A New Reader is an Old Friend

An unexpected bonus of being a published author is the chance to renew

acquaintances with people from one’s past.

During my book-signing event for “Sons of Tecumseh” at New Sudbury’s

Indigo store a white-haired gentleman did a double-take as he breezed by my

table at the store entrance. A few minutes later he re-appeared, hesitantly asking: “Maurice Switzer?”

It was a moment of mutual recognition. John Keast was the local lawyer who

represented Mary and me in our dealings with a contractor to have a new home

built in the city’s south-end when I was publisher of The Sudbury Star daily

newspaper.

We hadn’t seen one another for 34 years!

In the interim, John had capped a career specializing in criminal and family law

with his 2001 appointment as an Ontario Court of Justice judge..

Google Search says John was “well-known for his community involvement,

extensive judicial record, and handling of youth and addiction-related cases.”

That sounded like the thoughtful solicitor whose advice was so helpful in our

home-buying process.

“He became notable for his impassioned interventions in his courtroom,”

John’s online biography continued, “frequently urging individuals with

substance abuse issues to pursue recovery, rather than face fatal consequences.”

Now enjoying retirement and about to embark on a European holiday the

following week, John’s last-minute travel preparation included shopping for a

book to enjoy on his vacation.

He wanted to know what I had been up to in the three decades since we last

spoke, and was intrigued by my post-newspaper career as communications

director for the Assembly of First Nations and Union of Ontario Indians. As a

judge he had presided over cases in Indigenous communities on the James Bay

coast, he said, and we shared some Indian Country experiences.

After hearing the elevator pitch version of my “Sons of Tecumseh” storyline –

the ongoing struggle by First Nations to present a united front against the

encroachments of colonialism – he purchased a copy for his vacation reading.

It felt more like a reunion than a transaction, and I hope John accepts my

invitation to submit a review to www.sonsoftecumseh.com

His opinion still means a lot to me.