My father, the late James T. Boutilier, at the age of 17, sailed on the St. Rochon, the first journey through the Northwest Passage, under the command of Captain Henry Larson. Stan’s song about Henry Larson, “Take It From Day To Day,” moves me deeply as it causes me to think of the hardships suffered on that ship under such ruthless command—although my father used to tell me that Larson sort of took him under his wing and looked out for him. My father was a veteran of the WWII merchant navy. He died eight years ago. My oldest sister joined the Canadian Coast Guard and served for 23 years before going overboard one tragic night in March 2001. She was never found. She loved the music of Stan Rogers. The year before she died, I sent her the CDFrom Coffee House to Concert Hall. She said it was the best gift she ever received. Her favorite Coast Guard ship was the Henry Larson.

—Shelley Boutilier