It is probably close to fifty years ago that I first met Murray Speirs. I remember it well. It was a very cold winter's day at Frenchman's Bay in Pickering, ON and it was hard not to notice a dapperly dressed fellow, in winter coat, scarf around his neck, gloves on his hands, and wearing a shirt and tie. On his head he wore a beret.
I don't remember whether I had been drawn to Frenchman's Bay by the report of some rarity, or whether I was in the area that day; probably the latter. It didn't take long to strike up a conversation with one of the most charming and engaging people I have ever met, and it was apparent from the get-go that he was possessed of a formidable storehouse of knowledge.
Murray Speirs was born in 1909 and lived a long life, dying in 2001. He had a distinguished career in the Department of Zoology at the University of Toronto. Many of Canada's pre-eminent ornithologists, and artist-naturalists, blossomed under Murray's tutelage, and without exception all laud their wonderful mentor.
Murray's partner in life, both domestically and professionally, was his wife, Doris, a brilliant ornithologist in her own right.
One of Murray's most significant achievements was the two volume work Birds of Ontario.
I owned Volume II, but had never been able to get my hands on Volume I. And I wanted it! These two books are such an integral part of the ornithological record of Ontario. Miriam has always been a very keen supporter of my passion (some might use a stronger term!) for books, and whenever she is out searching for fabric in thrift stores and the like, always visits the book section, and calls me if she sees anything interesting, and to check that I don't already have it. Over the years she has been responsible for finding some real treasures.
Two days ago, while shopping with friends in the MCC Store in New Hamburg, she called me to say that she found Volume I in near pristine condition, for the princely sum of $4.00. I will leave it to you to imagine my elation!
I am at a loss for words to adequately describe my pleasure at completing the set. It is made extra special by recalling the various chats I had with Murray over the years - and he always wore his beret, I might add.
He was one of those people you don't forget. As I read the accounts in the books I am thrilled to know that Murray knew these birds so well and wrote about them so eloquently.
I only wish I had known him better.
