The Dorchesters
Four Generations and 100 Years in West Vancouver
by Frank Robert Carleton Dorchester

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Every family has a story, and this is the story of the last four generations of my family . . . So begins The Dorchesters—a remarkable story about a remarkable family. Told from the perspective of Frank, part of the third generation, it chronicles the arrival of his grandparents in Canada, their early lives in Vancouver, and the lives of his own parents, concluding with an account of his life and the lives of his two children. Part memoir, part non-fiction narrative—and interwoven with humorous anecdotes and a dash of mystery—the book uses the story of the Dorchesters to illustrate more broadly the immigrant experience in Canada, the history of Vancouver and its environs, and the complexity of love and family over four generations. Steeped in research and richly complemented with historical photographs, The Dorchesters takes readers on a journey through time and across continents—and into the legacy of family, history, and a very special part of Canada.

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Frank grew up in West Vancouver and then went on to an exciting and challenging career as a criminal and civil litigation trial lawyer in the city of Vancouver. He has also travelled extensively, first back-packing around the Pacific as a student, and later in many European countries as well as in Canada, the United States and Mexico. During all of this time his home has remained in West Vancouver, as it was in the early years for most of the members of his extended family. This allowed Frank to know his family well and to develop an interest in their story. Research and a desire to convey his memories with warmth and humour, led to the writing of this book. With his children grown, he now lives with his wife, Melanie, and their dog, Bear.

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Frank Robert Carleton Dorchester