R.D. Lawrence - by Audrey Tournay

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He heard his wolves calling him, and he answered their call . . .

On Thursday November 27, the renowned Canadian author, R. D. Lawrence, after a long illness, died . . . and we’ll miss him. Over his lifetime, Ron wrote many books about the wild creatures he had known and cared for, and about the creatures living free in our wilderness. He shared with us, not only his wide knowledge and understanding, but his real love for each creature. In him, they had a friend, and a spokesman whose opinions were respected across the world . . .

The first contact which Aspen Valley had with Ron was many, many years ago. I held the first bear cub who had ever come to the Sanctuary, in my hands – the cub weighed less than a pound. I had no idea about raising cubs. So, of course, I thought of Ron – but he was a famous writer, and I had to get up a considerable amount of courage to phone him. When I did, I found him gracious and caring, and with good advice about raising one very small bear. Since then, he and his wife Sharon have become good Sanctuary friends. When I was running the Sanctuary alone I was given a young, pet cougar. Again, I phoned Ron – and didn’t even get the request “Can you take her?” out of my mouth before he said “Yes!” He built her a large enclosure and, short of a life in the wild which was impossible for her, Teka had the best life she could have had. She and Ron were real friends. And then, an Arctic wolf that I could not take, found a good home at the Lawrence’s.

Ron’s love was wolves; he knew them in the wild, he gave homes to many who could not go free . . . he wrote about them. And when they called, he answered . . .

Sharon Lawrence continues their interest in wildlife. She had kindly suggested that donations in memory of Ron could be made to the work with the wolves which is carried on here at Aspen Valley. This we do appreciate; any donation will be acknowledged to her, and, of course, a tax receipt will be sent.

Some of Ron’s books are being reissued – but these are some in which you might be interested: starting, of course, with
Paddy, the Beaver
In Praise of Wolves
Trail of the Wolf
The White Puma
The Natural History of Canada

Meanwhile, he is very enthusiastic, not only about apples, but about life.

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