Mel McConaghy retired from truck driving at the age of 71, before which he spent ten years in the Royal Canadian Navy (’54 to ’64) sailing on every ship imaginable, from a sailboat to a submarine. He was one of the first six Canadians to sail on the Royal Yacht Britannia, circumnavigating the world with Prince Philip before witnessing the historic opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway by Queen Elizabeth in 1959.
Mel’s writing career began when a fellow trucker commented, “McConaghy you’re so full of BS you should write a book.” And so, with his colleague’s blessing, Mel soon discovered a passion for writing, contributing regularly to Pro-Trucking Magazine, writing and recording a bi-weekly commentary for a local community radio station, and working on various novels. He lives in Prince George, BC with his wife of 50-something years, Barbara.

Mel's first book, The Stoker, a memoir of his time in the Canadian navy, is now available in bookstores. Contact Mel directly at lesmcc@telus.net.