HON. THOMAS A. LOW, RENFREW
SUDDEN PASSING SHOCKS RENFREW AND PROVINCE
Home Town Not Generally Aware of Brief Illness – Deep Gloom
Spread Over Whole Country When Death Announced – Friends From
Everywhere Come to Pay Respect and Offer Sympathy
Right Hon. W.L. MacKenzie King Pays Tribute to Former Colleague –
Telegraph and Telephone Messages Received from All Parts of Canada by
Grief Stricken Widow and Son – Funeral, Largest Ever Held Here, Attended by All Classes
Renfrew Mercury February 12, 1931
Renfrew’s citizenry received a decided shock on Monday morning February 9th, when word circulated that the Hon. Thomas A. Low had been claimed by death. It was fairly generally known in town that Mr. Low was confined to bed by illness, but the illness was not thought to be a serious one. It was of about one week’s duration, and set in following a business trip to Montreal. From a cold complications developed, and the distinguished citizen passed away, a victim of influenza. He died at is stately home on Stewart street at 7:30 in the morning.
News of his demise has caused a shock not only in the town of Renfrew, but in the whole county; besides has been heard with much regret throughout the Ottawa Valley; for he was widely known and universally respected. A man of pleasing presence and interesting personality, he made friends everywhere; moreover, as a public man he became known near and far.
Death of Mr. Low in his 60th year is a loss in a business way, in a social way, in a political way and in various other respects. Sympathy deep and widespread gone out to the bereaved wife, who before her marriage was Miss Mamie Dean of Renfrew; to the only son of William Dean Low, to an only sister Mrs.(Rev.) Basil Thompson, of London, Ont. And to an only brother, Mr. Alex Low of Ottawa.
Mr. Low had years ago become an institution of Renfrew. Coming here as a youth from Pembroke to enter the service of the late Martin Russell lumberman, he learned much from that astute personage and put the knowledge into practice. He was not long in Renfrew before promoting a company for the development of power at the Second Chute. Next he began the promotion of joint stock companies. In all these enterprises he had a financial interest. To everything he put his hand success came, and long before his death he was a man of much substance, a manufacturer of goods whose market is as wide as the world. At the time of his death he was head of Renfrew Industries Ltd. which include the Refrigerator Factory on Elizabeth street, the flour mill at the foot of Raglan street, the sash and door factory on the banks of the Bonnechere, and the Electric factory on Lochiel street. He was also president of the Renfrew Reality Co.
For some years he was associated with the Hon. M.J. O’Brien in industrial life, notably in connection with the Renfrew Machinery Co. He was wont to act as chairman at the banquet held in connection with the annual conference of heads of departments and leading agents.
Although always a busy man Mr. Low found time not only for municipal service but for Parliamentary life. First he was a member of Renfrew County Council when members were elected for divisions. He was honored with the Wardenship. He first ran for Parliament in 1908, when he won from the late John Mackay. He was re-elected in 1911 when so many Liberals were defeated on the reciprocity question. He resigned his seat to make way for the Hon. George P. Graham, whom Sir Wilfred desired to have in Parliament. Mr. Low was again elected to Parliament in 1921 and two years later was called to the Cabinet, taking the portfolio of Trade and Commerce. He again sought election in 1925 and in 1930 but was unsuccessful.
The late Mr. Low was born of Methodist parents and adhered to that religion until church union when he allied himself with the United Church of Canada. He was one of the pillars of the church here – a regular attendant and a liberal contributor. No one did more here for the promotion of sport than Mr. Low; he as a friend of hockey, baseball, curling, golf and other forms of athletic endeavour. A score of years ago he was one of those who proposed that Renfrew should have the Stanley cup. Men who served in the war found in Mr. Low one of the warmest friends, one of the best evidences of which was his resolve to erect a soldiers’ memorial on Low Square. His last public appearance on a platform here was at the collegiate institute commencement exercises. Before that it was on Armistice day at Low square.
Much charitable work was done by Thomas Andrew Low of which the public heard nothing. No deserving person was turned empty away. His advice was sought upon many a matter. He was a man charitable both in deed and word.
He held a membership in different clubs, among them the Rideau and Country Clubs of Ottawa and the Ontario and York Clubs of Toronto.
Mr. Low was a good friend of education showing it by attendance at school functions and by the giving of medals. The Hugh Bryan memorial scholarship owed much to him.
He lived a strenuous life. He did much travelling at night and was at his office during the day, always planning and devising to make his busy factories busier, still and to provide as much employment as possible. His home life was of the happiest nature. A genial host, he delighted to meet friends at his home, where many a political campaign was fought over again and again.
During the Great War Mr. Low did much for the welfare of the soldiery; he also was a manufacturer of munitions, sending to the Western Front a huge amount of shells to help in the winning of the war.
Thomas Andrew Low’s boyhood days were spent in Pembroke, where he attended public and high schools. He was born in Quebec on March 12, 1871, a son of Alexander George Low and Margaret Henderson Low, who soon afterward changed their place of abode to Pembroke.
In tribute to their honorary president the Renfrew Curling Club cancelled arrangements for matches until after the funeral, and hockey clubs did likewise. In fact, there was a general cancellation of athletic and social events here. Mayor McLaren issued a proclamation calling for a suspension of business during the time of the funeral on Wednesday afternoon.
THE FUNERAL
There was a general suspension of business in Renfrew on Wednesday afternoon during the funeral of the late Hon. Thomas A. Low. Also the schools were closed. Renfrew people turned out in force to pay a last tribute of respect to the memory of the departed. Residents of the townships roundabout were here in numbers. Points farther away were well represented. Representatives of church and state were among the sojourners. Among representatives of the former was his Lordship Bishop Ryan of Pembroke, long personal friend of Mr. Low’s. From Port Hope came Rev. Gorldon A. Sjeco, last pastor of the Methodist church here, in which church Mr. Low worshipped until the consummation of church union. Former premier MacKenzie King came from Ottawa, Senators George P. Graham and A.C. Hardy came up from Brockville, and Senators H.H. Horsey and Andrew Haydon of Ottawa were here. These were among the many personal friends of Mr. Low’s who attended the obsequies.
After a private service at the Low residence on Stewart street a cortege was formed, headed by the Citizens band playing Chopin’s funeral march. Behind the band were the members of the Canadian Legion, led by their president Mr. A.B.C. Throop. Following were members of the staffs of the different industries which the late Mr. Low conducted. The hearse and mourners came next, and bringing up the rear were hundreds of the general public in cars. The cortege was a very lengthy one.
A halt was made at Trinity St Andrew’s church where services were conducted by Rev. Dr. H. Mick, the pastor, assisted by Rev. G.S. Gervan of Admaston and Rev. G.A. Sisco of Port Hope. Scripture lessons were read by Rev. Mr. Gervan and the pastor. Rev. Mr. Sisco led in invocation and Rev. Dr. Mick also read from the funeral ritual. “Rock of Ages” and “Just As I Am, without “One Plea” were the hymns sung. “Oh, Rest In The Lord” was a composition sung by Miss Ruby Lester very impressively.
A panegyric by Rev. Dr. Mick was of a most feeling and fitting nature. This appears on another page of this issue of The Mercury. At the conclusion of the service the church organist Mr. F.W. Hopson played the Dead March in Saul, with all present standing.
Pall-bearers were Messrs. Charles A. Dewey, W.T. Guest, P. McHugh, (Eganville) E.A. Wright, E.R. Sayles, E.J. Stewart.
Honorary pall-bearers were Rt. Hon. W.L. MacKenzie King, Senators Graham, Hardy, Haydon, and Horsey. Hon Chas. Stewart, T.P. Murray, M.L.A., W.R. Davies (Kingston), Colonel L.T. Martin, Colonel A.T. Thompson, Dr. G.G. McNab, J.K. Rochester, Dr. Murphy, Dr. McCann.
Floral tributes were very numerous. They came from all points. A room at the bereaved home was literally filled with them. Both organizations and individuals sent them.
A large number of people accompanied the remains to Thomsonville cemetery.
Among the scores of telegrams received were messages from Judge Thompson of Whitby, Hon. H.H. Beland of Ottawa, Wm. Regan Victoria B.C., Thos. P. Murray M.P.P. , W.L. Smyth, president Pembroke Kiwanis, Senator Cairine Wilson, Hon Charles McCrea, Toronto, Hon. W.D. Euler, Kitchener, George W. Lee, chairman T.& NO Railway North Bay, Hon. Peter Heenan, Rt. Hon. W.L. MacKenzie King, Rt. Hon. George P. Graham, Col. A.T. Thompson, E.H. Vickers, Regina, Col. Lawrence T. Martin, Toronto, Hon. Charles Murphy, Peter White, Toronto, J .J . Hunter Kincardine, Hon George N. Gordon, Peterborough, Hon Jacques Bureau, Three Rivers Que., Hon Dr. King, Vancouver, Miss Amy Wright New York, W.H. Harris Sherbrooke Que., Hon. N.W. Rowell and Hon. Charles Murdock.
WHEN HON. MR. LOW BECAME A MINISTER
Taking a Portfolio, He Was Re-Elected to Parliament Unopposed
After the late Hon. Thomas A. Low was called to the Cabinet in the King Government at Ottawa in 1923, his re-election became necessary. He was returned unopposed. Nominations was held in the Temperance Hall in Renfrew on September 6th, 1923. Part of Mr. Low’s address on that occasion was as follows:
“I do not recall a nomination so quiet as the one here today. I realize that it was only made possible by the generous acts of the two other parties, the Conservative party and the Progressive party. I was particularly touched by the way in which perhaps almost all the leading Conservatives of the county hastened to assure me that they would do all within their power to prevent any opposition on this occasion. I appreciate that very much, and I hereby publicly thank one and all of the electors, irrespective of party, for the honor they have done me today. I want to say in regard to the Progressive party that when the announcement was made a number of leading Progressive citizens of the county came and assured me that so far as in their power lay, they would do everything they could to prevent opposition to my election. While they called a convention, I felt that the better judgment of these gentlemen would prevail. They felt like myself that the honor was not an honor alone to myself, but to the riding of South Renfrew. And I appreciate very, very much the honor that the people have done me today in allowing me to be elected by acclamation, without the necessity of a campaign. It enables me to get back to the duties and work at Ottawa, and I am fully impressed with the great responsibilities placed upon me. I today look back to 35 years ago when I came to the town of Renfrew as a boy, and during those 35 years I have tried to do what I could for the town and country, and the people themselves have been very kind to me. They have made it possible for me to reach perhaps what, with one exception, is the highest gift within the people of this country. It is true that the Prime Minister occupies a higher position, but the office of that of Cabinet Minister is that next to the Prime Minister, and it is only the people of South Renfrew that have made it possible for me to attain that position.
RENFREW TOWN COUNCIL EXPRESSES SYMPATHY
Council Adopts a Resolution of Condolence and Adjourns Immediately
A regular fortnightly meeting of Renfrew Town Council was scheduled for Tuesday evening, but out of respect for the memory of the late Thomas A. Low the Council adjourned until Thursday evening without doing more than adopting a resolution of condolence to the bereaved family.
The resolution was moved by Councillor Fennessy, seconded by Reeve Moore and adopted unanimously. In the resolution it was set forth that it was with feelings of sadness the Council realized the loss of one of our best townsmen and friends, and the feeling was expressed that Renfrew had suffered a loss that few could realize. It was said that Mr. Low had been most loyal to the best interests of the town and had given wholeheartedly of his time and talents to the advancement and betterment of this his home town. Council expressed to Mrs. Low and son deepest sympathy in their sorrow and shared with them the loss which Renfrew suffers.
Council resolved to attend the funeral in a body. Adjournment until Thursday evening was moved by Mr. Fennessy, seconded by Deputy Reeve Plaunt.
THE LATE MARTIN RUSSELL’S PREDICTION WAS FULFILLED
When the late Hon. Thomas A. Low came to Renfrew as a youth of seventeen years to enter the service of the late Martin Luther Russell, lumberman, Mr. Russell introduced the new-comer to the mill staff with these words:
“l want you people to be kind to him. He is a widow’s son. There is a lot in him, and he will be something some day.”
DR MALONEY’S TRIBUTE
The following is the tribute to the memory of Hon. T.A. Low, from Dr. M.J. Maloney M.P. for South Renfrew:
“In the passing of Mr. Low I have lost a personal friend. The story of his life is an inspiration to the youth of Canada. Starting from the bottom through individual effort he reached a commanding position in the industrial world and an outstanding place in the public life of our country. His unexpected death is a sore blow to the community and a great loss to Canada at the present time when we so badly need men of wide vision and strong business principles.
My deepest sympathy goes to Mrs. Low and family.”