Farley Mowat – One Of Canada’s Greatest Advocates For Respecting What’s Left Of Our Natural Horizons Leaves Us

By Doug Draper

I can hardly hold back tears as I post this.

Canadian author and nature advocate Farley Mowat

Farley Mowat, who was about to see his 93^rd birthday and who was one of Canada’s most engaging voices for protecting and preserving the precious natural resources on this plane, left the woods and fields, and lake and seashores he loved so much this May 7^th, 2014.

And this man, for anyone who still gives a shit about nature and the wonderful species we humans have the privilege to share life with on this planet, was a natural treasure.

Through such books as ‘A Whale for the Killing’ and ‘Never Cry Wolf’, which were embraced as much by my fellow environmental reporters and activists in the United States as they were here in Canada, Farley Mowat left a profound mark. It was a mark that left us feeling as ashamed at what we as humans are collectively doing to other creatures on this earth as it did with how humbled we should feel to share an instant of time with all this other wonderful life here.

Farley Mowat also cared about community. About 15 or so years ago, when a corporate baron named Conrad Black took ownership of the newspaper I worked for in Niagara, Ontario and the one in his Ontario town of Port Hope, he joined others in his community to crank out an alternative newspaper in his town. It was a statement that said local people ought to have an independent and locally owned source of news.

He was a great citizen of this country who should be missed. Who will ever replace him? 

(NOW IT IS YOUR TURN. Niagara At Large encourages you to share your views on this post. A reminder that we only post comments by individuals who share their first and last name with them.)