Robert Alexander Laidlaw 1886-1976

Photo by Alan L Brown - April 27, 2004

Plaque Location

The Region of York
The Town of Georgina
In front of a church on Turner Street just north of Bouchier Street, 2 blocks west of the intersection of Metro Road North (York Road 78) and Bouchier Street, 2.8 km north of Old Homestead Road (York Road 79)

Plaque Text

A prominent Ontario businessman and philanthropist, Laidlaw, who is buried here, was born in Barrie and raised and educated in Toronto. He joined his father's firm, the R. Laidlaw Lumber Company Limited following his graduation in 1908, and during a long and successful business career, served it and other important Canadian corporations. Laidlaw is best remembered, however, for his philanthropic work. He made major contributions to leading health care, educational and cultural institutions, including the Hospital for Sick Children, Upper Canada College, the University of Toronto, the National Ballet School and the National Ballet of Canada, and was revered for his generosity. In 1949, Laidlaw, a quiet, modest man despite his many accomplishments, helped establish the Laidlaw Foundation, thus ensuring the continuation of his philanthropic efforts.