Reader Responses to Writing Toward Redemption

I was stunned and saddened to learn of the September death of Norman Boucher, former editor of BAM. Far too soon (“Writing Toward Redemption,” Obituaries, January-March ’21).

I first got to know Norm at my 25th reunion when he showed up to a bird walk I led for classmates. It was wonderful to discover our mutual passion for birds and birding. From that time on our correspondence never passed without some mention of birds and the outdoors. I was also pestering Norm constantly to write in BAM, a wish that finally came true when I got to review another classmate’s book, Doron Weber’s Immortal Bird. Norm always wrote with sparkle, both as a correspondent and journalist. To me in 2015: “Great horned owl in the piney woods behind my house has been calling lately, and the hummingbirds seem to be enjoying the flowers on my tomato plants, strangely. As you well know, the bags are packed for most species that haven’t already started heading south. Where did the summer go?” And, again when I invited him to a lecture I was giving on John James Audubon and his world he sent his regrets with kind words of encouragement. As for BAM, he stewarded it with class and beauty. Sincerest condolences to his family and friends.