In Memoriam: Stephan V. Benediktson
Stephan V. Benediktson June 22, 1933 – October 14, 2025 We are sorry to learn that long-time supporter of the Writers’ Guild of Alberta, Stephan V. Benediktson, passed away October 14, 2025. Stephan was a dedicated supporter of the arts and Icelandic culture who sponsored the WGA’s Stephan G. Stephansson Award for Poetry, named for […]
In Memoriam: John Murrell
With sadness, we share the news of the death of playwright and librettist John Murrell. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends. “Murrell received a bachelor of fine arts from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas in 1968. He came to Canada in 1969 and settled permanently in Calgary in 1971, receiving his […]
In Memoriam – Vanna Tessier
It is with great sadness that we share news of the passing of long-time WGA member Vanna Tessier on July 31, 2018. Vanna was a poet and short story writer whose book of short stories Gypsy Drums (Snowappple Press, 1997) was shortlisted for the Robert Kroetsch City of Edmonton Book Prize and the Howard O’Hagan Award […]
In Memory of Frances Hern
Friends of Frances The WGA would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Friends of Frances, who are supporting the 2016 Jon Whyte Memorial Essay Award in memory of long-standing WGA member, Frances Hern. Frances passed away last September at the age of 64. She leaves behind a literary legacy that spans nonfiction, fiction, and poetry, including Engraved: Canadian […]