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W.P. Kinsella
1935 - 2016
W.P. Kinsella
1935 - 2016
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1935
DIED
2016
W.P. Kinsella Obituary
Carolyn Swayze, his literary agent, released a statement that Kinsella’s death was doctor-assisted, but provided no further details about his health, according to The Associated Press.
His novel “Shoeless Joe,” about a man who hears a voice asking him to build a baseball diamond in a cornfield, was adapted into the hit film “Field of Dreams,” starring Kevin Costner.
The phrase “if you build it, they will come” from the novel entered popular culture after the success of the film.
The book was born from Kinsella’s lifelong love of baseball. He was fascinated with the figure of Shoeless Joe Jackson, whose career was cut short by the Black Sox scandal of 1919. Kinsella also worked his literary hero, “The Catcher in the Rye” author J.D. Salinger, into the book as well. That part was altered to be a fictional author in the film, played by James Earl Jones.
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Born William Patrick Kinsella in Edmonton, Alberta, May 25, 1935, he began writing at a young age, winning a YMCA contest at 14. He earned a Master of Fine Arts in English from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop at the University of Iowa. The idea for “Shoeless Joe” came to him while living in Iowa City. Parts of “Field of Dreams” were filmed at a farm in northeast Iowa.
He wrote seven novels and several collections of short stories. In 1993, he was made an officer of the Order of Canada and was named to the Order of British Columbia in 2005.
Kinsella is survived by two daughters.
29 Entries
Irene Moretti
September 24, 2016
Kinsella family, sorry to hear about the death of your family member. He will be missed!!!!!!!
McGhee
September 21, 2016
As you celebrate a life well-lived, may your hearts be filled with joy and laughter, as you recall all the "happy" times you shared together. (Psalms 90:10)
September 20, 2016
Hello Kinsella family sorry to hear about the death in your family. Read act 24:15 in your Bible for comfort.
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T S
September 20, 2016
Offering my condolence on the loss of your loved one, may you find comfort in his memory.
Dora Dailey
September 20, 2016
I loved ALL his Books about the Ermineskin Reserve.
Moccasin Telegraph
Dance Me Outside
Fencepost Chronicles
Etc.
Silas & Frank are hilarious.
September 20, 2016
I am so sorry to hear about your loss.
September 20, 2016
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
September 20, 2016
My deepest sympathy to your family during this sad time. May you you all have peace in knowing that the God of comfort will be there to sustain you through this very sad time.
F Montag
September 19, 2016
My all-time favorite movie. A beautiful, original story and movie. He's playing ball with all the fellows now, and his dad. He has returned to the Sparkling Stream.
September 19, 2016
My sincere condolences to relatives, friends and literary admirers. Celebrate a life well-lived and the talent he shared with us. Though we are never prepared for the loss of a loved one, find comfort in Almighty God's promise to be near to all those calling on him (Psalm 145:18). -pth
VW
September 19, 2016
To the family and friends of Mr. Kinsella, please accept my heartfelt condolence on the loss of your loved one. One day soon all pain and suffering will be completely eliminated from among mankind according to God's promise. Please trust in God and his promises during this stressful time and rely on him for the strength needed to cope now and in the days ahead.
stuart hodesh
September 19, 2016
I was honored to meet W.P. at a talk he gave in Cincinnati. He signed a copy of Shoeless Joe for me. W.P. took time to talk to me. When I meet him again..........we will have a toss.
Stuart Hodesh
R. H.
September 19, 2016
I had the pleasure of working for Bill when he owned Caesar's, a small restaurant in Victoria. To this day I have not found a pizza as tasty as the one's Bill made. I enjoyed my time working for Bill and i appreciated that he kept in touch through his yearly letter. To Bill's family, I offer my deepest sympathies.
Rick
September 19, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with the KINSELLA FAMILY in their time of grief. Please take comfort in knowing that 'God' is with those broken at heart.
michelle plakas-kaiser
September 19, 2016
rip
AS
September 19, 2016
Celebrating a life well lived, you will cherish the memories forever. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Psalms 62:8 mentions, Trust in him at all times, O people. Pour out your hearts before him. God is a refuge for us. . I hope you are able to find some comfort now and in the days to come. -
September 19, 2016
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
JF
September 19, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
September 19, 2016
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your love one.
Carmen Talarico
September 18, 2016
Born and raised an Indians fan. Shoeless Joe was one of ours for a while. Spent endless days as only child bouncing balls off of the brick farmhouse in which I grew up next to cornfields dreaming of playing in the majors. Cover has come off my copy of shoeless Joe from annual reading. I still envision that I will after 30 years as a pediatric Doctor, if I am worthy get to play ball in Heaven. Thank you WP for telling us that it can be so! RIP noble prince!
A C
September 18, 2016
My condolences to the Kinsella family for the loss of your dearly loved William. May the many memories and his literary be a source of encouragement for future authors. And may the God of tender mercies and all comfort give you some peace and strength during this difficult time.
September 18, 2016
My sincere condolences to the family. I know W.P. memories will forever live on in the hearts of all he has touched over the years. May the words at Psalms 116:15 bring comfort to you during this time of your life.
September 18, 2016
you know being sck and in pain is bad when you need help to die. No one should have to suffer.
September 18, 2016
Truly sorry to hear about W.P. Kinsella. His fine legacy will surely be remembered. I hope to meet him in Paradise (Luke23:43)
Verna Bourcier
September 18, 2016
Many years ago, I attended the same high school as Bill Kinsella, Eastwood High in Edmonton. Bill was a friend, and he was somewhat shy, but also very kind, brilliant and totally likeable. He was a friend no one who knew him would ever forget. Perhaps he is now entertaining those in the spheres of angels with his wonderful stories. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. I will not sign with my married name, but with my maiden name in the long past days when I was friends with Bill. God Speed, old friend.
Scott Chamberland
September 17, 2016
Rest in Peace
Harry Simpson
September 17, 2016
Godspeed, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
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