I live almost exactly one mile from Jack Kerouac's grave. Years ago, my late, great friend Martin Brewer, a high school teacher and huge Kerouac fan, learned how close I live to the resting place of his literary heroes.
A native of England, Brewer couldn't wait to arrive at my Chelmsford home. On the way to Edson Cemetery in Lowell, I told him I knew Kerouac was buried there. But I had no idea where his grave was. Martin couldn't believe it. He was incredulous. A mile from a world-famous author and I was clueless to the exact site? Anyway, we finally found the grave and I have a cherished picture of Martin kneeling over one of his heroes.
I think of that day as I write an appreciation story for the Lowell Sun on the life of Roger Brunelle, a huge proponent of Kerouac and one of the 1985 founders of Lowell Celebrates Kerouac. A fascinating guy, Brunelle, who recently died at age 86, gave Kerouac-inspired tours in Lowell for 35 years.
Kerouac died in 1969 at age 47. Alcoholism was the major contributor to his early death and there are plenty of oldtimers in Lowell who don't believe Kerouac's life should be celebrated. I disagree. I'm glad Roger Brunelle championed the cause. Kerouac's life deserves to be celebrated. So does Brunelle's.
Jack Kerouac
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