Keith, John Clarke

BASc, PEng 
1T0 Civil Diploma 
Inducted: 1983 

John Clark Keith claimed the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens during a lifetime of public service. His summer experience as a student with the Department of Interior in Western Canada led him to the development of water supply for the city of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

In 1920, Keith became Deputy Chief Engineer of the Essex Border Utilities Commission, and, in 1921, its Chief Engineer until 1935. Later, when the Windsor Utilities Commission was created to replace the existing water and electric utilities, he was appointed General Manager, a position he held until he retired in 1955.

During the period from 1932-1936, Keith held the positions of City Comptroller and Business Administrator of the Metropolitan General Hospital. Appointed to a Royal Commission in 1935, he is credited with solving many problems in the amalgamation of the City of Windsor.

Keith’s energy and efficiency were sought by many public services. He served as a President of the Ontario Hospital Association; from 1941-1949 he was Vice President of the Board of Directors for Blue Cross. He was a member of the Senate of the University of Toronto and President of APEO in 1935.

Achievements

  • Greatly assisted in the development of the community of Windsor, Ontario
  • Appointed to Ontario Hydro Electric Advisory Council in 1951
  • Recipient of George W. Fuller Award for services in the field of water supply