Page Wadsworth
Jeffery Page Rein Wadsworth | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Toronto, Canada |
| Died | January 21, 1997 (aged 85) Toronto, Canada |
| Occupation(s) | Banking executive, university chancellor |
| Years active | 1928–1976 |
| Known for | President and chairman of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce; Chancellor of the University of Waterloo |
Jeffery Page Rein Wadsworth (27 July 1911 – 21 January 1997) was a distinguished Canadian banking executive who held the positions of president and chairman at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. His career began in 1928 when he joined the Canadian Bank of Commerce branch in Port Credit, progressing through various management roles over a span of thirty years. In 1957, he earned election as director and vice-president. After the 1961 consolidation with the Imperial Bank of Canada, Wadsworth assumed the roles of general manager and vice-president within the merged institution. He was appointed president in May 1963, succeeding Neil John McKinnon as the bank’s second president. After serving until December 1964, he transitioned to vice-chairman and moved to Montreal. In September 1971, he returned to the presidency while also becoming deputy chairman and chief executive officer. Wadsworth relinquished the presidency in December 1973 to take on the combined responsibilities of chairman and CEO, maintaining this leadership role until December 1976.
Biography
Jeffery Page Rein Wadsworth was born on 27 July 1911 in Toronto to parents William Rein Wadsworth and Mildred Agnes Jeffery. During his youth, his family relocated to Port Credit. His education included attendance at Upper Canada College and Lakefield College School, with his graduation from Upper Canada College occurring in 1928.
Wadsworth gained recognition as a leading figure in banking and also served as the fifth chancellor of the University of Waterloo from 1985 through 1991, later being honored with Chancellor Emeritus status in 1993.
His memberships encompassed prestigious organizations such as the Toronto Club, York Club, and Saint James's Club, among others. Additionally, he held chairmanships on the boards of Lakefield College School and the University of Waterloo.
On 23 September 1940, he wed Elizabeth Cameron Bunting, who was the granddaughter of Christopher William Bunting, a notable newspaper publisher and parliamentarian. The couple had one daughter named Elizabeth Paige. Wadsworth passed away on 21 January 1997 at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto; his funeral service took place at St. Paul's on Bloor Street, followed by interment at St. Philip's Churchyard Cemetery in Weston, Ontario.