Poetry 'Service' for locals

Residents of a Penticton care facility were treated to a recital of Robert Service poetry on Wednesday afternoon.

Andre Sutherland Begin, whose stage name is 'The Man From Eldorado,' makes monthly visits to the Village by the Station residential care home.

He's been reciting Service’s poetry for 18 years — something he said was part of the curriculum back when he was in grade school.

"I've got about 20 (poems) in my noggin right now. And I give an hour show, enough for two hours actually."

The Man From Eldorado has travelled around the province to verbally share stories. Visiting care home patients — particularly those with Alzheimer’s — is of special importance to him.

The brain disease runs in his family, and he was diagnosed with it late last year.

"I was shocked, sort of devastated at first. But that's life right? Take what comes, make the best of it," he said, fighting back emotion.

"It gives me pleasure in doing what I'm doing, and that's what helps me."

And evidently, his poetry performance is well-received.

"They're captivated by stories of the Yukon and the North, and all of the folklore. They love him coming," Jean Kearney said, volunteer coordinator at Village by the Station.

"He dresses the part, he has the language, he's brilliant at reciting. And I think for many of them it's a walk down memory lane."

Next month, The Man From Eldorado is taking his poetry recital north to the Yukon.

There, he will perform for three days at the Sourdough Rendezvous in Whitehorse, on Feb. 23, 24 and 25.

"One of my dreams was to recite Robert Service poetry at his cabin... This is just another step towards my dreams."