John Patrick Gillese (1926-1999) was an award-winning writer who published more than 5,000 articles and books. Born in Ireland, he and his family immigrated to Rochfort Bridge, Alberta, in the mid-1920s. His first story was published in 1939, but his career only began to take off after he wrote the short story "Ashamed to Go Home." In 1944, Gillese moved to Edmonton where he worked as a freelance writer. In 1971, the Alberta Department of Culture, Youth and Recreation hired him as the provincial supervisor of creative writing. Gillese won several awards for his writing, including the Catholic Press Association Award for fiction and nonfiction, the Vicky Metcalf Award and the Rothman's Award. Among his many books were People and Progress: Hospital District 24's World of Extended Care, 1961-1986 and Murder Will Out. The John Patrick Gillese Park is in the Glastonbury neighbourhood and has an area of 0.39 ha.