Shaunt Basmajian: A Voice for Canadian Poetry

1950–1990 
York Cemetery 
Section 10 Lot 6

Shaunt Basmajian was born in Beirut, Lebanon to Armenian parents. At the age of seven, he emigrated to Canada with his family, settling in Toronto. Over the years, Basmajian lived in the United States and Vancouver before returning to Toronto, where he became a beloved figure in the Canadian literary community.

Basmajian was a founder of the Canadian Poetry Association, co-founder of Old Nun Publications and an active member of the Parliament Street Library poetry group. Known for his experimental and traditional writing styles, he edited and contributed to numerous poetry anthologies, leaving a lasting mark on Canada’s literary landscape.

In 1986, while driving a taxi, Basmajian was attacked and stabbed in a robbery, puncturing his right lung. Although he survived the initial assault, complications from the injury led to his death on January 25, 1990, at the age of 39.

To honour his memory, the Shaunt Basmajian Chapbook Award was established in 1996 by the Canadian Poetry Association and ran until 2008, celebrating Canadian poets and their contributions. His works, including Poets Who Don’t Dance (1985) and Biased Analogies (1988), continue to inspire readers and writers alike. 

Sources: 
•  Wikipedia – Shaunt Basmajian 
•  Toronto Metropolitan University Libraries – Asian Heritage Author Profile 
•  Penny’s Poetry Pages – Shaunt Basmajian