"When Cranbrook boys meet Chapleau boys and everyone from everywhere in between and beyond"

 Brenda with her dad 'Babe' Therriault

Although The Chapleau Boys Go To War  which I co-authored with my cousin Michael McMullen, will be officially launched during weekend events from July 3 to 5 in Chapleau, a presentation of a copy was made to the Cranbrook Public Library, which included veterans of Canada's armed forces in attendance.

First, Cranbrook. I was so deeply honoured to have my good friends, Ron McFarland, who served in the Royal Canadian Navy in World War 2 and Bill Nightingale, who served in the Royal Canadian Air Force for 33 years accompany me to the Cranbrook Public Library. They joined me in making a book presentation to chief librarian Ursula Brigl.

Ron and Bill represented veterans everywhere for the occasion. I think of it as "When Cranbrook boys meet Chapleau boys and everyone from everywhere in between and beyond".

Terry, Ron. MJM. Ursula, Bill (Joel Vinge photo)

Terry Burgess, treasurer of the Friends of the Cranbrook Public Library made the arrangements, and Joel Vinge took photos. 

While in Chapleau, we plan to present a copy of the book to Donald White, Chapleau's oldest surviving veteran of World War 2, and a member of Chapleau Cree First Nation. Thanks to his daughter Norma for assisting with arrangements to meet with her father.

In an email. Michael McMullen, wrote ""As many of you know, Michael Morris and I have been working on a book about Chapleau’s contributions and sacrifices during WW1 and WW2 with an emphasis on those who died in these two wars. The Chapleau Boys Go To War has just been published and we plan to be in  Chapleau on the weekend of July 3-5, 2015 to launch the book. 

My friends Dane Ries and Jessica Portsmouth, both lifeguards at the pool where I have been swimming almost daily for the past four years took time for photo-op with their copies.

Dane, MJM, Jessica

"Butch and Brigitte Pellow, who held a fantastic party in Toronto in 2014, are hoping to come to Chapleau for this weekend event. It will be a reunion back home this time if they can make it."

I would just add that at time of writing, our good friends from childhood Ian Macdonald and Ken Schroeder, have indicated they will also be home for the occasion. Others are yet to confirm.

Michael wrote: "Arrangements have been made to have the following events to meet us and for those who wish get signed copies of the book::

 Friday, July 3, 2-4 pm at Chapleau Public Library and from  5-7 pm Chapleau Legion Hall

On Saturday, July 4  from 5 pm we plan to be at Hongers Redwood Restaurant

My friend,Leighton Stultz. who lives in the United States was among the first to get a copy.

Leighton Stultz

Michael noted:"Not only has Jim Hong offered his restaurant for a signing event on Saturday, but he will provide a buffet (reasonable cost) for those who want to stay for dinner.

"For those of you who live in Chapleau, and those of you who can make it home, we hope you will be able to join us on Saturday evening at Hongers Redwood (I still call it the Boston).  Please give Jim a heads-up if you can make it for dinner."

I was chatting on the phone with Jim about the get together and yes, I too, still call it "the Boston",

The Chapleau Boys Go To War is on sale  on amazon.com, amazon.ca and Kindle, and after July 4 will be at Chapleau Village Shops where Lucy Bignucolo has agreed to make it available.

We have already received comments on the book, and I will share one from Brenda (Therriault) May who bought a copy for her father Arthur 'Babe' Therrialult.  Babe is a World War 2 veteran who served in the Royal Canaadian Navy.

Brenda wrote:  "I gave my father, Arthur Therriault, your new book (Chapleau Boys Go To War) for Father's Day. He has already read it once...& is going thru it again!! His Uncle Arthur is in it!! He absolutely LOVES it & at 91 yrs old, it is hard to get him anything he loves!! Thank you..."

And thank you for writing Brenda, and all the others who have too. We look forward to seeing all of you in Chapleau from July 3 to 5. I am planning to make time for a walk about the community for old time's sake.

  I will also be celebrating six years of Chapleau Moments, I look forward to chatting with you about potential future columns.  My email is mj.morris@live.ca