With deep sadness we recognize the unexpected passing of our dear friend and festival bookseller extraordinaire Bev Shaw, owner of Talewind Books.
It’s hard to express in words how much Bev meant to the Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts. She was a tremendous source of knowledge and insight, and she forged wonderful relationships with our festival authors, volunteers and attendees.
The exceptional way Bev organized and ran the festival book tent (along with her dedicated and friendly staff) was one of the reasons why people loved to return to the Festival of the Written Arts year after year. And one of our great pleasures—when any of us had a spare minute—was sitting down with Bev, enjoying her sense of humour, and talking books!
All of us at the SCFWA will remember Bev’s generosity, her intelligence and her devotion to authors and the written word. Her life’s work in the book industry made a significant impact, not only on the Sunshine Coast, but on the greater literary community in Canada. We feel blessed and full of gratitude that Bev was a steadfast supporter and an integral part of our festival for more than thirty years.
We send our heartfelt condolences to Bev’s family, her many friends and the staff at Talewind Books. We will miss you, Bev. You will always be a part of our festival family.
Memories of Bev at the Festival of the Written Arts— for details about the above photos, click on the word “memories.”
Clockwise from top left—2004; 2006; 2007, with daughter Courtney Lamb; 2008, in the book tent with Courtney; 2012, with author Linden MacIntyre, Talewind staff member and Courtney; 2018; 2017, with Festival founder Betty Keller; 2019, at the book table with Courtney; centre panel: 2014, with author Terry Fallis and Talewind staff member Paula.
Photo credits—2004, 2006, 2007, 2008: Teresa Nightingale, Attention Web & Graphic Design; 2012, 2014: Cathie Roy; 2017, 2018, 2019: Roan Mee.