Member of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: December 19, 1983
• Invested on: April 11, 1984

He began his career in the Newfoundland pulp and paper industry. After his province joined Canada he raised a militia unit and commanded the Royal Newfoundland Regiment and no. I Militia Group. He has also served on the National Capital Commission, the Service Colleges board and in such causes as Memorial University and the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. As mayor, he guided his community of Grand Falls from company town to independent municipality.