First in Line: The Incredible Life of Leonard Stick

First in Line: The Incredible Life of Leonard Stick documents the life of Leonard Stick, a distinguished war veteran, lawman and federal politician who was the 'first' in many historically significant events throughout his lifetime. Stick was the first man to enlist with the Newfoundland Regiment, regional No. 1, when it was reconstructed at the outbreak of WWI. He was also a member of the First Five Hundred, also known at the Blue Puttees and fought in the Battle of Beaumont Hamel. He was promoted to sergeant on September 21, 1914. Leonard survived the war and became the first commanding officer of the Newfoundland Rangers. He then entered politics and found himself in Ottawa as one of the first MPs Newfoundlanders elected after Confederation. Leonard Stick passed away on Dec. 7, 1979 at age 87. His is a story of sacrifice and service.

Hilda Morrow is the daughter of Leonard Stick. She currently resides in Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland where she is a retired educator.

Steve Bartlett began his journalism career in 1988 at The Western Star in his hometown of Corner Brook, Newfoundland. The work ignited a passion for storytelling and prompted him to return to Memorial University. He earned an arts degree, majoring in English and minoring in philosophy. He then attended the University of King's College, earning a bachelor of journalism and stoking his storytelling fire. Over the years, Steve has tackled every issue of importance to his home province and has interviewed everyone from the poor and impoverished to prime ministers to oil rich Middle Eastern Sheiks. After working as a reporter for a number of years, he was editor of The Express newspaper in St. John's from 2001-2007. He now works as a reporter at that city's historic daily newspaper, The Telegram. Steve's storytelling efforts at weekly newspapers across Newfoundland and Labrador have won numerous regional and national community newspaper awards. The honours have been diverse, coming for features, columns, editorials, photography and sports writing. He currently resides in Conception Bay South, NL.