Wally Downer

Background

Downer was born near Penetanguishene in Simcoe County, Ontario, the son of Henry Downer (1860 - 1945) and Emma Thorpe (1866 - 1940).

Education

He was educated at Cookstown Continuation School, Alliston High School, the University of Toronto and Wycliffe College.

Career

After completing his schooling, he was ordained an Anglican priest. He ran unsuccessfully in the provincial riding of Wellington Northeast in 1929 and then was first elected to the legislature as the member for Dufferin—Simcoe in the 1937 election. While an elected Master in Public Policy, he also served in the military during World World War II, serving as chaplain of the Queen"s York Rangers in North Africa and Europe.

From 1955 until 1959, he served as Speaker of the legislative assembly.

He also served as a liquor control commissioner beginning in 1960. Downer was a candidate in the 1961 Personal Computer leadership convention, but was eliminated on the third ballot.

In 1994, Downer died at the age of 90 in Simcoe County.

Achievements

• Downer had expected to run in the 1975 election and had expected to win his party"s nomination by acclamation but was upset by another candidate, George McCague, at the Progressive Conservative nomination meeting.

Membership

He served as Member of Provincial Parliament until 1975, winning a provincial record of ten consecutive elections.