Lionel Massey (July 2, 1916 – July 28, 1965) was a Canadian civil servant and dignitary, most noted for serving as Secretary to the Governor General of Canada during his father Vincent Massey's term as Governor General.[1]
Lionel Massey | |
|---|---|
| Secretary to the Governor General of Canada | |
| In office February 28, 1952 – September 15, 1959 | |
| Governor‑General | Vincent Massey |
| Preceded by | H. F. G. Letson |
| Succeeded by | Esmond Unwin Butler |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 2, 1916 Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Died | July 28, 1965 (aged 49) Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Spouse | |
| Parent(s) | Vincent Massey Alice Massey |
| Relatives | Raymond Massey (uncle) Adrianne Allen (aunt) Daniel and Anna Massey (cousins) |
Biography
Born in Toronto to Vincent and Alice Massey, he was educated at Upper Canada College and Balliol College, Oxford.[1] He served in the King's Royal Rifle Corps during World War II, during which he was injured in Greece and spent time as a German prisoner of war.[2]
He returned to Canada in 1944, and married Lilias Ahearn Van Buskirk in 1946.[3] The couple's primary residence was Batterwood House[4] in Canton, Ontario, although they travelled frequently on family business.[5]
His brother Hart also served in WWII, as a Spitfire pilot.[6]
When Vincent Massey was appointed as Governor General in 1952, he appointed Lionel as secretary; as Alice Massey had by this time died and there would be no viceregal consort, Lilias was simultaneously appointed as acting châtelaine of Rideau Hall.[7]
Following the end of Vincent Massey's term in office, Lionel was appointed as administrative director of the Royal Ontario Museum.[8] He was promoted to associate director of the institution in 1963.[9] He also served on the boards of Hart House,[10] Upper Canada College and the Stratford Festival.[1]
He died in Toronto on July 28, 1965, after suffering a stroke.[1]