Roy Kenzie Kiyooka was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan in 1926, and grew up in Calgary, Alberta. He was known as a painter, sculptor, photographer, musician, poet, and author. His book, Pear Tree Pomes, was nominated for a Governor General's Literary Award. In 1978, Kiyooka was named an Officer of the Order of Canada. Roy Kiyooka died in 1994 at the age of 68.