Brown’s remarkably adventurous life in Canada began in BC in 1862 during the Cariboo gold rush. He later became a BC policeman, Pony Express rider, buffalo hunter, Head Scout for the Rocky Mountain Rangers during the 1885 Riel Rebellion and a conservationist who fought to establish Waterton Lakes National Park. Here he is buried, this region of lakes and mountains his magnificent memorial. Possibly BC’s greatest frontiersman, nevertheless, in Canada he is virtually unknown. By contrast, if Kootenai had lived in the US he would be as familiar as Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone.

William Rodney, author, airman, and scholar, was born in Drumheller, Alberta, on January 5, 1923. He was educated at the University of Alberta and at Cambridge University before earning a Ph.D. from the London School of Economics. He was later appointed a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and of the Royal Geographical Society. During the Second World War he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and flew in operational tours with the RAF Bomber Command, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar.

In 1962, Rodney accepted a teaching position at Royal Roads Military College (now Royal Roads University) near Victoria, B.C., where he became active in academic life and spent the rest of his career. A lifelong writer, Rodney published several scholarly articles as well radio documentaries and popular histories. For Kootenai Brown, he received the University of British Columbia’s Medal for Popular Biography and the Award of Merit and Distinction from the American Association for State and Local History.

In retirement, Rodney travelled widely to Asia, Australia, and the Middle East and was active in community affairs, playing an instrumental role in the establishment of Gonzales Hill Regional Park. He passed away in Victoria on March 26, 2012.

William Rodney's profile page