Maritime History of the Great Lakes

The Gildersleeves of Kingston: Their Activities, 1816-1930, p. 51

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in 1928, where he remained until illness, in 1930, compelled him to relinquish active duty, after some forty years of continuous service in connection with navigation. He had been chief executive of the Northern Navigation Division for twenty-five years, and on retirement left behind him an outstanding record of service and achievement; as well as a strongly organized staff to carry on the company's affairs. His endeavors had contributed largely to the building up of a traffic business, both passenger and freight, which placed the line in an enviable position the services being in every respect of the first order. **** After retiring, Mr. Gildersleeve took up residence at Ottawa with his sister, Mrs. Maud G. Rivera, but failing health prevented his full enjoyment of the rest which was his due. He passed away on March 12th, 1933. **** The exacting nature of his duties did not permit him taking a very active part in municipal or political affairs, although during the earlier part of his life, while residing at Kingston, he did participate in these activities, assisting friends who were seeking public recognition and otherwise. Like proceeding members of the family, he held Liberal views as regards politics, and took part in election campaign proceedings in the home constituency. Even after leaving the home town, he kept in close touch with old friends and events, taking every opportunity of doing what he could to promote the best interests of the community. It was largely due to his quiet work and influence, that the Collingwood Shipbuilding Company were enabled to take over the Dominion Government dry dock, and establish modern shipbuilding on a permanent basis here. The plant has operated continuously since (becoming the Kingston Shipbuilding Company), and is now playing a most important part in the construction of war craft. As a young man he was a leader in Kingston's social and sporting life; also holding a commission as an officer in the old 14th Princess of Wales Own Rifles, doing duty at Fort Henry during the Northwest Rebellion of 1885. **** In speaking of his demise, the editor of the Whig remarked: "Harry Gildersleeve had the brains to direct and he also had something additional--the ability to make friends and to hold them, and that counts a great deal in management." Not alone in management, but in all phases of life. Yes, he made friends and retained them. When he left Kingston, in 1904, a group of his friends, irrespective of creed, politics or calling in life, presented him with a gold watch chain, each link engraved with the name of the donor. A gracious act of remembrance. He was always particular about remembering old employees, no matter in what humble capacity they served, and never passed them without a cheery word of recognition; and -48-

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