A Tribute to the Late Author and His Unlikely Bond with Craig Davidson
Andrew Pyper, the celebrated Canadian novelist, who passed away on January 3 at the age of 56, left behind not only a legacy of thought-provoking literature but also a profound impact on those fortunate enough to have known him. Described by his close friend and fellow author Craig Davidson as “the princeling of the Canadian literary world,” Pyper’s work resonated with deep wisdom, a touch of darkness, and mature insight. In this poignant tribute, Davidson reflects on their unexpected friendship and the enduring connection they shared.
A Friendship Born in Unlikely Circumstances
Davidson, a self-professed “unshaven lout,” and Pyper, a “dapper silver fox,” couldn’t have appeared more different on the surface. Yet, their bond, which began under unusual circumstances, soon grew into something both rare and meaningful. Despite a shared career in literature, the two had never truly connected until they found themselves on a two-week promotional tour across Canada in 2014, both promoting their respective novels. Initially unsure of what the experience might bring, Davidson recalls the moment he and Pyper were seated together on a flight to Calgary: “By the time the flight took off, I knew I liked him.”
Their shared experiences on the road—dinners, drinks, and casual conversations—led to a deepening friendship. It wasn’t just their professional interests that aligned but also their shared humor and insecurities. Davidson recalls the moment Pyper accepted a strange manuscript from an audience member, only for both writers to be bemused by its dark and bizarre content. “Nathan’s story involved a narrator who murdered his ex-wife and cooked her up in a pot of spaghetti,” Davidson writes, laughing at the absurdity of it all. This lighthearted exchange was one of many that would define their relationship.
Creative Collaborations and Endless Support
As their friendship blossomed over the years, Davidson and Pyper found themselves collaborating on numerous creative projects. Despite the financial struggles and disappointments that came with their joint ventures—”the total earnings of our decade-long collaboration was $2,000 each”—the pair remained steadfast in their commitment to each other. Their collaborations, including four TV pitches, a young adult novel, and a short story, were met with failure. Yet, the work was never the priority; spending time together was the true value they found.
Davidson writes, “We did it as an excuse to spend time with one another,” highlighting how their creative endeavors allowed them to connect regularly. Their meetings often began at a coffee shop in the morning, followed by a few beers, meandering conversations, and a shared goal of creating something meaningful. “We both decided no, it was perfectly adequate hour [for a beer],” Davidson recalls with a wry smile, recounting the freedom that their bond allowed them to enjoy.
Facing Illness Together: A Friendship’s Final Chapter
As the years went on, however, Andrew Pyper’s life took an unexpected and tragic turn. After a visit to the doctor and a scheduled biopsy, Pyper received the devastating diagnosis of cancer. Despite the grave news, Davidson remembers the courage and resilience Pyper exhibited during their conversations. When asked about his health, Pyper’s response was both candid and reassuring, even as his physical condition began to deteriorate. Davidson recalls, “He had this pre-existing book contract… he told me the amount of that contract. It was a healthy amount. That was my first true sense that there may be no good ending to this.”
Through their final months together, as Pyper underwent treatment, their friendship remained a source of solace. Davidson’s memories of their time together are filled with laughter, light-hearted moments, and creative energy, even as Pyper’s health waned. Davidson poignantly remembers one of their last exchanges: “When Andrew called me after returning from Italy knowing he had cancer… before he hung up he said, ‘I love you.’”
A Final Goodbye
As Pyper’s illness took its toll, their relationship deepened in a way neither man had anticipated. Despite the brevity of life, their bond transcended the usual boundaries of male friendship, often underscored by the unspoken emotions they shared. As Davidson reflects, “Why do male friends so rarely say it? I don’t know. It’s heartbreaking, really. To hold that inside, walled off. But I think if the genuine feeling wasn’t there, it would never come to us to speak those words at all.”
The final words they exchanged, “I love you,” encapsulate the depth of their connection—a poignant reminder of how sometimes, the most important things are left unsaid until it’s almost too late.
Davidson concludes with a heartfelt goodbye: “I love you, Andrew. So many of us did. I love you dearly and I’ll miss you.”
Andrew Pyper’s death marks the end of an era for Canadian literature, but his memory and influence will continue to resonate through the words he left behind and the relationships he nurtured. His friendship with Craig Davidson serves as a testament to the rare, transformative power of human connection.
