The death of beloved Canadian writer Farley Mowat drew an outpouring of sympathy and fond memories of the literary icon.
From fellow writers to the prime minister, it seems Mowat’s writing touched Canadians across the country.
Here is what some of them had to say about the author’s death:
Prime Minister Stephen Harper
“Mr. Mowat was a celebrated author, environmentalist, activist and Second World War Veteran, having served throughout Europe. One of Canada’s most widely read authors, he was a natural storyteller with a real gift for sharing personal anecdotes in a witty and endearing way. His literary works almost always reflected his deep love of nature and of animals.
“Mr. Mowat will be remembered as a passionate Canadian. His legacy will live on in the treasure of Canadian literature he leaves behind, which will remain a joy to both new and old fans around the world.”
Margaret Atwood and partner Graeme Gibson
“We are deeply sorry to hear this sad news - Farley was a great and iconic Canadian who understood our environmental problems decades before others did. He loved this country with a passion and threw himself into the fray -in wartime as well - also with a passion. He was so good-natured and down to earth. We will miss him very much.”
Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau
"He came up to Harrington Lake a few times .... ah, got along great with my father. He gave us a Labrador retriever who we called Farley who had a penchant for running after porcupines as I remember.
"Mr. Mowat obviously was a passionate Canadian who shaped a lot of my generation growing up with his books and he will be sorely missed."
NDP Leader Tom Mulcair
We have lost a great Canadian today. Farley Mowat’s work as an author and environmentalist has had a great impact on Canada and the world
— Thomas Mulcair (@ThomasMulcair) May 7, 2014
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May:
"He was possessed of a ferocious talent, able to write stories that provoked laughter, tears and action. We owe him more than I can say."
Author Andrew Pyper
Owls in the Family. One of the first books I aspired to copy. Farley Mowat, R.I.P.
— Andrew Pyper (@andrewpyper) May 7, 2014
Writer Stephen Marche
I cannot believe Farley Mowat is dead. I read with him a couple of years ago. He was in his 90s and he helped me move a couch.
— Stephen Marche (@StephenMarche) May 7, 2014
With files from The Canadian Press