Canadian author Brian Doyle, who "developed his own knack for spinning a tale, a talent that served him well during a long career as a writer and teacher," died January 1, the Ottawa Citizen reported. He was 90. Doyle was best known "for vivid, award-winning young-adult novels about growing up in Lowertown and adventuring along the Gatineau River."
After university, marriage, and two children, Doyle wrote his first children's book, Hey Dad! (1978), hoping to encourage his daughter to read. A second book, You Can Pick Me Up at Peggy's Cove (1979), was written for his son. His first YA novel was Up to Low (1982), which was later adapted for the stage by Janet Irwin.
Doyle's other books include Angel Square (1984), Easy Avenue (1988), Covered Bridge (1990), Uncle Ronald (1996), Mary Ann Alice (2001), Pure Spring (2007), and Picking Berries (2019).
Charles Gordon, the former Citizen columnist for whom Doyle was both a friend and mentor, described him as not only a great writer, but also a "legend" of a teacher. As head of the English department at Glebe Collegiate Institute, Doyle established a writing program "where there had been none, and inspired many to become writers."
His books for younger people were "wise, screamingly funny at times, poignant at others," Gordon added. "He was always on the kids' side, and his books never lectured at them. I'm sure he created thousands of readers."
In a 2008 Citizen article, Doyle was asked what he would like to see on his epitaph. "I'm going to make a plaque," he replied. "There's a big rock up at our cabin where we always go... and I've always wanted to put there, 'Brian Doyle lied here. Now here he lies.' "