Alfred H. Savage
Alfred H. Savage | |
|---|---|
| Born | Alfred H. Savage 29 March 1930 Sarnia, Ontario, Canada |
| Died | 24 January 2015 (aged 84) Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
| Occupation(s) | Horticulturist, transit executive |
| Years active | 1952–2003 |
| Known for | Leadership positions in public transportation systems in Canada and the United States |
Alfred H. "Alf" Savage (March 29, 1930 – January 24, 2015) was a Canadian horticulturist and transit executive who held prominent leadership positions within public transportation systems throughout both Canada and the United States.
Early years
Originating from Sarnia, Ontario, Savage completed his education at the Niagara Parks Commission Training School for Apprentice Gardeners (currently known as the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture) located in Niagara Falls, Ontario. In 1952, he and his spouse Georgia took charge of operating the family business, Savage Greenhouses and Garden Centre, based in Sarnia.
Public Service
Savage’s career progressed from his role as Superintendent of Buildings Grounds and Maintenance in Sarnia to becoming the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation for the Borough of York in 1966. He subsequently assumed leadership as General Manager of Edmonton’s Parks & Recreation Department between 1972 and 1974, followed by his appointment as Commissioner of Public Affairs from 1974 until 1981.
Transit Manager
Between 1981 and 1987, Savage served as Chief General Manager at the Toronto Transit Commission. Afterwards, he took on the role of Executive Director for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority in Buffalo, New York from 1987 to 1990. His career continued with a position as Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago Transit Authority from 1990 to 1992, where he was responsible for overseeing significant transit operations in major North American cities.
Returning to Edmonton
From 1997 through 2003, Savage contributed as a Board Member and Chair at Olds College while also holding an executive role within the Alberta Municipal Government Board. He led the Alberta Auto Insurance Rate Board as chairperson, playing a key role in shaping provincial vehicle insurance regulations. Additionally, Savage was involved in organizing large-scale events such as the 1978 Commonwealth Games and the 1998 World Student Games and maintained active participation with the Calgary Downtown Rotary Club.
The Alfred H. Savage Centre at Whitemud Park, Edmonton—established in 2012—serves as a facility dedicated to outdoor education and community engagement. Savage died in Edmonton in 2015 at the age of 84.
See also
- Al Leach – succeeded Savage as head of Toronto Transit Commission