Fred Kerner

The CAA Writing Community Mourns Loss of Beloved Member and Colleague

The Canadian Authors Association (CAA) is mourning the loss of our Honourary President, Fred Kerner, who died on December 24, 2011, in Richmond Hill, Ontario, at 90.

"A very sad loss for all who knew Fred, and for everyone in the writing and publishing community," said Matthew Bin, National President. "He contributed so much to help shape Canada's current writing and publishing landscape."

Accomplished Member

An author, journalist, editor, publisher, mentor, teacher and foreign correspondent, Fred Kerner joined the association in 1945 and was named Honorary National President in 2005. Born in Montreal, he was elected president of the CAA Montreal Branch in 1970, National President in 1983, and helped create the CAA Fund to Develop Canadian Writers. He had also held editorial and executive positions in the US and Canada, retiring in 1983 as Vice-President of Publishing for Harlequin Enterprises.

Served Writers

Kerner devoted much of his time to helping emerging writers and helping ensure the rights of all writers. He was on the first executive of the Public Lending Right Commission and helped found Access Copyright. He served on the board of the Canadian Publishers' Council, Canadian Copyright Institute, the Book and Periodical Council, Canadian Writers' Foundation and Word on the Street. He was also an honourary life member of The Writers' Union of Canada.

Private Gathering

Family and friends gathered to remember Fred on Saturday, January 7. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Writers' Foundation will be greatly appreciated. Condolences and queries may be sent to .

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