ROMANOW PAYS TRIBUTE TO AUTHOR W.O. MITCHELL

Released on February 26, 1998

Premier Roy Romanow expressed sadness today at the passing of author

W.O. Mitchell.



"W.O. Mitchell was a prolific writer whose work touched the lives of

many of us here in Saskatchewan," Romanow said. "His writing

expressed the struggles and rewards of living on the Canadian prairies

and captured the spirit of prairie people.



"He was a writer for Canada and the world. The province of

Saskatchewan takes pride not only in being the birth place of W.O.

Mitchell, but also in being the inspiration for many of his stories

and characters.



"Mr. Mitchell's work led the way for later generations of Saskatchewan

writers," Romanow said. "On behalf of the many people of Saskatchewan

who cherish his works, I pay tribute to this Saskatchewan son."



William Ormond Mitchell was born in Weyburn, Saskatchewan in 1914. He

is the author of many popular novels and radio dramas which deal with

life on the Canadian prairies. His 1947 novel, Who Has Seen the Wind

has become a modern classic and is studied in classrooms across

Canada.



Mitchell is a two time winner of the Stephen Leacock Award for

Humor and a member of the Order of Canada. He passed away at his

Calgary home on Wednesday at the age of 83.



Premier Romanow expressed condolences to Mr. Mitchell's family

and friends. "He will be greatly missed by everyone who read and

enjoyed his work."



"Not everyone in their lifetime is lucky enough to visit the

Canadian prairies," Romanow said. "We are grateful to W.O.

Mitchell for bringing the prairies to the world."



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