A memorial of a special kind was given for Al Grierson by the 70 folksingers who rode the train three glorious days across Canada to the International Folk Alliance Conference in Vancouver (Feb 14-18,2001). Al's family knew of our memorial.

Wearing commemorative bandanas inscribed "In memory of Al Grierson 1948-2000. "For the roses" Montreal-Toronto-Vancouver Folktrain February 2000" we piled off the train at Jasper, singing train songs at the top of our lungs and made our way to the station. Towns people had been alerted and the folk memorial gathered more and more voices. We sang old songs and a new song dedicated to Al's life written by one of our passengers. The station house rocked with joy. Just a few words were said, then we went outside to stand by the Jasper bear statue. In memory of Al Grierson, we tied a bandana 'round his neck.

The train ride was also a bonding of old and new friends.There was scenery, singing and sharing. Much was admired and passed on about Al Grierson during those three days. Another example of how love moves through music.

Nancy-Jean