Lincoln Alexander, Canadas first black MP died at the age of 90

Lincoln MacCauley Alexander, Canadas first black MP and former Ontario lieutenant governor died in his sleep on the morning of October 19, 2012, at the age of 90. The national and provincial flags outside the Ontario Legislative Building were flown at half-mast and tributes were given by various viceroys and politicians. His body was laid in state, first inside the Ontario Legislative Building at Queen's Park, followed by Hamilton City Hall. His funeral was held at the Copps Coliseum in Hamilton. Mourners were able to pay their last respects to the former Ontario lieutenant-governor from Saturday until his funeral on Friday. Alexander was described by the Current Lt.-Gov. David Onley as a living legend in Hamilton and said that his life and career were a series of groundbreaking firsts at a time when racism was endemic in Canadian society, he broke through barriers that treated visible minorities as second-class citizens and strangers in their own land. Governor General David Johnston said Alexander "reflected the highest ideals of service to our country." He further said that from his time spent in the Canadian Forces, to his period as a Member of Parliament, to his role as lieutenant governor, he devoted his life to improving this country for all Canadians and he opened the doors for others to follow. According to Dalton McGuinty, Alexandra broke down barriers and made Ontario a better place for all, the next generation of public servants and citizens. He was a towering man who left an extraordinary legacy and his stature matched his influence. The Hamilton man, popularly known to all as "Linc" was a living legend in his hometown and remembered for by many, firsts in politics, public service and praised for his role in helping to break down race barriers in the country. Alexander served as the first black person to be elected to the House of Commons until 1985and the former lieutenant-governor of Ontario from 1985 to 1991, the provinces first black viceregal among his many accomplishments. . He first distinguished himself in service to Canada in the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War from 1942 until 1945. He received a Bachelor of Arts at McMaster University in 1949 and graduated from Torontos prestigious Osgoode Hall Law School in 1953. He was appointed Queens Counsel in 1965. In 1968, he became the first black Member of Parliament in Canada and was re-elected three times, in 1972, 1979 and 1980. He was appointed as labour minister from 1979 to 1980. In 1992, Alexander was appointed a Companion of the Order of Canada and to the Order of Ontario. During his appointment, he focused attention on education and youth issues. After leaving office, Alexander went on to serve as chancellor of the University of Guelph, serving five terms as chancellor at the University of Guelph the longest-serving in the schools history. He was the Honorary Patron of the Hamilton, Ontario branch of St. John Ambulance, as well as Honorary Chief of the Hamilton Police Service.

Alexander was born in Toronto, Ontario in January 21, 1922 to Mae Rose and Lincoln Alexander, who migrated from Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, respectively. The barrier-breaking politician is survived by his son, Keith, and second wife, Marni Alexander. He was married to Yvonne Harrison from 1948 until her death in 1999.

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