James Reaney

[Louise . Forsyth]

Thank you for sending this sad news, David.

I still have such strong and powerful memories of being friends with Jamie
and Colleen when we were living in London. My husband George and I had the
pleasure of sharing in the excitement of the Alpha Centre, watching as
wonderful plays developed -- we were also associated with the London Co-op
natural foods store, where Colleen often cashiered.

You are absolutely right. The death of James Reaney ought to be national
news. He was one of the best playwrights and poets and a man of great vision
and courage.

Louise Forsyth

-----Original Message-----
From: Canadian Theatre Reserach [mailto:CANDRAMA at LISTSERV.UNB.CA] On Behalf
Of David Eden
Sent: June 13, 2008 13:49
To: CANDRAMA at LISTSERV.UNB.CA
Subject: James Reaney

I am sorry to have to report to everyone that playwright and theatrical 
pioneer James Reaney died on June 11th.  I have only just found out 
today and wanted the listserv to know as soon as possible.  As far as I 
am concerned, I feel this should be national news but, alas, it may not 
be reported in all areas of the country.

Here is the obituary from the London Free Press:

*REANEY*
REANEY James Crerar Reaney, peacefully at Marian Villa, Mount Hope 
Centre, London, on Wednesday, June 11, 2008, in his 82nd year. Survived 
by his wife Colleen Thibaudeau; his son James Stewart Reaney and his 
wife Susan Wallace of London and their daughter Elizabeth Wallace Reaney 
in Seoul, Korea; his daughter Susan Reaney and her husband Ian Chunn and 
their daughter Edie Elizabeth Reaney Chunn of Vancouver; his sister 
Wilma McCaig and brother Ron Cooke. Predeceased by his son John Andrew 
Reaney (1966) and his parents James N. Reaney and Elizabeth Crerar. Our 
thanks to the kind and caring staff and fellow residents of Marian 
Villa, to the many friends who visited Jamie, and to all who have been 
involved in his care. A Celebration of Jamie's life will be held at 
Robinson Memorial United Church, 1061 Richmond Street at Sherwood 
Avenue, London, on Saturday, June 14 at 2:00 p.m. A day of remembrance 
will take place this summer. Cremation will be followed by a private 
interment at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, please 
consider an act of kindness to someone in need or make a contribution to 
a charity of your choice. (www.HarrisFuneralHome.ca)   _VIEW Ad as seen 
in The London Free Press_ 
<http://ads.lfpress.com//classifieds/images/announcements/6c094co2.pdf> 
  Published: Jun 13, 2008


There are also notices on the web:

http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2008/06/12/james-reaney.html?ref=rss

http://stratford.siteseer.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1070970&auth=Beacon+Heral
d+staff+and+Sun+Media

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080612.wobitreaney0612/
BNStory/Entertainment/home



Yours,


David Eden
University of Toronto