Leonard Outerbridge facts for kids

Sir Leonard Cecil Outerbridge (born May 6, 1888 – died September 6, 1986) was an important leader in Newfoundland. He served as the second Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland from 1949 to 1957. This means he was the Queen's representative in the province. In 1967, he received a high honour, becoming a Companion of the Order of Canada.

Biography

Early Life and Education

Leonard Outerbridge was born on May 6, 1888, in Asheville, North Carolina, in the United States. His parents, Sir Joseph Outerbridge and Maria Harvey Outerbridge, were from Bermuda but lived in Newfoundland.

He went to school at Bishop Feild College in St. John's. Later, he studied at Marlborough College in England. He then earned a law degree from the University of Toronto in Canada.

Military Service and Early Career

During the Great War (World War I), Outerbridge served in the Canadian forces. He rose through the ranks to become a Colonel.

After the war, he worked as a lawyer in Toronto for one year. Then, he moved back to St. John's. There, he helped his brother, Herbert, manage a company called Harvey and Company Ltd.

Public Service and Honours

From 1923 to 1924, Outerbridge was the president of the Newfoundland Board of Trade. This group worked to help businesses in Newfoundland. In 1925, he led the Charity Organization Bureau.

From 1930 to 1944, he was an unpaid private secretary to several governors. During the last three years of World War II, Outerbridge volunteered his time. He was the director of Civil Defence, which helped protect people during air raids.

In 1946, he was made a Knight. This was to honour his work as the private secretary to the Governor of Newfoundland.

Role in Confederation

In 1948, Newfoundland held a second vote about joining Canada. Outerbridge was one of the business leaders who supported this idea, known as Confederation.

In 1949, Newfoundland officially joined Canada. Outerbridge became the second lieutenant governor of the new province. He took over from Sir Albert Walsh.

Interestingly, Outerbridge was the first choice for the job. However, he and the Canadian Prime Minister felt it was too soon to announce his appointment. They worried people might think it was unfair. So, Albert Walsh became the first lieutenant governor. Outerbridge then took over less than a year later. He served as lieutenant governor for eight years. In 1951, he was made a Knight of Grace of St. John of Jerusalem.

Later Life and Legacy

After his time as lieutenant governor, Outerbridge became the president of Harvey and Company Limited. In the 1970s, he became the chairman of the company. He still held this important position when he was 90 years old.

In 1967, Outerbridge was appointed a Companion of the Order of Canada. This is one of Canada's highest civilian honours. In 1983, he received a special award for his work with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. In 1985, he was made a Companion of the Order of the Red Cross.

Sir Leonard Cecil Outerbridge passed away in St. John's on September 6, 1986.