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Mordecai Richler: 1931-2001

© Paula E. Kirman

One of the greatest figures in Canadian literature has died. Mordecai Richler, author of such classics as The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz, Jacob Then and Now and the Giller Prize winning Barney's Version, died on Tuesday, July 3, 2001. He was 70 years old.

The news hit Canada's literary community in a major way. Richler died of cancer, but many did not even know his medical situation was so grave. He had a cancerous kidney removed in 1998, which was widely publicized at the time, but all reports indicated that he recovered. The week prior to his death, Richler was admitted to a hospital in Montreal to undergo chemotherapy, and was expected to go home shortly thereafter.

Richler was a part of the elite Canadian literati that is known far beyond the country's borders. I had the privelege of interviewing him in November of 1999, an interview which was long delayed because of his health. However, I spoke to a Richler who was definitely himself. He was witty. He was sardonic. He was . . . grumpy.

Among other notable aspects of his unique personality, Richler will be remembered for his penchant for a good drink and a cigar. He was ardently against Quebec separatists, often referred to writing as "scribbling," and listed one of his major writing goals as "being an honest witness."

Barney's Version was Richler's tenth and last novel. On Snooker, a volume of non-fiction, was in the process of being published at the time of his death.

Richler is survived by Florence, his wife of 40 years, and their five children: Daniel, Noah, Emma, Martha and Jacob.