In my 11 years as editor of The Parksville Qualicum Beach News, I received more letters from Frank Horner than any other writer.
The man was born with an opinion. On everything. Sometimes I would get several letters from him in one week. Occasionally I agreed with him, usually I did not. I would also receive regular letters to the editor assailing Frank. “If he doesn’t like it why doesn’t he just move?” they would scold, in print, or to my face in the grocery store line-up, at the schools, in church, on the tee box. I always replied this way:
Frank Horner is a Canadian citizen who pays his taxes, wore a Commonwealth uniform in the war, and shows up to council meetings. He is active in taking part in the democratic process, which is more than I can say for most people I know. As a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces, I respected his contributions and felt empathy for some of his personal story. As a journalist I was grateful for his provocative views of his town and the players in it.
As a resident of this area for over 20 years, I believe we have lost one of our great characters. My sincere condolences to his family.
Jeff Vircoe
Parksville