Poet McFadden penned dozens of books

TORONTO — Acclaimed Toronto poet David W. McFadden has died at age 77.

The Griffin Trust For Excellence In Poetry posted news of his death on its website on Wednesday.

“We offer our most profound condolences to his beloved partner Merlin Homer and to the countless lovers of poetry who were delighted by his wry, perceptive words and were privileged to experience his wit, intelligence, kind mentoring, friendship and inspiration,” said the post.

Coach House Books, which distributes his book The Great Canadian Sonnet, also posted of his death on Twitter on Wednesday.

“Our hearts are heavy today learning of David McFadden’s passing,” said the tweet.

McFadden started publishing poetry in 1958 and went on to pen about 35 books, which also included fiction and travel writing.

He was a finalist for three Governor General’s Awards and two Griffin Poetry Prizes, one of which he won in 2013 for What’s the Score?

Griffin jury members said of the collection: “With their arch yet affable tone, these ninetynine irreverent and mockearnest poems lay siege to the feelings of boredom, anxiety, and alienation that afflict a culture obsessed with wealth and prestige, leading us, again and again, down the road of excess to the palace of wisdom.”