Shirley Walker (1932- ) grew up in Trail, British Columbia, and now lives in Mission, British Columbia. She loves travel and is interested in history. After attending the University of British Columbia, she worked as a public health nurse, travelled widely, and pursued her interests in photography and gardening. She has written a historical novel, "From Sailing Ships to Spitfires: the life and times of an immigrant family whose sons fought in the Second World War" (2005 Borealis).

   From Sailing Ships to Spitfires explores the world and the experiences of the Rosseland family when they emigrated from Norway to the United States, and then to Canada at the turn of the last century. In spite of the sadness associated with personal tragedies, the frustration of relentless setbacks, and the unending hard work, this family didn't just give up when they met obstacles. They kept trying something new to make their plans work. Reading this story, one can only have a profound appreciation for the incredible determination and hard work that went into the creation of our society.