BURRITT'S RAPIDS AND BEYOND

Louis Profile

Poems by Louis Contant, Introduction by Wilma Brown

Meet the Author

Name: Louis Contant

31 December, 1929 – 4 October, 2013

Louis Contant was a poet, musician, and philosopher who found inspiration in the natural world. Born and raised in Winnipeg, he later lived in Vancouver, London (England), and Montreal, but it was in Burritt’s Rapids, Ontario, where he felt most at home. His poetry reflects his deep connection to nature, exploring themes of solitude, friendship, and the passage of time with humour and grace.

Through his words, he invites readers to embrace life’s beauty with awe and reverence, never losing sight of the small wonders that make the world extraordinary.

Even after his passing in 2013, his legacy lives on through his poetry and the many lives he touched. His work continues to inspire those who knew him and those who come to know him through his writing.

A life of Words, Music, and Meaningful Conversations!

Beyond just being a writer, Contant has a lifelong passion for reading and was always honing his skills. Since writing was a very personal love of his, he never actively sought publication, even if several of his poetry were published during his lifetime. His unquenchable curiosity drove him to investigate a wide range of subjects, from astronomy to philosophy, and he flourished in deep discussions, particularly in small, private settings. For him, music was as important as language; he felt that a day would not be complete without it, therefore jazz and classical tunes filled his days. He loved playing cribbage and bridge, swapping jokes and puns, and enjoying the cold country air or the warmth of a fireplace, all of which demonstrated his appreciation for life's small pleasures.

A Strong Bond with Nature and the Basic Joys of Life

As a poet, observer, and participant, Louis maintained a deep connection to nature that extended beyond his scholarly endeavors. He enjoyed feeding squirrels and birds, observing the changing weather, and thinking about the stars. His fascination with astronomy reflected his wider admiration for the mysteries of life, as he frequently looked up at the sky with excitement. Along with his love of movement, he enjoyed long walks, bike trips, and the rush of speeding down winding country roads in his favorite sports cars, especially Boxsters and TR2. Louis lived life to the fullest, finding joy in the small things as well as the big things, whether it was sipping a drink of single malt scotch, eating a fresh corn ear, or laughing with loved ones.

Formats

To accommodate various reading tastes, Burritt's Rapids and Beyond is offered in a variety of formats.

Hardcover

Available for Purchase!

Paperback

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eBook

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Audiobook

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Where To Purchase?

Burritt’s Rapids and Beyond is available from several retailers:

Purchase on FriesenPress

Purchase on Barnes & Noble

Purchase on Amazon.ca

Purchase on Indigo, Chapters, and Coles

Obituary

The life of Louis Contant, who was closely entwined with his family and the world, is highlighted in his obituary. Louis, who was born in Winnipeg, led a full and prosperous life before relocating to Montreal. He was renowned for his originality, witty humor, and profound love of music, literature, and the outdoors. His interest about life's mysteries, from the glories of the cosmos to the tales told to those closest to him, was only surpassed by his love of poetry. Everyone who knew Louis was profoundly impacted by his passion for life, his travels, and his family.

The deep sense of grief that his family and friends experienced after his death in October 2013 is also reflected in his obituary. His energy, however, lives on in the hearts of those who knew him. Through his work and the experiences he made with his loved ones, Louis' legacy endures.
Louis Contant's Obituary

Louis Contant's Obituary Poet, Musician, and Philosopher

"Louis loved the small, rustic summer cottage near Burritt’s Rapids, Ontario... it was where he soaked in nature and renewed his spirit and soul.

"Louis was a man who lived and loved life to the fullest... He was curious about a vast range of topics and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with people where laughter invariably sparkled through discussions of substance."

"For Louis, a day without music and literature was a day that felt incomplete."

Contact Wilma

For more information, feel free to reach out to Wilma, the wife of the author and illustrator.

Wilma Brown

illustrator

willou@sympatico.ca

© 2025 Louis Contant. All rights reserved.