Obituary of Alfred Le Masurier

Alfred Henry Le Masurier, U.E. Peacefully at his residence in Toronto, on Thursday, February 11th, 2010, in his 95th year. Son of the late Henry Sinclair Le Masurier and Eva Maud Stoner, U.E. Predeceased in 2001 by his wife of 63 years, Eleanor Wilson Groves, and in 1988 by his brother, Harry E. Survived by his son, Murray A. and daughter-in-law Estrellita A. of Toronto, several nieces and nephews, and long-time friend Mollie Lowden and her family. Born and raised in the Broadview and Queen neighbourhood of Toronto, Alf graduated from Riverdale Collegiate Institute. He started his career in paper sales and, after his marriage, moved to Thornhill where he founded Langstaff Card Company Limited in 1945. He was elected to the Township of Markham Council in 1952, as Deputy Reeve in 1953, and Reeve from 1954 to 1956. The period 1954 to 1961 saw him play a pivotal role in the decision-making involved in the establishment of Metro Toronto and resulting reorganization of services in the growing remainder of York County, with new County Buildings in Newmarket. He served on several boards and commissions, including York County Council, Toronto Transit Commission, Canadian National Exhibition, Royal Winter Fair, Committee on Redistribution of Assets between York County and Metropolitan Toronto as chairman, York County Health Unit, and Metropolitan Toronto Planning Board. After selling his shares in the business to his brother in 1958, Alf was appointed to the Ontario Public Service; from 1958-1961 he was Senior Consultant in the Trade and Industry Branch of the Ontario Department of Planning and Development; from 1962-1966 he served as Chief Coordinator of the province's Regional Economic Development program; and from 1966-1978 he was Director, Special Services Branch, Ontario Housing Corporation. Alf became well-known around the province on regional development and housing issues, and represented Ontario internationally at conferences and on study initiatives. After retiring from the Ontario Public Service in 1978, he accepted an appointment as Executive Director, Association of Ontario Housing Authorities until 1983 when he retired again. In 1961 Alf moved with his family to King Township, where he served as Vice-Chairman of the King Township Planning Board and Chairman, Committee of Adjustment. In 1977 Alf and Eleanor returned to Toronto, taking up residence in Rosedale and spending winters in Florida, where he enjoyed fishing and sailing. A private interment took place at Mount Pleasant Cemetery on Saturday, February 13th. A celebration and reception honouring Alf's life will take place at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME - A. W. MILES CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 25th, which would have been his 95th birthday. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.