John Ballem

Dundurn is saddened to hear of the passing of one of their favourite writers, John Ballem, on Saturday, January 9, 2010 at the age of 84 years.

His long-time agent, Beverley Slopen, had these wonderful words to say about John:

John Ballem was a dashing figure with old world gallantry and a breadth of accomplishments. Horseman, aviator, adventure traveler, lawyer, legal scholar, and author of 14 mystery novels, including Murder as a Fine Art and A Victim of Convenience, and works of poetry, he was as diligent about his writing as he was about his other pursuits. His books drew on his extensive experience, especially the world of the oil patch. He wrote several drafts of his novels, which he subjected to the scrutiny of his daughter Mercedes, often before reworking them with an editor for publication.

He seemed ageless. When he went to the North Pole and then two trips to Antarctica, each of them when he nearing 80 or older, no one remarked on it as exceptional.

John was a member of the Crime Writers of Canada, the Probus Club of Calgary and the Air Crew Association of Alberta: Southern Alberta Branch. In 2009, the Law Society of Alberta and the Canadian Bar Association of Alberta awarded John the Distinguished Service Award for Legal Scholarship.

This gentle man will be missed by all who knew him.