Robert Alexander Cecil Henry

Robert Alexander Cecil Henry

Robert Alexander Cecil Henry, "Red," businessman, public servant (b at Montréal 20 Sept 1884; d at St Petersburg, Fla 1 Jan 1962). Educated at McGill, Henry worked for the CPR before entering the federal public service in 1908. He worked in the departments of the Interior and Railways and Canals until 1923 and then headed the economics bureau of the CNR 1923-28. In 1929 he became deputy minister of railways and canals, but left in 1930 to become general manager of Beauharnois Light, Heat and Power Co in Montréal. Beauharnois's relations with KING's government were called into public question 1931-33, but there was no proof of misconduct on Henry's part. In 1939 Henry joined the War Supply Board and, as a member of the executive committee of the Department of Munitions and Supply, was C.D. HOWE's right-hand man and troubleshooter. After ill health during 1941-44, Henry returned to full duty as deputy minister of reconstruction from 1944-45. In later years he was a consultant on the development of the St Lawrence Seaway.