Sunday, November 30, 2025
In 1984, I was a young engineering student of 19, born in Montreal from a deep-rooted French-Canadian family. My knowledge of the English language was rudimentary and as I landed in Sydney that summer, everything was foreign to me. But this, did not last long. After seeing and listening to Lloyd and Eva McEwen for less that 30 minutes, I realised I was really lucky. Here was a real engineer, a kind professional gentleman and an ever-smiling lady who literally radiated warmth and, importantly for the French in me, liked cooking! Both extracted joy from being actively engaged in their community. 41 years later, I am still amazed of how fast they kindly adopted me as a member of their family (I came back in 1985 and later in 1991). Thanks to them, I discovered Cape Breton, Celtic culture and cèilidhs, and realised why so many of us in Québec love and feel close to people in the Maritimes. They melted my « indépendantiste » heart and made me realised Canada was a beautiful place. For me, Lloyd and Eva never aged and will never age. Eva, thanks for all these beautiful memories that you so generously gave me.
Your friend, Denis Couillard de Lespinay, ing.
Montréal
