John James McConnell was born in Trenta, Letterkenny, County Donegal, Ireland in 1925. Two months prior to his first birthday, his family immigrated to Canada, where they farmed in the Sanctuary and Dinsmore area of Saskatchewan. McConnell attended the University of Saskatchewan, earning a degree in Agricultural Economics (1951). He began a 21-year career with the Saskatchewan public service, working for the departments of Co-operation and Co-operative Development, and Agriculture. During this period he hosted a radio show, “Good Listening for Good Farming,” and a television show, “Rural Route Saskatchewan.” His interests in print and other media prompted him to get his MA in Communication Arts from Michigan State University (1968). McConnell also worked for the federal civil service, in Ottawa and Saskatoon, for Agriculture Canada. He retired in 1984. John McConnell died on 25 January 2016 in Saskatoon.

Doreen Ratcliffe was born in Regina on 17 July 1927. She earned a BA from the University of Saskatchewan, and worked as an executive secretary and advertising copywriter in Vancouver and Regina prior to meeting John McConnell, whom she married in 1957. They had three children; all of whom graduated from the University of Saskatchewan. In addition to raising her family, Doreen was active as pianist for her church, with the CGIT, and with the Canadian Institute of International Affairs and the World Food Program. John and Doreen shared interests in politics, public affairs and the environment, community and social issues; and both were freelance writers, often collaborating on articles. Doreen McConnell died on 31 July 2007.

Elma Florence Ratcliffe (nee Robson) was born on 21 September 1897 in Yellowgrass, Saskatchewan. The family moved to Regina in 1912. Elma was a school teacher in Yellowgrass and Regina until 1926. She died on 5 April 1986.

James Alexander Ratcliffe was born [ca. 1882] near Oshawa, Ontario, and moved to Saskatchewan in 1907. He was employed for a number of years with the Saskatchewan Department of Highways. He died on 4 January 1968.