The BC Almanac Book of Greatest British Columbians

CBC Vancouver’s radio show BC Almanac, not to be outdone by the parent corporation’s nationwide search for the 100 Greatest Canadians of all time, called upon its listeners in 2004 to nominate the 100 Greatest British Columbians of all time. This cornucopia of West Coast characters collected and bound by BC Almanac’s host Mark Forsythe and director Greg Dickson is the edifying and entertaining result. Divided into such categories as Crusaders and Reformers, Scientists and Innovators and Rogues and Rascals, the book throws new light on such well-established names as David Suzuki, Emily Carr and Terry Fox. Equally intriguing are the wildcard candidates, including such little-known gems as the indomitable overlander Catherine Schubert and Fightin’ Joe Martin, one of BC’s shortest-lived premiers. Other highlights include Percy Williams, unlikely hero of the 1928 Olympics and pretender to the title of BC’s greatest athlete; gold rush jack-of-all-trades C.D. Hoy, who overcame racism to leave a photographic legacy; Joseph Leopold Coyle of Aldermere, inventor of the egg carton; and Lucille Johnstone, the secretary who rose to CEO in the testosterone-laden towboat industry.