Lincoln Alexander Dies

Web posted on October 19, 2012

On October 19, 2012 Lincoln Alexander, who many remember as former Governor General and Chancellor of the University of Guelph has passed away. He was 90.

The announcement that Lincoln Alexander has passed away was made on Friday by the current Lieutenant Governor David Onley. "I am profoundly saddened to learn of the death of The Honourable Lincoln MacCauley Alexander, 24th lieutenant governor of Ontario," Onley said in a statement. "Lincoln Alexander, known to all and sundry as 'Linc,' was a living legend in his hometown of Hamilton," he said.

Alexander's wife, Marni Beal, said he died around 8:15 a.m. Friday. She said he passed away very peacefully.

Alexander will be lying in state at Queens Park, and then at Hamilton City Hall. Funeral services will take place at Copps Coliseum.

Lincoln's many achievements include the distinction of being the country's first black member of Parliament, first elected to the House of Commons in 1968 as a Progressive Conservative candidate for Hamilton West. He held the seat until 1985.

After leaving the House of Commons, Governor General Jeanne Sauvé appointed Lincoln Alexander the 24th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. He held the post until 1991.

In 1992, Alexander was awarded the Order of Ontario. He also became a Companion of the Order of Canada.

From 1991 to 2007,Alexander went on to serve as Chancellor of the University of Guelph. His term exceeded that of any of his predecessors, and he assumed the office of Chancellor Emeritus.

"At a time when racism was endemic in Canadian society, he broke through barriers that treated visible minorities as second-class citizens, strangers in their own land," Onley said. "Lincoln Alexander's whole life was a rebuke to those who would equate ability with skin colour."

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty said the country has lost a remarkable Ontarian and a great Canadian.

"Lincoln was a towering man, and his stature matched his influence," McGuinty said in a statement. "Not just on all those fortunate enough to work with him, but all those who knew him. Indeed, he left an extraordinary legacy, both in his private life and as a public servant."

"He broke down barriers. He made Ontario a better place for all of us, the next generation of public servants and citizens."