Harry L. Symons

Harry L. Symons, born on April fifteenth, nineteen ninety-three, was a distinguished Canadian novelist celebrated for his wit and humor. He gained notable recognition in nineteen forty-seven when he was awarded the Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour for his work, Ojibway Melody. This collection of humorous essays captures the essence of summer recreational life on Ontario's picturesque Georgian Bay.

In addition to Ojibway Melody, Symons authored several other significant works, including Friendship in nineteen forty-three, Three Ships West in nineteen forty-nine, The Bored Meeting in nineteen fifty-one, and Orange Belt Special in nineteen fifty-six. His contributions to non-fiction are also noteworthy, with titles such as Fences in nineteen fifty-eight and Playthings of Yesterday: Harry Symons introduces the Percy C. Band Collection in nineteen sixty-three.

Beyond his literary achievements, Symons had a remarkable life journey. He was the son of architect William Limberry Symons and served as an ace fighter pilot during World War I. Following the war, he transitioned into careers in insurance and real estate, showcasing his versatility and adaptability.

Symons' legacy extends through his family, particularly his son Thomas Symons, a prominent academic and founding president of Trent University. Thomas credits the values expressed in Ojibway Melody for shaping his career and influencing Trent's establishment of Canada's first university department in Indigenous Studies. Another son, Scott Symons, made his mark as a writer, with his novel Place d'Armes, published in nineteen sixty-seven, being recognized as the first gay-themed novel in Canada.