Отрывок из книги
For years, numerous people have prodded and encouraged me to write my autobiography, but I always found it awkward thinking about such a project. Perhaps it was modesty, combined with my suspicion of my own writing and a reluctance to take on such a large project at this time in my life. I know my former law partner, Jack Millar, had planned to write my biography, but his untimely death in 1992 prevented it. Thus it was unlikely this project would ever get done. Yet among those encouraging me was Alastair Summerlee, president of the University of Guelph, of which I am chancellor. What differentiated Alastair from the others is that he would not take no for an answer; finally, in the summer of 2005, he convinced me to move forward with this book. Consequently, I have him and the University of Guelph heading the list of those I must acknowledge and thank for their boundless support in this undertaking.
I must say that, even as we moved through what seemed like an endless series of interviews and voluminous research, I was moderately enthused at best. Perhaps that was from being immersed in so much detail that it was difficult to see beyond. Then, however, as I began to go through the first drafts of the manuscript with Herb Shoveller, who guided me through the writing and research, the proverbial light, as it were, flashed on with a vengeance. I thought, You know, that’s not a bad story. On top of that, I was able to advocate on issues I have addressed all my life, such as racism. Thus I was energized by the experience of reading my story in print, and what was once complacency regarding the book was transformed dramatically into impatience. Now I had to wait several long months for the book to come out. Nevertheless, while I could have done without the wait, I am thrilled at how revitalizing this experience has been, and I have many others to thank for that.
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My brother Hughie boxing with Ray Downs, the son of Sadie and Rupert Downs, who helped with our care after my mother moved to New York. I had followed her to New York by the time this picture was taken.
up to Toronto and took me back on the train. I remember as we were preparing to depart she bought me a Coke and a National Geographic magazine. That was my first Coke, and the National Geographic was my first magazine, and I find it interesting that she chose it. There had to have been lots of other choices for a fifteen-year-old, but she opted for National Geographic, which I think reflected her determination to make me adhere to my studies and learn.
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