ESTEVAN — Well-known Estevan author Marie Donais Calder, her family and friends had a reason to celebrate recently, as part of the local pathway system was named after her.
On July 6, Calder's close circle gathered at a newly-erected sign on a northeast segment of the walking path at the intersection of Spruce Drive and Bannatyne Avenue.
This honour was bestowed upon Calder due to her significant contributions to Estevan. She was instrumental, along with Estevan’s Lester Hinzman and others, in the conception of the Estevan Soldiers' Tree war memorial, located next to the Estevan Court House.
The first project led to the realization that the Royal Canadian Air Force tragedy of Sept. 15, 1946, in which 21 airmen died, was virtually unknown. So, Hinzman and Calder decided to take matters into their hands to honour these brave young Second World War airmen.
They set about to have a monument built with all 21 faces carved into it. The 15 Wing Moose Jaw RCAF was able to provide them with 17 of the 21 men's photos, and the project was eventually accomplished. It took Calder almost two years to track down the missing four images, and the Canadian media was instrumental in helping her with the search.
While she was working on the project, Jack Perry, the son of one of the fallen pilots, contacted her and she realized the 21 lost souls needed a book dedicated to them. So, using the research about the tragedy and all she learned from the families of those airmen, Calder wrote her 26th novel – Together Forever in the Clouds.
While her eyesight was declining, she accepted the assistance of others to aid her with the voluminous amount of research. They found members of all 21 families and Together Forever in the Clouds was released. But there was still more work to do.
Calder set out with committee members to build a memorial cairn near the crash site. SaskPower donated the land, and the City of Estevan and the Rural Municipality of Estevan prepared the site and agreed to maintain it. With the help of numerous organizations and individuals, they also organized a three-day celebration for the 21 families.
Craig Bird with the Â鶹´«Ã½AV East Military Museum was instrumental in having 21 banners created and displayed around the city. These banners are now on permanent display at the Wylie-Mitchell Air Cadet Hall.
A song written by Calder was played for the families at the banquet. Curtis McGillivray created a YouTube video of this gathering entitled Together Forever in the Clouds. Calder says honouring those who have and who continue to serve is her passion. Her 25-book Other Side series chronicles life in post-Second World War Allied-occupied Germany. Calder also enjoys writing for children, and her fourth children's book will be released this fall.
A walking path sign may have her name inscribed upon it, but Calder points out, "The sign represents all those who have assisted me over the years as I spread the word that freedom is not free. I would encourage you to thank all those who presently serve us and to honour the lives of those who served us in the past."
Calder's books are all available locally from her as well as from A&A Jewellery. Together Forever in the Clouds is available at Henders Drugs.
Calder and her husband Darcy have lived in Estevan for 45 years. Calder taught at Westview, St. John's and Scotsburn Schools.
"Marie's family would like to thank the city council and parks and recreation for this. They would like to remind you that in Estevan, you can 'follow your path,'" the family wrote.
