The last years and his legacy
When they left Meldrum Creek, Eric and Lillian Collier moved back to Riske Creek. Eric Collier died on 15 March 1966. An extract from his obituary can be read in Chilcotin: Preserving Pioneer Memories by Veera Bonner, Witte Sisters, Irene E. Bliss, Hazel Henry Litterick (pages 95-96).
Veasy describes his father’s last years and assesses the impact of his book:
I just finished “Three Against the Wilderness” – a book that I should have read many years ago. It was a wonderful reading experience, and I now wish that I had used this as when I was teaching novel study in High School English.
Three Against the Wilderness is a book that has been in my home since I was a young boy. My mother ( whose name was coincidentally Lillian) gave the book to my father in 1961. My father was a life long trapper,born in 1931, was close in age to Veasy. My parents have both passed on, Mom in 2001 , Dad in 2009; I now possess the book and it is one of my dearest treasures, not only for what the story tells, but for what it meant to my father.
I have almost completed Three Against the Wilderness and it is one of the best books I have ever read. I can’t wait to see what happens next and am absolutely amazed at this young family’s inner strength and perseverance. I have my Bachelor of Education and this book should be taught as a novel study in High School English. It also should be made into a movie. I have several people waiting to borrow my book once I have completed it.