I’m so sorry he’s gone. What a fantastic talent, a major contributor to Canadian journalism. Not long ago Hugh Maksylowich died and brought back memories of Hugh and Don living at a house on Summerville in Rosedale. They had recently arrived from Vancouver both still ink stained from their rough and ready days at the Sun.

Hugh was also a trumpet player who decided that neither the horn nor newspaper writing would sustain him. He played well and often and became a very good arranger but his forms business made him well to do. I had the privelege of guiding the recollections of others at the memorial for Hugh. Don did not attend but he was fondly remembered.

Don Obe loved words and the way they enabled him to share his feisty, gritty take on life. Big loss. But we were lucky to have known him and to have read his stuff. His wit over drinks was even better.

Bruce R

The last magazine class with Don was pure “Obe.” We assembled at Oakham House and he began with a lesson on survival skills for freelance magazine writers and the last point was the art of freeloading. He then opened up the bar and paid for our drinks.