I remember being so nervous to play at Writers at Woody Point that year (2008) - and then was told I’d be playing sets between readings from Gordon Pinsent as he was interviewed by the incredible Shelagh Rogers - a friend from back home in BC - so then I was obviously petrified because he’s GORDON PINSENT and I was just me , awkward , and nervous - went to start my set - and INHALED a friggin dust ball and couldn’t start for what felt like minutes for the coughing. *Not once* did Gordon ever make me feel less than - even though I arguably very much was, in my own mind at least - as someone relatively new to NL. He was only ever kind - even when I walked in to a party and once again felt like the new kid at school that no one was sure of - he smiled and shook my hand and said “sweet Allison”. I will never forget his kindness.

Nevermind having just met Ron Hynes, FFS! (I played his guitar the night after at a house party - one of the b’ys from Hey Rosetta put me up to going in and grabbing it, and we played El Scorcho on the patio). When we were done, Ron looked at me and said “there’s Allison playing my guitar! I’ll have that back now.” 😂

RIP, sweet Gordon.