Category: History

  • Mack Laing Saga Timeline

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    1922:  Famous Canadian author, artist and ornithologist, collector for the National Museum of Canada and The Smithsonian, lands in Comox June 1922.  Builds his first home “Baybrook” and marries his life-long love Ethel Hart. 1945:  Ethel Hart dies of cancer.  A grief-stricken Mack Laing becomes a recluse. 1949:  Sells his Baybrook and 10 acres to…

  • Why is Comox so keen to demolish?

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    I was surprised to read in “Society slams Comox for failing to preserve historic Laing homes,” (The Echo,6 March) Mayor Ives’ claim that “interpretive panels had been erected to highlight the historic significance of Laing’s work.”   As only one small not very visible panel exists, I leave it to your readers to weigh the substance…

  • Comox demolishing Mack Laing heritage

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    Thirty three (33) years ago, in January 1982 Mack Laing passed away at the age of 99. He generously donated to the town of Comox the remaining parcel of his land where his second home Shakeside stands. His last Will asks, in trust to the town of Comox, that his home be turned into a…

  • Mack Laing – Comox man of distinction

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    Hamilton Mack Laing was born in Hensall, Ontario in 1883. His extended family moved to Manitoba, settling in Clearsprings, where he became a keen hunter and observer of nature. He never shot anything for sport. He regularly upgraded his professional qualifications. From 1901-1911, he taught school, then became principal of the high school in Oak…