Alexander Mackenzie Wilson

Alexander Mackenzie Wilson. Alex Wilson was a visionary and a man of many talents and accomplishments. He came to Canada with his Scottish parents at age eight. With a grade nine formal education, he began a life-long period of learning in the real world of the world's worst economic depression. His first job was as a Winnipeg Tribune office boy at a salary of $8.00 per week, soon to be cut in the depression to $7.00 and then $6.00 per week. , He became a proficient artist, through correspondence, at the same time as he was completing a printing apprenticeship at the Tribune. Noting Alex's abilities, Edgar Whitehouse, church editor of the Tribune and one-time minister at Dryden United Church, suggested that Alex investigate the possible purchase of the Dryden Observer. , In 1940, at age 25, Alex bought the Observer with money borrowed from a neighbor and also from his father who mortgaged a debt-free home. From such a beginning, with equity created by long hours of work, he built Alex Wilson Coldstream which, at its zenith, employed 100 people. , He was the moving force in creating Patricia Gardens Minimal Care Home and Dryden's Jet Airport, as well as Park Crescent subdivision. He was a charter member and president of Dryden Rotary and served on Dryden Town council. , Always one to promote Dryden, he used his "Happy Wanderer" boat as an opportunity to seek support from visiting Ontario Government cabinet ministers and government officials for many local projects including Patricia Gardens and the Airport. , Who could forget Alex with his pad and pencil used to visually explain what he was talking about. And who could forget his great sense of humor… and his landscaping talents. , Effie, Alex's wife, was Alex's confidante for his many plans before they finally became reality. She was indeed the light of Alex's life. He was a husband, father, grandfather and brother… like no other!