmons, Jim Simmons, Robbie Simmons.
British Columbia: Sheila Cooper, Roy Emperingham, Jim Hart, Dr. Jim Rae, Don Simms, Darrel Stinson.
Manitoba: Hon. Dr. Lloyd Axworthy.
Newfoundland and Labrador: Thomasine Barry, Pat Brake, Maurice Budgell, Christina Caines, Wilson Calloway, Fran Chaytor, Glorina Drodge, Paul Drodge, Eleanor Grandy, Norm Harris, Rosemary Healey, Vera House, Don Huxter, Dean Ingram, Roger Jamieson, John and Fanny Kealey, Gwen Lomond, Bill O’Driscoll, Major Lindsay Oxford, Harold Piercey, Beatrice Pynn, Peggy Pardy, Violet Roberts, Cecil Roebothan, Fred Rowe, Wade Rowsell, George Saunders, Roy and Jeanette Saunders, Ivan and Carol Seaward, Lloyd Seaward, Bernice Simmons, Dale and Marilyn Simmons, Valda Simmons, Scott Simmons, Gertie Short, Marion Smith, Lorne Thompson, Beaton Tulk, Joan and Roy Upshall, June Warr, Norm Whalen, Freeman White, Joe Ashley, Ken Ashley, Kim Ploughman.
Nova Scotia: Ed Tremblett.
Ontario: Stuart Barnable, Ethel Crews, Ron Marsland, Ken McKay, Herb Metcalf, Lieutenant Colonel John Murray, Lieutenant Colonel Shirley Rowsell.
Saskatchewan: Greg Ashley.
Alaska: Gail Phillips.
Georgia: Dr. Vonzia Phillips.
Idaho: Max Black, Dan and Cindi Mader.
Washington: Greg Boos, John Kucher, Ralph Munro.
Wisconsin: Eloise Anderson.
Haiti: Karen Huxter.
India: Bharti Tiwari.
Palestine: Jamal Abu Khadijeh.
As my attention turned to finding a publisher, I knew it had to be a Newfoundland company, being a strong believer in supporting the local economy. And it had to have a solid track record and an effective marketing strategy.
On all counts, Flanker Press was the easy choice. I am delighted that the firm’s principals saw merit in my manuscript, and agreed to work with me. I extend a sincere thank you to the Cranfords, Garry, Margo, and Jerry. Their professionalism, thoroughness, and cordiality have made this an enjoyable interlude. Much appreciated!
Also, for their roles in the editing and the production of this book, I would like to thank Peter Hanes, Donna Morrissey, and Graham Blair.