G. Arthur Welsh

While he did not make ‘three score and ten”, G. Arthur Welsh’s accomplishments during his 68 years are most remarkable. Born in Sunderland, Welsh attended the local public school, Lindsay Vocational Institute and the University of Toronto where he graduated from the Faculty of Education. After a brief teaching career, in 1915 Welsh headed overseas to join the Royal Air Force. He proved an expert pilot and warrior and was awarded both the Belgian and French Croix de Guerre for his courage. Following the war, Welsh returned home to Sunderland where he became Postmaster after a brief period of employment at his father’s mill. With the outbreak of war in 1939, Welsh returned to service joining the Royal Canadian Artillery. His leadership as a Major during the Sicilian offensive was clearly recognized. His troops fondly dubbed him “Tiger” Welsh. For this outstanding leadership he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO), made Colonel and sent home to Toronto to promote the Sixth Victory Loan campaign. After the war, Welsh entered politics. He won the provincial seat representing Muskoka-Ontario, a riding he held for ten years, sitting in the Cabinets of three Ontario Premiers. After leaving politics, Welsh returned to his Sunderland roots serving as Ontario County Sheriff until his untimely death while on a Barbados vacation. This remarkable man is buried in the family plot at the Sunderland Cemetery.