Career
During this period he authored over 5,000 pieces including novels, short stories, and information columns that were published in many English-speaking countries. His 1957 novel, Kirby"s Gander, retitled Wings of Chance, was the first full-length feature film ever shot in Canada by a Hollywood production company and was pivotal in the launching of Canada"s professional film industry. Born in Ireland, his family moved to Rochfort Bridge, Alberta, when he was six years old.
They later adopted a child who had fled the war in El Salvador.
As a founding director of Alberta Culture"s Film and Literary Arts Branch, which he headed from 1971 to 1984, he was able to help many writers become established through workshops and contests. Including the author of the book which launched the hit movie and subsequent television series "Stargate," Pauline Gedge.
Upon his death, the city of Edmonton named a park in his honour.