McGaw, Thomas

Year Inducted / Année Intronisé:

1977

Province / Province:

Ontario

Category / Catégorie:

Curler, Team

Biography / Biographie:

“One of the recent landmarks of Toronto is gone.” Such were the terms in which a fellow townsman referred to the death of Thomas McGaw, which took place on 1st February, 1901. It was not too much to say, for there were few residents better known or better liked. His position as one of the proprietors of the Queen’s Hotel for 36 years caused him to be known to thousands from all over the world. And his love of sport made him many friends.

He was early a member of the Toronto Curling Club, and in the seventies became a member of the widely-known ” Red Jacket rink ” of that club, the other members of which were at the time David Walker, Charles Perry and Thomas Gray. This organization made tours of Canadian and American cities, and for years achieved remarkable success in the game. Mr. McGaw was a past president of the Toronto Curling Club, and his was a familiar and welcome figure in bonspiels and city matches.

Long a member of committee in the Ontario Curlers’ Association, he was chosen president of that body in 1893. Fond of yachting, he was elected commodore of the Toronto Yacht Club, which later was amalgamated with the Royal Canadian Yacht Club. A thorough Canadian, and an enthusiastic lover of sport. Mr. McGaw was open of heart and ready of hand in matters which concerned our national life and the support of all kinds of recreation. His death at the comparatively early age of 67. though not unexpected by reason of his lengthened illness, caused a pang to many acquaintances and admirers.