Out, out brief candle! 

Life’s but a walking shadow,

A poor player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and is then heard no more.

- Macbeth

A brief walk around Jasper reveals the rumour has already spread. Justin’s time as editor of the Fitzhugh has come to an end. Strike the band, sound the parade, crack the keg, let there be cake. I’ve received many well wishes and sweet 

parting sorrows since word of my departure got out (note to others: don’t break departure news on Facebook). I must admit these messages have touched me deeply and I truly appreciate them. 

And then there are those other messages:

“Good riddance! That ink-stained hack couldn’t outwrite my toddler and likely learned his grammatical skills from a primate. Hopefully his next job doesn’t require opposable thumbs.” 

Well, that last one was from my Grandma. She can cancel her own damn subscription.

I will leave the Fitzhugh at the end of the month, having been offered and accepted a position in the Bow Valley with the Rocky Mountain Outlook. It’s a bigger paper and presents bigger challenges, but also a familiar stomping ground. To be frank, they made me an offer I could not refuse and it’s a great opportunity for me to return. I’m looking forward to it, but I will not hesitate to tell the Banffites Jasper has prettier mountains. Rundle’s got nothing on Pyramid.

The move is bittersweet. I will miss Jasper and many of the wonderful friends I have met in the community. Thank you for welcoming me and keeping me entertained. Please feel free to drop by anytime in Canmore. 

I know for many it is old hat to see friends fade away into Rocky Mountain sunsets.  Jasper’s weakness lies within its fragile nature, as the spectre of a thousand transient souls haunt the streets, whispering quick exits and uncertainty. If I have a wish for Jasper, it’s for more livable affordable housing. Many of the town’s best are forced to move away because of this deficiency.

It’s suiting one of my last assignments allowed me to see first hand Jasper’s true grit - the response to the Pyramid Riding Stables explosion. A Jasper full of strength and compassion that banded together to save the lives of those in peril and help those in need.

Of course it has always been there, but with diamond purity it crystalized on the scorched earth of the Riding Stables: when all appears set to fall apart, Jasper takes care of its vulnerable with a ferocity and determination second to none. Volunteers and employees drop all of the fun and games in a second to support those in need. Congratulate all who were involved.

Lastly, I want to thank the Fitzhugh for giving me the opportunity to act as editor for the past 14 months. It’s been a thrill and an honour to serve the community and an experience I won’t soon forget. I’ve worked with many talented staff at the Fitzhugh who work hard to produce a product they should be proud of, and a publication a community such as Jasper deserves.

DISCLAIMER: The Last Word is an opinion column, it is meant to provoke thought and debate. As such, any opinions written here are the writers own and do not reflect the viewpoint of any other Fitzhugh staff member or the directors of the Jasper Media Group Inc.