Hamilton Southam, the big personality behind the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, died yesterday at the age of 91.
"He was a war hero, journalist, diplomat, performing-arts legend who literally willed the NAC into existence 39 years ago," said Peter Herrndorf, the NAC's president.
Mr. Herrndorf revealed the news to a Canada Day crowd gathered on the roof of the institute Mr. Southam created. He said the passionate Canadian had passed away in the afternoon at his Ottawa home.
Mr. Southam came from a line of newspaper magnates and once worked as a journalist himself. He also helped found the Canadian War Museum, although his greatest triumph was bringing the NAC to life and working as its director.
"In the years leading up to the Centennial, it occurred to me that building a concert hall would be a good way of celebrating," Mr. Southam told The Globe in 2006, shortly before he celebrated his 90th birthday.
41