“May you live all the days of your life.” –Jonathan Swift
Esquimalt resident Michael Dupuis has truly lived – and is continuing to live – all the days of his life. This 71-year-old author and historian, whose books can be found in libraries across Canada, has not only found a novel way to give people real insight into historical events, he is an example of someone 55+ truly living every day. Whether he is travelling by bus from Amsterdam to Afghanistan or taking the Titanic Memorial Cruise, his life is one of adventure, learning and sharing.
As an author, Michael says he writes because he “loves the challenge of being creative with words.” He adds that he enjoys the research – finding what he calls “nuggets” about the principal characters of the events about which he is writing. Journalism Professor Stephen Kimber referred to Michael as a “relentless researcher.” Through Michael’s insightful articles, books and presentations, he brings alive the people, places and events he has thoroughly investigated.
Photo by Christine Moore
As an historian, Michael says he writes about history “to inform and explain the importance of events that helped shape and influence our country.” There are valuable lessons to be learned from studying history. History helps us understand our past, gives us perspective and, when needed, allows us to correct preconceived ideas, helping us make better decisions now and in the future.
It takes a special person to be an historian – a person who is curious, who wants to know more. More important than that, however, it requires a person with patience because of the painstaking hours, days, months and even years spent researching. Michael describes himself as an “investigator,” which, according to British historian Arnold Toynbee, is the Greek word for history.
A former history teacher, Michael has written numerous thoughtful magazine articles and books and has given dozens of informative interviews and presentations on numerous subjects that are part of the fabric of Canadian history, including the Titanic disaster (from a Canadian perspective), Halifax Explosion, Winnipeg General Strike, the On-to-Ottawa Trek and Regina Riot. His role as an educator continues.
Photo by Christine Moore
Michael’s unique way of writing about historical events is to tell the story “through the eyes, experiences and accounts of the journalists” who covered the event. His first use of this approach was in recounting the story of the Titanic disaster through the dispatches of the 20 Canadian reporters sent to cover the arrival of the rescue ship Carpathia in New York. Not widely known before Michael’s investigations was that among the passengers on the Titanic, were 130 men, women and children destined for Canada, of whom only 48 survived.
After months researching microfilm and other sources, Michael discovered the identity of the 20 journalists representing newspapers in Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Winnipeg. Reading their dispatches gave him the insight to write and speak about the Titanic disaster as if he had been a reporter on the ship at the time of the tragedy.
Three of the subjects of Michael’s scholarly investigation (Titanic Disaster, Halifax Explosion and Winnipeg General Strike) occurred a century or more ago. The On-to-Ottawa Trek and Regina Riot occurred in 1935. These are hardly ancient history when you consider historians are still investigating Stonehenge (erected approximately 2500 BC), the Roman Empire (which dates to 753 BC) and the Norman invasion of England (1066 AD). Michael’s unique approach, and his determination to find facts not previously known makes his books and articles compelling reading.
Photo by Christine Moore
Growing up in Ottawa, Michael was a page boy in 1963, which he says opened his “eyes to the reality of politics and human nature.” Beginning as a travel writer after completing University, Michael has been a writer all his adult life. In addition to his several books and many articles on history, he has delighted and informed readers about his travels throughout Europe, the Mid-East, North Africa and Mexico.
A dog lover, Michael spends his days with his Golden Retriever, Piper. With one of his previous dogs, Michael often visited an Extended Care facility in Esquimalt, so the mostly wheelchair-bound patients could enjoy petting a friendly companion. Michael also volunteers at the Rainbow Kitchen in Esquimalt.
Athletic all his life, the former university basketball player, and later a “carded” basketball referee, took up pickleball at age 67. Now, he plays at a competitive level.
As in all lives, Michael’s has not always been a “bed of roses.” Drawing strength from his ever-present positive attitude, support from his wife, Chris, and some good luck, Michael has overcome significant hurdles, including hip surgery, cancer and a heart attack.
By his own admission, Michael is competitive. But he uses his competitive spirit to live an extraordinary life. He does not take his health and mental and physical abilities for granted and does something every day to stay sharp. Most importantly, he values and nurtures his relationships.
Whether he is having a glass of wine with Chris, playing with Piper, fulfilling his role as a father and grandfather, doing exhaustive research for his upcoming historical novel or working on a jigsaw puzzle, Michael is present, enjoying all the goodness that a life well lived offers.
Michael can be reached at michaeldupuis@shaw.ca
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