Rafe Mair Left Us a Final Book
by Delores Broten - Watershed Sentinel
October 9, 2017
Legendary broadcaster, former lawyer and politician Rafe Mair had just finished work on his last book when he passed away on October 9, 2017
Mair had been working with WS Books on his final book, Politically Incorrect: How Canada Lost Its Way and the Simple Path Home.
Rafe had been actively engaged with the co-editing process, and was always keen and quick to correspond, even throughout challenges with his health. His lively sense of humour made him a joy to work with.
Sadly, he passed away while the book was still at the printers.
"We are devastated to hear of Rafe's passing. I so much wanted him to hold this new book in his hands, because he was passionate about it, as he was passionate about so much. And I am grieving the loss of my new friend, just as we were getting to know each other," said editor Delores Broten.
"As soon as the book was printed, it was supposed to be express shipped to him."
Politically Incorrect is part memoir, part history, part constitutional analysis and part pure Rafe - on federation, BC's role, the Meech Lake and Charlottetown accords, how Canada's "responsible government" undermines democracy, and what to do about it - the "Mair Solution."
"Rafe thinks this book is about British Columbia. Well, yes, it is. But it's also a book about Canada by a great citizen whose particular service to the body politic is to toss it and gore it. And that's exactly what it needs." said journalist Silver Donald Cameron in an advance review.
In his foreword to the book, Mark Hume states,
"Mair argues that by failing to come to grips with the underlying structural issues that still exist in Canada, the future of the nation is at stake... He is an older lion now than when he was a broadcasting giant, but the roar hasn't left him."
For Immediate Release
Watershed Sentinel Books is the book publishing arm of the non-profit Watershed Sentinel Educational Society. www.watershedsentinel.ca
Page for Politically Incorrect: www.watershedsentinel.ca/incorrect
Delores Broten
Editor, Watershed Sentinel
PO Box 1270, Comox BC V9M 7Z8
www.watershedsentinel.ca
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It is with a heavy heart and many fond memories that we mourn the loss of Common Sense Canadian co-founder and lead columnist Rafe Mair, a champion of the people and environment he loved so dearly.
Rafe was a fierce, uncompromising spirit with a deep sense of justice and unlimited reservoir of courage for speaking truth to power. He leaves behind a prolific legacy of accomplishments in government, journalism, and environmental advocacy.
He loved his wife Wendy, his family, chocolate labs, fly fishing, jazz, and Winston Churchill, whose words were his mantra:
"Never give in--never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy."
He was a British Columbian through and through. He loved this place - its mountains, rivers, wild salmon, and independent spirit - and gave every ounce of his soul to defending it. He will be deeply missed by this publication and its co-founder and publisher, Damien Gillis, as he will by so many people whom he informed, entertained and inspired over a long, rich life.
Thank you, Rafe, and may you rest in peace.
Damien Gills
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