Veteran Edmonton journalist Cam Tait pens his first novel

WATCH ABOVE: A veteran Edmonton journalist and comedian can now add author to his list of achievements. Cam Tait launches his first book this weekend. Kevin Karius reports.

EDMONTON – A well known Edmonton journalist and comedian can now add author to his list of accomplishments. Columnist Cam Tait has penned his first novel, an inspirational autobiography that chronicles a life of laughs and struggles.

“About 10 years ago I was very depressed and that was hard because a lot of people don’t know that,” said Tait.

Tait was born with cerebral palsy. In his book, titled ‘Disabled? Hell No! I’m a Sit-Down Comic!’ Tait writes about his battle with depression. He also touches on the passing of his stepson’s wife.

While difficult, Tait says the tough times brought his family closer together. He has an extremely close relationship with grandson, Nic Davis, who he writes about often in the book. Tait is incredibly proud of his grandson’s skills on the ice.

“What a thrill to see my grandson playing a game I love,” Tait says of hockey. “Writing about my grandson was not only fun, but very rewarding.

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“I never had my own kids but I’m a grandpa,” he said with a look of pride on his face.

The admiration between the pair is mutual.

“I’m very, very proud, really. From what I’ve read of the book so far I’ve been amazed,” said Davis. “Some of the stuff I haven’t known already… Some of the stuff is pretty much his personal stuff that he’s pretty much expressing to the world and it’s been fun reading about his life.”

Tait always has a story to tell, like the time at the 1998 Brier in Edmonton when curlers Kevin Martin and Don Walchuk lifted him out of his wheelchair. Unfortunately, Tait’s pants weren’t done up and they fell down around his knees in front of a few thousand people.

“I don’t know who laughed harder, Martin or me,” Tait said with a laugh.

The book is filled with other thrilling experiences, including the time Tait met Stevie Wonder. He also writes about he became good friends with the Great One himself, Wayne Gretzky, who is featured on the cover art.

“To have a gentleman with that character on the cover, it’s overwhelming,” said Tait.

Gretzky says he was honoured and thrilled to appear on the cover with Tait.

“I don’t know if there’s anybody who is a bigger Oiler fan or hockey fan in Alberta, in Edmonton than Cam,” Gretzky said. “For me, to be part of it was pretty unique.

“But more importantly, hopefully it keeps opening doors and gives them understanding that even people who are less fortunate are part of society and can contribute in a positive way.”

Tait says he received an incredible amount of support as a child and wants to pay it forward with his book.

Tait has a book signing at Audreys Books on Saturday at 2 p.m.

With files from Kevin Karius, Global Sports.