By Stephen Weir
Photographer Don Moreland whose outstanding images of the Toronto carnival scene have earned him the plaudits of mas’ aficionados in Canada, has died.
Moreland passed away in Toronto last Friday. He was 55.
For over a decade Don “Donnie” Moreland has been photographing the men, women and children who play mas’ at Toronto’s annual Carnival. He and his team of photographers have covered all carnival events , including band launches, Blockos, children’s events, King and Queen shows, Pan Alive and the Grand Parade.
His collection of Canadian Carnival photographs is one of the largest and most extensive in the country and many of his pictures have appeared in The Caribbean Camera.
In addition to his photography and film work,. Moreland ran a successful display company in Toronto.
He worked closely with the Toronto mas’ bands, building displays for their camps.
Mas’ camp leaders have been calling The Caribbean Camera to express their shock at the news of his passing.
Moreland is survived by his partner, Susanna Noel, and her children Llevi, Juede, Divahd and Ivell.
There will be a “celebration of life” for Don Moreland on February 17 which would have been his 56th birthday.
The time and location of the “celebration” have not yet been announced.