Monty Haaviko rule number 261: Take nothing but money and memories. Leave nothing, not even footprints.

 

Michael Van Rooy, the great crime writer and gentle giant pillar of Winnipeg’s writing community, offered up this one-liner life lesson.  We like it, but in our grief at Michael’s sudden passing, and in celebration of his life, we’re switching it around.

 

Aqua Books is planning a celebration and commemoration of Michael’s life, work, and the irreplaceable footprints he left in each of our lives and communities. On Saturday, February 12 at 7pm, please help us give Michael a proper send-off: a time to share, talk, laugh, celebrate, listen, remember, and raise funds to assist his family.

 

We’re planning an evening of readings from Michael’s works, personal stories and remembrances, tributes and celebration. There will be open mic opportunities, as well as scheduled speakers and readers. If you’re interested in sharing your stories of Michael, or reading your favourite passage from his books, please contact Kelly Hughes at kelly@aquabooks.ca. (Please also contact Kelly if you have photos or images that you’d like to share).

 

EAT! bistro will provide refreshments, and the bar will be open. Poker cards will be available. We’re planning some fundraising activities so that we can all assist his family in immediate and tangible ways. We’re also planning an announcement about a long-term initiative to commemorate Michael, the ways that he has touched all of our lives, and to make sure that regardless of what Monty says, Michael’s life leaves the writing community changed, enhanced, and mindful of the immensity and gentleness of his footprints.