the end

He proved everyone who doubted him wrong, overcoming a brutal attack in his 20s. His positivity earned him the nickname ‘Mr. Awesome’.

Maclean’s is closing the door on The End, our beloved back-page obit. Before it goes, we asked writer Michael Friscolanti to read through 12 years worth and reflect on the lessons within.

They were once temples of commerce and hubs of cultural activity. But rising competition, then the internet, rendered them irrelevant.

Author Kenneth Whyte looks back at a life lived and a life lost

He was an RCMP member known for his work ethic and heroism. Stern in appearance, he was a ‘teddy bear’ at heart

She was a risk-taker always up for something new. After a tour in Afghanistan as a medic, she was set to start nursing school.

A commercial fisherman, he also co-founded a whale rescue team. He loved the ocean and felt he had to give back to it.

After residential school, he vowed to go back to his traditional ways. As an artist, his work became known across Europe.

He always looked out for his brothers and sisters. As a fire chief he watched over a much larger family—the town he loved.

He learned Cree playing bingo over the radio and spent countless hours by the waters of Lake Waswanipi. When he started a family, they were ‘always outside.’

From an early age, it was a trendsetter with a magnetic personality. It lived a life filled with adventure, fame and wealth, both at home and abroad.

He had a beautiful voice and would belt out songs at the top of his lungs. Empathetic and caring, he aimed to be a paramedic.