SUMMERSIDE - Local author Heather Irving has successfully cemented the legacy of her late grandfather, Andrew Perry.
Family, friends, neighbours and admirers of Andy Perry and his family gathered at Red Shores Summerside Raceway on Thursday to celebrate the launch of Irving's book entitled 'Andy's'."
Irving, who was born and raised in Summerside, spent the past 15 years of her life documenting her grandfather's extraordinary life.
Irving describes her grandfather as a man "who did not measure life by what you had but by what you did with it."
Andy was a rumrunner during Prohibition, a restaurant owner, a city councillor for three terms, president of the Prince County Horsemen's Club and above all that he was a loving and loyal husband, brother, father and grandfather.
Paul H. Schurman of Summerside described Perry at Thursday's launch as "a friend to all who knew him."
Irving always knew she wanted to preserve and share the great tale of her grandfather's life.
"I was 10-years-old when he passed away but through my mother, as I grew up, I came to know the man and what an amazing man he was," said Irving. "Anytime I would introduce myself or say who he was, I would always hear what a good man he was, that was always the first comment to come out of people's mouths."
She said a lot of her research came through long conversations with her mother, Marie Cameron, proprietor of Gentlemen Jim's Restaurant.
"We've always had a close relationship but it really helped me get to know her better," Irving said of her mother-daughter relationship. "It has allowed her to share her life with me and now we can pass that down to her grandchildren... I took her life and brought it to life for her, but in a very respectful way."
Irving utilized "Andy's" to not only tell her grandfather's story, but also to explore the fading history of Prohibition.
She believes the custom of rum-running during Prohibition is still a bit misunderstood.
"It wasn't as violent or as organized crime as most people think. Yes, we all know it was illegal, but my grandfather saw an opportunity to make a choice to better his life and he took it... This is a part of my family and I accept it and I am very proud of my family."
Irving now resides in Connecticut with her husband Tony and daughter Brittney. Although her husband's employment has taken them around the world, Heather has never missed spending the summer months on P.E.I.
"I really feel that the Island gave me everything. I love it and it's where I feel most comfortable," Irving shared. "I may live away but I'll always be from Prince Edward Island."
"Andy's" was published through RetroMedia Publishing, an Island-owned company dedicated to preserving P.E.I. history. The book is now available for purchase in all Chapters/Indigo stores throughout Atlantic Canada.