Melvin Hawkrigg ’52

After graduation from McMaster and Receiving his chartered accountant designation, Mel served as President, Fuller Brush Co. Ltd. 1959 to 1971; Vice Chairman, Canada Trust Co, in Toronto 1972 to 1981, Executive Vice President Brascan 1981 to 1982, President, CEO, then Chairman Trilon Financial 1982 to 1996, Chairman London Life Insurance 1996 to 1997. He is presently the Chairman of Orlick Industries, Hamilton. Mel has served on several boards of directors, including Royal Lepage, Canadian Club, London Life Insurance, John Labatt, and Royal Trustco.

Mel has held a number of volunteer positions including serving on the Board of Governors, McMaster University with memberships in Board of Trade of Metro Toronto, the Toronto Club, the Hamilton Club, Toronto Golf and Holimont Ski Club. As youth advocate, Mel actively served as Chairman, Junior Achievement; Canada Co–Chair Canadian Association of Community Living; Coach, Owner, Supporter, Convenor, Tournament Organizer, Fundraiser for hockey & baseball; and as the YMCA Campaign Chairman. After receiving an LLD from McMaster, he was appointed Chanceller in 1998 and served for three terms.

While a student, Mel earned university letters in Football, Hockey, Basketball and Track. He also played professional football with the Hamilton Tiger Cats in 1952.

Mel is also a member of the McMaster Business Hall of Fame, McMaster Sports Hall of Fame, the Etobicoke Sports Hall of Fame, McMaster Team of the Century, and the Etobicoke Gallery of Distinction. In 1999 he received the Lester B. Pearson CIAU Awards and, in 2003, the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal.