Today, it was announced publicly that Barry Blanchard has been awarded the “Order of Canada”, which is described as being, "the highest degree of merit," awarded to an individual who has made, "an outstanding level of talent and service, or an exceptional contribution to Canada and humanity.
That night at the Ice Fest left an indelible mark on top of the already deep and indelible lines engraved by everything we ever lived together (and apart). I am thrilled that Andy captured it so that maybe we can all relive it in the future.
Thanks Mark, as someone always looking in and never experiencing the trails you tread, your ability to thread me into these stories is a skill I respect. Love your work
Thank you. Reading that the words evoke and draw in and along reassures me that the craft, when practiced and maybe even bled for, is worth pursuit and persistence.
Barry has been a force in my coming of age in the mountain community in the Bow Valley. Growing up without a father has led me to seek out male role models for myself through which I’m glad to have come across Barry’s writing. Through his writing I was able further understand complex male relationships, love and brotherhood. These aspects of my life I struggled with from an early age. Through Barry’s writing I learnt how to try hard and work towards goals. I learnt to recognize my progress and to identify direction for my energy. I’m grateful for his involvement in the Mountain Muskox community which facilitated my acceptance of therapy and help from community. I’ll be forever thankful for Barry (and you Mark) for guiding me through my later formative years. I think I’m a better man because of him.
The number of people he has mentored, knowingly and not, is great although not surprising. It is a large and open heart beating in that barrel chest of his.
Bubba and I were housemates in Canmore while we were setting up the Yam Mt School.
I saw a video of your speech and it brought me to tears. Good to read it again.
And, "Way to go Bubba!"
That night at the Ice Fest left an indelible mark on top of the already deep and indelible lines engraved by everything we ever lived together (and apart). I am thrilled that Andy captured it so that maybe we can all relive it in the future.
What a beautiful encomium. And what an amazing human he must be to have earned it.
He is one in millions, a dear friend and brother.
Thanks Mark, as someone always looking in and never experiencing the trails you tread, your ability to thread me into these stories is a skill I respect. Love your work
Thank you. Reading that the words evoke and draw in and along reassures me that the craft, when practiced and maybe even bled for, is worth pursuit and persistence.
Barry has been a force in my coming of age in the mountain community in the Bow Valley. Growing up without a father has led me to seek out male role models for myself through which I’m glad to have come across Barry’s writing. Through his writing I was able further understand complex male relationships, love and brotherhood. These aspects of my life I struggled with from an early age. Through Barry’s writing I learnt how to try hard and work towards goals. I learnt to recognize my progress and to identify direction for my energy. I’m grateful for his involvement in the Mountain Muskox community which facilitated my acceptance of therapy and help from community. I’ll be forever thankful for Barry (and you Mark) for guiding me through my later formative years. I think I’m a better man because of him.
The number of people he has mentored, knowingly and not, is great although not surprising. It is a large and open heart beating in that barrel chest of his.