Through his book, Beaulieu reveals the life of Fred Cribb Jr., as well as other pillars of the local Irish and Scottish communities, including Dr. Larkin Kerwin, former prime minister Brian Mulroney, James MacPherson Lemoine and the Ross family. Like his forefathers, Cribb became a philanthropist before founding his company Cribtec. Beyond the office, he was involved with the Fraser Recovery Program, the Wellness Centre at Jeffery Hale–Saint Brigid’s, the Calgary-Quebec Exchange and the Défilé de la Saint-Patrick de Québec, of which he was named Grand Marshal in 2016.

Included in the distributed program was a copy of a letter from Prime Minister Mark Carney. “I proudly offer my sincere greetings for the concert and launch of the book,” Carney wrote. “Irish Canadians have made significant contributions throughout Canada’s history. […] Since before our nation’s founding, large numbers of immigrants from Ireland began to call Canada home. They helped feed, build and develop our country [… leaving] a lasting impact on the character of Canada and our culture, traditions and way of life. These include the incredible contributions of Frederick John Cribb, Jr.”

“Walking through the city of Quebec, it is evident that the Irish and Scottish helped build this city, this province and this country. It is thanks to the entrepreneurship of this community. The book reminds us of their work,” said Coun. Pierre-Luc Lachance, vice-president of the city executive committee.

Author and historian Beaulieu spoke passionately about his subjects and their respective genealogy. Attendees learned about Quebec’s rich history and heritage, with roots in Ireland, England, English Canada and New England, and discovered more about the people who once walked these streets, attended the same schools and helped build this city.

This ceremony was even more meaningful once attendees noticed the absence of the honouree. Cribb died surrounded by family on May 8. His wife, Marthe Langelier-Cribb, and her sister, Francine Langelier, were present to receive acknowledgements, including a signed hardcover copy of the book, a carved wooden bust and a laminated copy of the book jacket.

Beaulieu invited bagpiper Line Bélanger, soprano Sharon MacLeod and pianist Bruce Gaulin to provide musical accompaniment for the ceremony. Longtime Central Québec School Board chair Stephen Burke was MC of the event.

To obtain a copy of Frederick John Cribb Jr., Successful Irish North American Entrepreneur: A Life Dedicated to the Well-Being of Others ($90 for the softcover edition and $175 for the deluxe hardcover version), contact Carl Beaulieu at heritagepub.irish@bellnet.ca.

Disclosure: The writer contributed to the copy editing of the English version of the book.