The SWG is saddened to learn of the passing of long-time member Byrna Barclay.
Byrna was a pillar of the Saskatchewan literary community. She was a celebrated writer in Canada and beyond, receiving critical acclaim for her work, and her contribution to the literary world will continue to inspire generations of writers to come. She was the editor of Freelance, the Saskatchewan Writers Guild's newsletter; fiction editor of Grain, its literary journal; and founding editor of Transition, a magazine that provides an authenticated voice for the mental health community, published by the Saskatchewan branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Byrna served as president of the Saskatchewan Writers Guild, the Saskatchewan Book Awards, and the Saskatchewan branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association and was also chair of the Saskatchewan Arts Board. Byrna will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy will live on through her family, friends, and incredible body of work. All who had the privilege of knowing her will remember her kindness, intelligence, and creativity.