Clyde Rose

We are very sad to learn of the passing of Clyde Rose, a monumental figure in Newfoundland and Labrador culture as well as a friend, a neighbour and one of the original hosts of Writers at Woody Point.

As the co-founder and long-time president of Breakwater Books, Clyde was one of the first to fly the flag of Newfoundland literature. What began as a way to publish educational books in Newfoundland, about Newfoundland, for Newfoundland students, eventually branched into all aspects of fiction and non-fiction.

Clyde’s house in Crawley’s Cove (Curzon Village for some of you) was a gathering place for writers, musicians and characters of various sorts – though the most colourful character was Clyde himself. He was a marvelous cook, a master raconteur, and he cut a dashing figure running across Bonne Bay on his boat. 

Clyde’s great friend, the poet Al Pittman, was one of the founders of the March Hare poetry festival in Corner Brook.When we started Writers at Woody Point, which owed much to the Hare with its combination of readings and music, our first festival concluded with a tribute to Pittman, hosted by Clyde at the Seabreeze L ounge. With Gordon Pinsent as the headliner, the bar was packed that night, one of the early signs of what was to come

We are so happy that Clyde was able to join us in August as we celebrated the 50th anniversary of Breakwater Books on the closing night of our 20th festival in front of another full house.

Our thoughts go out to Clyde’s family, especially his daughter Rebeca Rose, who carries on the Breakwater tradition, and his sister Maisie Wallace, who is a friend to so many in Woody Point and who has been a passionate supporter of Writers at Woody Point from its inception.