Best-selling author GEOFF MYNETT grew up in Shrewsbury, England. He qualified in London as a barrister, later requalifying as a barrister and solicitor in British Columbia. After a career in law in Vancouver, he is now retired and pursuing a life-long interest in history and the arts. Research for his books on the history of Hazelton has taken him to archives and libraries in Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, Hazelton, and Smithers. He has also drawn upon family papers, photographs and contemporaneous sources to tell the story of Horace Wrinch, medical pioneer and largely forgotten progressive reformer in British Columbia.

Geoff first visited Hazelton in 1979 with his wife Alice, Horace Wrinch’s grand-daughter. He became fascinated with the small town, its history and its pioneer doctor. Hazelton was settled by non-indigenous traders in 1871, 15 years before Vancouver was incorporated. One of the most historically rich places in British Columbia, Hazelton was for over forty years the most important town in Northern British Columbia. Contact: geoffmynett@gmail.com.