Shigawake: Launch, July 15, 2011

No Launch could be as exciting as Shigawake’s, the site 

of the eight books of the Saga. The large turnout 

in this small place (smaller than any “village”) 

was warm and encouraging.

Deacon Pat Hayes introduced me... 

...and then I spoke to the gathering.

A surprise guest Hazel McCallion, one of the longest 

serving elected leaders in history. Born in Port Daniel 

90 years ago, she was easily re-elected in October 2010 for her 

12th consecutive term. Hazel was back home to stay 

with Joy Casson, soon to become a LEM (as I am.)

Ken Duguay, the second longest running mayor 

on the whole Gaspe Coast then thanked me for what 
he claimed I did for Shigawake and for St Paul’s Church.

Hazel and Ken are old friends, two long serving mayors.

Ken’s daughter Crystal teaches science

at our local High School, seen here chatting with 
Lois Hayes, the definitive genealogist of Shigawake.

Enid Legros-Wise, RCA, one of the finest artists in 
porcelain in Canada, with Mary Ann Almond Simpson, 

a direct descendant of the Survivor and the

granddaughter of Col. the Ven. John M. Almond, C.M.G., 

who appears in the next four books of the Saga.

John Afleck, a former Professor and coach of basketball and golf 

in a fine US university for over forty years, is also a descendent 

of the Survivor, seen here with Mary Ann and Paul.

Pretty Alice Hayes is from ”away” but runs CHALEURS CHALETS 

with her husband, Rod, who appeared (and worked on) Isabel, 

and had a leading role in The Dance Goes On. Jackie Brown 

is also from “away” but used to cut my hair. Chaleurs Chalets is situated 

on the Port Daniel Estuary, where The Deserter jumped ship, 

and has the finest views of any accommodation on the whole Coast.

Also attending were three pretty buyers of The Survivor: 

Pat Afleck, Mary Ann Macpherson Almond 

and the artist, Ethel Bradbury.