Etc. -- Paul H. Donly's 1960 obituary and tribute (2 articles)
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An edited transcription of a page 1 article in 11 Jan 1960 Simcoe Reformer newspaper.

Paul H. Donly Dies, President of Textile Company 
in Simcoe

Paul H. Donley, president of the Brook Woolen Company and a prominent figure in Simcoe's community life for many years, died suddenly on Saturday, 9 Jan 1960 at San Francisco, where he and Mrs. Donly were spending a vacation with members of their family. He was 57.

A native of Simcoe, he was born here 8 Sep 1903, the younger son of 
Hal B. Donly, for many years publisher of The Simcoe Reformer, and Emma Brook Donly. After attending Simcoe public and high school, he graduated from the Philadelphia Textile School and assumed the post of assistant manager of the Brook Woolen Company, of which his father was then the president.

One year later, in 1925, he became manager of the company following the tragic death of the then manager George Templeton. Mr. Donly continued as manager of the plant until 1946 when he succeeded the late Harry J. Brook as president of the company. He occupied this office until the present time.

During his lengthy service with the company under his astute management it prospered and developed a wide market for its products across the Dominion. One of Simcoe's oldest industries, it also became one of its largest and gave employment to a large number of Simcoe residents. The plant was modernized and much new textile machinery added from time to time. The guiding hand of Mr. Donly will be greatly missed at the Brook Woolen Company.

In an unostentatious, though very effective way, Paul Donly gave much unselfish service to this community. A valued director of the Oakwood Cemetery Board, his wise leadership contributed in a notable way to the excellent condition of Simcoe's cemetery. During the war years he was an active member of the Simcoe War Fund executive. He was a director of the Norfolk Golf and Country Club and of the Eva Brook Donly Museum Commission. He was a  charter member of the Simcoe Rotary Club and a member of Trinity Anglican Church.

Besides his wife, the former Margaret Innes, whom he married in 1927, he leaves three children: John B. Donly of Simcoe, Hugh H. Donly and Miss Paula Donly, both of San Francisco. There are three grandchildren. He also leaves one brother, James F. Donly, and one sister, Mrs. Margaret Thayer, both of Mill Village, N.S.

Arrangement for the funeral service in Simcoe had not been completed at press time.
 


Paul H. Donly
Image from Microfilm

An edited transcription of a page 1 article in 11 Jan 1960 Simcoe Reformer newspaper.

Paul H. Donly
A tribute by B.M.P.

The sudden passing of Paul H. Donly on Saturday came as a shock to a host of friends in this community, where he was born and where he had lived throughout his lifetime.

Descendant of one of Simcoe's oldest families, Paul had spent his entire active business career with the Brook Woolen Company, for many years one of Simcoe's most important industries. He served as Manager of the Company for 21 years and since 1946 as President of the Company. He directed the company during the period of its greatest growth and in later years when the Canadian textile industry fell on lean days, it was in no small measure due to Mr. Donly's business acumen and foresight that the Brook Woolen Company was able to weather the storm.

His lifelong leadership in this industry has meant a great deal to the progress and prosperity if the Town of Simcoe, while his sympathetic consideration for the welfare of the Company's employees resulted in good personnel relations down through the years. Under Mr. Donly's direction, the Brook Woolen Company always has taken an active interest in the welfare of Simcoe and its many generous financial contributions to every community project and philanthropic cause are well-known.

Paul Donly was not conspicuous in his community service, but in his quiet, unassuming way he made a very important contribution to Simcoe. He took great pride in the community of his birth and he never failed to do his part in any worthwhile endeavour.

To his family we join with their many friends in extending heartfelt sympathy in the great loss which they have sustained.

 
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