Joan Elizabeth Skogan

SKOGAN, Joan Elizabeth September 29, 1945 - July 29, 2017 Writer of distinction and passionate west-coaster, Joan died at home in Nanaimo after a long illness. Born in Comox, Joan lived chiefly in Prince Rupert, on Quadra and Gabriola, and in Nanaimo, though she travelled widely and restlessly. Singular and unpredictable in all she did, Joan had great affinity for being on, or near, water. Working in the Skeena River fishery led to her book Skeena: A River Remembered (1983). After doing her MFA at UBC, Joan wrote Voyages at Sea With Strangers (1992), based on her years as a fisheries inspector aboard west coast vessels. Fishboats also inspired her picture books Grey Cat at Sea (1991) and The Good Companion (1998). Her novel Moving Water (1998) drew on her instinctive connection to water and her respect for First Nations culture. Joan's final book, Mary of Canada (2003), published after she suffered a brain aneurysm, found her travelling across Canada, reveling in mythic tales and strange encounters. Shortlisted for the Journey Prize, the CBC Literary Essay Competition and the Western Magazine Awards, Joan held to the highest standards in her books and articles (for Saturday Night, Georgia Straight and other outlets.) She scorned slipshod work and poor research, brooked no interference, did not suffer fools gladly, yet remained a generous, loving - and challenging - friend to many. Predeceased by her only son Joe in 2004, Joan suffered increasing ill health in later years. She fought back: fiercely determined to live on her own terms. Her brother John MacIntyre (Jane), nephew Michael MacIntyre (Kelly) and niece Stephanie Henderson (David) survive her, and many diverse friends. Joan's ashes were scattered on the Skeena River. Donations in her memory can be made to BC Childrens Hospital.