Pierre Berton

Born: July 12, 1920
Died: November 30, 2004
Place of Birth: Whitehorse, Yukon Territory

• Pierre Berton is probably Canada's best known living writer and historian.

• He has a sense of describing Canada's past so that the reader comprehends its heroic and dynamic history.

• Berton moved from the Yukon to Vancouver when he was 12 but the northern wilderness had a definite effect on him.

• He entered military service and rose to the rank of Captain/Instructor at the Royal Military College.

• When only 21, Berton was the youngest editor of any Canadian newspaper at that time.

• In 1947, he went to work for McLeans Magazine as a writer and then editor.

• Ten years later, Berton turned celebrity when he became a regular panelist on the popular TV show, "Front Page Challenge".

• He then began writing a series of best-selling books that brought out the story of Canada's past .

• When the CBC did an eight-part series based on his books, Berton became the most famous historian in Canada.

• Berton has received over 30 literary awards including the prestigious Governor-General and Stephen Leacock Awards.

• Many Canadians have had their lives enhanced through his books and by the many interviews he has given on television.

Last Updated: June 13, 2006
© Canada-Heros/Don Jones 2003