Bill Massey

of Poets & Pioneers

of Poets & Pioneers (memoir) is a moving story of the relationship between a grandfather and his grandson.

Will Massey let fate guide him in his life’s journey, had misfortune change his charted course, and took opportunities as they presented themselves, all the while upholding the morals and values he learned as a child.
Inspired by a sense of adventure, he recorded many of his life’s experiences in prose and poetry with humour and a respect for others.

When Bill Massey was old enough, he began a remarkable journey with his grandfather. Growing up in a troubled and poverty-stricken home in rural Manitoba, Bill escaped every summer to spend time with his grandfather, Will. The world opened wide for him under the inspiring influence of his friend and mentor, and their conversations and adventures sustained Bill until they could be together again.

Bill has written poetry and prose for the past thirty years and this is his second book, the first to include poetry. In many ways, he has stayed connected with his grandfather, and knows Will is with him as he writes this narrative about the two of them.

of Poets & Pioneers is a story of a remarkable relationship that has stood the test of time and is an inspiration to all.

of Pork & Potatoes

of Pork and Potatoes (memoir) is a remarkable story of perseverance in the face of adversity. Bill Massey recounts his childhood growing up in a troubled home in rural Manitoba. By finding the people who gave him space to move forward, committing to hard work, upholding his integrity, and above all, never giving up, he managed to survive and use his skills to help others, becoming a teacher, principal, and advocate for disadvantaged children.

When an illegal hog farm operation started affecting Bill Massey’s community, it was not a big step to move from teaching and advocating for children to dealing with the injustices he saw in his community. The Planning Act of Manitoba has made it virtually impossible for rural people to protect their rights and the well being of their communities from unscrupulous corporations.

With fifteen years of fighting under their belt, Bill Massey and his community continue to pursue their rights and protect the environment from the forces threatening their way of life. Of Pork and Potatoes will empower and inspire anyone looking for true stories about people who confront the odds with courage and determination and pursue justice with integrity.

Under Italian Skies

Canadian soldier Mert Massey arrives in England on November 15, 1941, with his best friend Lloyd “Red” Oliver. Having grown up on farms in Manitoba, both Mert and Red are equipped with a variety of skills that stand them in good stead while stationed in Italy during World War II.

The two friends look out for each other through thick and thin, and letters from Mert’s fiancé in England and his family in Canada help him deal with the tragedy and chaos of war. The difficult and sometimes dangerous volunteer work Mert undertakes is reflected in his moving and poignant poetry.

When their Unit finds an orphaned Italian boy, keeping him safe in a combat zone presents a major challenge for Mert and Red. In spite of the war going on around them, they manage to teach Gino to read and write, but when they leave Italy for Holland and Germany, they are faced with a heart-wrenching decision.

The book concludes in an unexpected way that will warm the hearts of all readers.