Hal’s career with the Royal Bank of Canada took him from the entry-level position of junior clerk in the tiny Saskatchewan village of Eyebrow to the Vice-Chairmanship of the largest bank in Canada. His increasingly demanding roles brought him into association with John Diefenbaker, Pierre Trudeau, Brian Mulroney, Joe Clark, Henry Kissinger, Lee Iacocca, Peter Lougheed, Ralph Klein, Al Duerr and other key national and international figures, including members of Britain’s royal family. Hal served on more than thirty Boards, in many cases as Chairman. Nor were such activities confined to the world of commerce and finance – these also included interests as diverse as the Canadian Light Source Project at the University of Saskatchewan, where he also served as Chairman of the Board (technology); Mount Royal University (higher education); and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Calgary International Organ Festival, and the Cantos National Music Centre (music and the arts). Unlike so many senior executives who disregard every responsibility except their career, Hal has always given high priority to ensuring the well-being of a growing family. With thanks in huge measure to the indispensable participation of Marnie, his wife of 62 years, Hal can take justifiable pride in his family of three children, ten grandchildren and (to date) three great-grandchildren. With a career that elevated him to the highest levels of business, with service as a pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force, with contributions to church and community acknowledged by prestigious awards, and with a strong, closely knit family – the life of Hal Wyatt has indeed achieved a royal balance.

Shirlee Smith Matheson was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, but has lived in over twenty different communities. Her own experiences of making new friends and leaving familiar things behind inform many of her stories. Shirlee is an alumna of the Banff Centre's writing program and has published award-winning fiction and non-fiction books for adults and young people. She lives in Calgary, Alberta.

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