​Stephen Woollcombe is uniquely qualified to write the story of G.P. Woollcombe. As his grandson, he provides personal memories of the man amongst his family, friends and former students. As a researcher and historian, he has collected anecdotal and archival information that provides a comprehensive and factual narrative of an important Canadian educator. The book, he notes, is “a labour of love and curiosity”.

As a boy, Stephen attended Ashbury College in Ottawa, the school his grandfather founded. After university studies in Toronto and Quebec City, he followed the family calling to educate and served as a volunteer teacher in India. Subsequently, he enjoyed a long career as a Canadian diplomat, with postings in five continents. In retirement, he taught university courses in Ottawa and Venezuela, has been active in politics at the federal level and engaged in various social concerns in Canada and development work abroad.

Now, decades later, Stephen remains close to Ashbury College. His book’s publication coincides with the school’s 125th anniversary.

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