Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour

Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour

The Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour is a silver medal awarded each year to the Canadian writer of the best book of humour. Since 1946 it has been offered by the Stephen Leacock Associates, based in Orillia, Ont. After Stephen LEACOCK died in Mar 1944 in Montréal, the association was formed by people who wanted to remember their kinship with him and his unique talent as a writer of humour. Sculptor Emanuel Hahn was commissioned to design the medal. Books entered in the contest each year are read by 5 judges from across Canada. They report to a committee of the association. At a media reception the winner is announced. At an award dinner, the winner receives the medal and a cash award. A series of corporations since the mid-1970s have donated cash awards to accompany the medal. Among award recipients are Harry J. BOYLE (Luck of the Irish and Homebrew and Patches), Robertson DAVIES (Leaven of Malice), Pierre BERTON (Just Add Water and Stir), W.O. MITCHELL (Jake and the Kid) and Farley MOWAT (The Boat Who Wouldn't Float). Eric NICOL has won the award 3 times. Winners have included W.P. KINSELLA (1987), Roch CARRIER (1992), Mordecai RICHLER (1998) and Stuart McLean (1999, 2001 and 2007).