Edmonton author, storyteller Tony Cashman turns 100
Posted April 30, 2023 12:36 pm.
Last Updated April 30, 2023 3:10 pm.
An Edmonton veteran, author and historian widely known as a gifted storyteller celebrated his 100th birthday on Saturday.
Tony Cashman celebrated the centennial with his family, friends and colleagues.
“Tony is so much a part of the fabric of Edmonton that it is hard to imagine this city without him,” said his son Paul Cashman.
The City of Edmonton designated Tony an “Edmontonian of the century” in 2004 – on the city’s 100th birthday. He was also awarded the Alberta Order of Excellence 10 years later.
He is the author of 15 books and more than 700 episodes of “The Edmonton Story,” with friends telling CityNews one of his greatest gifts was his ability to make the characters come alive.
“Tony has influenced my understanding of what history is, because Tony has always had that gift of bringing the story out and being able to relate it to everyday life so that you can understand people that he’s talking about,” said historian laureate Tim Marriott with the Fort Edmonton Foundation.
Tony Cashman, 100, looks at his birthday cake alongside his son Paul Cashman on April 29, 2023. (Adam Ziccarelli/CityNews)
A documentary exploring the 100-year-old’s life story called “The Edmonton Storyteller” is being worked on. Many in attendance for Saturday’s birthday celebration got a sneak peek of the film.
“In listening to Tony’s stories all these years, you discover that there is a through line, a commonality,” said Marriott. “No matter who is living in Edmonton, the same values emerge. And it’s a wonderful way to get to know your city, just through the stories of Tony.”
The documentary is set to be released in late August.
