Dr. Albert E. Allen was a pathologist from Fort William. He was born in Hampton, Ontario. He graduated with a bachelors of biology from Victoria College in Toronto in 1929, and went on to obtain a doctoral degree in medicine from the University of Toronto in 1932. He worked at McGill University before accepting a position as Director of Pathology for the Ontario Health Regional Laboratory in Fort William in 1943. He was also the pathologist for St. Joseph’s Hospital until 1950, and for McKellar General Hospital until 1954.
Dr. Allen was known for his extensive knowledge of natural history. He was a contributor to many natural history publications, and was an avid outdoorsman. He was a founding member of the Toronto Ornithological Club; a trustee of the Ontario Waterfowl Research Federation; a member on the advisory board of the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority, a member of the Minnesota Ornithological Union; and was a president of the Thunder Bay Field Naturalists from 1943-47, and 1951-53. Dr. Allen was an avid bird watcher and regularly recorded notes of his observations. He also kept journals related to his activities on the study of nature, and of local events. Dr. Allen passed away in 1966 at the age of 60.
Ken Armson was born in Canada, and educated in England, before returning to study Forestry at the University of Toronto. He joined the faculty shortly after graduation, teaching from 1952 to 1978. He also began working for the Ontario Government through the 1970s, performing a review of forest management practices and playing a key role in establishing Forest Management Agreements between private industry and the Province. Ken’s career with the Ministry of Natural Resources culminated with his appointment as Provincial Forester. In retirement, Ken became involved in forest history work, including founding the Forest History Society of Ontario, and writing a memoir. Ken was awarded an honourary doctorate by Lakehead in 1992, and was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2016.
Dr. Melville (Mel) William Bartley was a geologist in Northwestern Ontario. His contribution to the development of the mining sector within the region was very influential. He graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1934, as well as obtaining the degree of Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Toronto in 1940. He was the founding Principal of Lakehead University Technical Institute, and was the first chair of the Lakehead University Board of Governors from 1965 to 1969.