BS: Pierre Berton has left the building.

Subject: BS: Pierre Berton has left the building.
From: Peace
Date: 30 Nov 04 - 10:07 PM

The passing of this man makes me feel that a bit of me has died, too. I read his books and grew to appreciate the beauty of my native land due in part to the love he expressed for this country. I write this with tears in my eyes and pride in my heart. Thank you, Pierre. Rest easy.

Tuesday, November 30, 2004

Pierre Berton on his 80th birthday, July 2000 in Toronto. (CP)
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TORONTO - Author and broadcaster Pierre Berton, who spent more than five decades chronicling the history of Canada, died Tuesday at the age of 84.

Subject: RE: BS: Pierre Berton has left the building.
From: Peace
Date: 30 Nov 04 - 10:09 PM

Sorry about the Advertisement bit in the middle.

Subject: RE: BS: Pierre Berton has left the building.
From: Rapparee
Date: 30 Nov 04 - 10:10 PM

Oh, no! Another great one gone.

I have long read and enjoyed his work -- I own several of his books. This will cause weeping and gnashing of teeth north of 60, too.

Damn.

Subject: RE: BS: Pierre Berton has left the building.
From: Mooh
Date: 30 Nov 04 - 11:38 PM

I haven't read PB in years, but the family still has most of what he has written, my Dad having been a big fan. I will apply myself to the task now of reading or re-reading PB. Canada has lost a great man.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: BS: Pierre Berton has left the building.
From: Cluin
Date: 01 Dec 04 - 08:16 AM

A great loss to Canada (and the world) Or rather, he was a great treasure and we were fortunate for having him as long as we did. Wasn't he on the list for CBC's Greatest Canadians before it got narrowed down to 10? He certainly deserved it.

I was planning to reread "Vimy" again this month. I usually revisit that great book every couple of years.

Subject: RE: BS: Pierre Berton has left the building.
From: Peter T.
Date: 01 Dec 04 - 08:43 AM

A true giant. We are witnessing the passing of that entire generation, it is a different Canada, but there were giants in a country often noted for its pygmies.

yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: BS: Pierre Berton has left the building.
From: black walnut
Date: 01 Dec 04 - 09:05 AM

I didn't think he'd ever go...at least not before he hit 100!

Like a lot of Canadians, I grew up watching 'Front Page Challenge' on TV with my folks. He was smart, and he had opinions. You didn't have to agree with Burton, in fact he was pretty good at ruffling feathers. But you couldn't ignore him, that's for sure. He was totally recognizable and influential, through his books and television and public appearances. He helped us to see how unique Canada is - how different it is from our southern neighbour. And that laugh of his, it was a rich full laugh that comes from a soul of joy and inner strength. His big deep footprints will remain visible for a long time - he was so passionate about Canada and made us all feel very thankful for our country.

~b.w.

Subject: RE: BS: Pierre Berton has left the building.
From: Metchosin
Date: 01 Dec 04 - 12:01 PM

So sad, to hear of his passing, I thought he'd be around for a lot longer too, he looked in such fine fettle on the "instruction" video. We've lost another icon and I'm not sure there are any more of his calibre coming up through the ranks to take his place. In retrospect, its a shame he didn't make the top 10 on the Greatest Canadians Contest, considering one or two who did. Lets hope some day, more Canadians will be able to distinguish between just celebrity and real citizens of substance.

Subject: RE: BS: Pierre Berton has left the building.
From: sian, west wales
Date: 01 Dec 04 - 12:58 PM

Forever Canada, him.

My mother just bought his most recent book for my sister for Christmas this weekend. Sis worshipped the guy, or at least his writing.

Very sad.

siân

Subject: RE: BS: Pierre Berton has left the building.
From: GUEST,Obie
Date: 01 Dec 04 - 01:10 PM

Berton didn't make the top ten but Don Cherry did. It makes you wonder??? Cherry even finished ahead of Alexander Graham Bell.
Bell had brains but no big mouth, Cherry has a big mouth but no brains. Berton could be vocal but only after his brain was first engaged. We will miss him!
          Obie