Three Generations of Authors: Creativity Runs Deep in the D’Eith Family

The D’Eith family stands out as a rare literary legacy, with three generations of authors, each contributing to Canada’s culture in their own distinct way.

Spanning fiction, music education, memoir, and social commentary, this remarkable family proves that storytelling is not just a talent, but a tradition.

John D’Eathe: Writing Vancouver’s Future

John D’Eathe, is a retired lawyer and real estate developer turned novelist. A longtime Vancouver resident, John has authored three published books, with a fourth on the way. His upcoming novel, Broadway Corridor (releasing September 5, 2025), imagines a near-future Vancouver reshaped by AI surveillance, privatized healthcare, and real estate-fueled inequality.

John’s previous titles include:

• Laundering the Dragon – an international thriller rooted in legal intrigue

• Tokkie Smith and the Colour of Rugby – a tribute to Tokkie Smith, the founder of Rugby Sevens in Hong Kong

• Celebrities Who Have Met Me – a witty and self-aware memoir on fame, memory, and the fall of the British Empire

With Broadway Corridor, John enters speculative fiction with a sharp eye on policy, place, and the direction of modern society.

Bob D'Eith: Bridging Art, Law, and Public Service

John’s son, Bob D’Eith, has spent his career straddling the worlds of music, law, and politics. A two-time JUNO-nominated musician, entertainment lawyer, and former MLA in British Columbia, Bob is also the author of:

• A Career in Music: 10 Steps to Success – now in its updated 3rd edition (2025), this practical guide is used in music and arts programs across Canada

• The Displaced – a fictional journey of transformation and identity

Bob’s writing blends technical expertise with artistic insight, making his work invaluable for students, educators, and independent artists alike.

Sheldon D’Eith: Making Rhythm Make Sense

Carrying the legacy forward is Bob’s son, Sheldon D’Eith, a professional drummer, educator, and content creator. He released his first book, Crash! Boom! Pow!, as a kid-friendly guide to playing the drums. Now, he’s developing a brand-new online rhythm course aimed at students 14+.

Launching his course this fall:

• Teaches rhythm reading and writing in a gamified, interactive way

• Improves timing and listening through play-along exercises

• Will be offered as a course + app bundle, perfect for school band students, music learners, and hobbyists

While Crash! Boom! Pow! focused on drumming specifically, Sheldon’s rhythm course offers broader value to all musicians, bridging the gap between theory and feel.

A Living Legacy of Creativity

It’s rare to find one published author in a family. To find three, across three generations and diverse genres, is exceptional. From speculative fiction to music education, the D’Eith family continues to shape how we tell stories, teach, and engage with the world around us. 

While the ancient family name D’eathe, from the east of England is relatively common, Bob and his family have interestingly selected a different derivative, D’Eith.