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One of Canada’s best known and beloved authors has died.

Farley Mowat passed away at his home in Port Hope at the age of 92. Mowat, who was fiercely proud of his Canadian roots — penned such classics as “Never Cry Wolf” and “People of the Deer”. He sold more than 14 million copies of his novels worldwide. Mowat was being remembered in Ottawa Wednesday and both the Liberal and Green Party leaders shared their experiences.

Elizabeth May: “You know they are irreplaceable, there is not somebody like Farley Mowat that’s going to come along and be that kind of friend, that kind of mentor, that kind of…. inspiration”

Justin Trudeau: “Mr. Mowat obviously was a passionate Canadian who shaped a lot of my generation with his books. He will be missed.”

There is a Hamilton connection to Mowat. Some of his work is kept at McMaster University.

Farley Mowat would have been 93-years old next Monday. But today, sales of his books were suspended, as family members sought time to mourn his passing.

Mowat was a prolific author — turning out 45 books in his 52 year writing career, which began with “The Deer People” in 1952. His work has sold more than 14 million copies world-wide and has evoked both delight and consternation from every quarter. His public persona was that of a fiery, combative champion of both literature, and the environment. But Rick Stapleton — who will manage the more than 350 boxes of material bequeathed to the McMaster archives — has a different view of the man he spoke to, only a week ago.

Stapleton said Mowat’s death came as a particular shock, as only last week, the author was discussing an upcoming summer at his Cape Breton home — with an enthusiasm, that was uniquely his. No funeral arrangements for Mr. Mowat, have yet been announced.