Vosper, George

Person

Vosper, George

b. 1923

George Vosper, a mechanical engineer, university instructor, inventor and Kingston alderman, was born in Kingston, Ontario in 1923. He was the son of Lewis Vosper, a dentist, and Gretta (Haycock) Vosper. He joined the navy in 1944, and served aboard the HMS Glory until he was discharged in 1945. After the war, George started to study architecture at Dawson College (McGill University), then enrolled in mechanical engineering at Queen's University. He graduated with a BSc in 1953. His first job was with John Inglis, where he tested pumps and turbines for destroyer escorts. He then worked on the Iroquois engine for the Avro Arrow at Orenda Engines in Malton. George taught kinematics and the dynamics of machinery in mechanical engineering and headed the engineering drawing department at Royal Military College from 1955 to 1959. He also worked as an instructor of engineering drawing at Queen's University.

Vosper served as an alderman on Kingston City Council for Sydenham Ward from 1957 to 1963, and 1969 to 1973. During this time, he served on city and regional planning committees. He was instrumental in purchasing the airport for the city, preserving local heritage buildings andthe creation of Confederation Park. He also served on Kingston's Confederation Committee, the board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce, the Eastern Ontario Development Corporation, the Cataraqui Conservation Authority, the Rotary Club and the Builders' Exchange.

George Vosper married Velma Johnston in May 1956. He has invested in real estate throughout the city, and was half-owner of Vandervoort's Hardware from 1983 to 1997.

Draft

• English