He has ever believed in that special training which will enable the individual to develop his native talents and thus qualify for the business life to which he is best adapted. Mr. Gauthier was associated with Dr. Adami in the general presidency of the Child’s Welfare movement.
In the various movements and projects with which Mr. Gauthier has been associated, whether financial, educational, philanthropic or commercial, he has shown the same intelligent and careful interest as in his own private business affairs.
In connection with the affairs of La Caisse Nationale d’Economie, of which he was one of the founders in 1899, he has taken a very active and prominent part. Ever since its organization he has been chairman of the finance committee, also chairman of the committee of administration, and has been no small factor in the splendid success of this association.
He is an extensive holder of stock in the Montreal Light, Heat & Power Company, as well as in the Lake of the Woods Milling Company, and is president of the Amherst Park Land Company.
Mr. Gauthier is an exceptionally well preserved gentleman for one of his years, and among his extensive acquaintance he is spoken of in terms of admiration and respect.
He has continuously been a student of the signs of the times, of existing conditions and keeps abreast with the best thinking men of the age in his knowledge of political, economical and social questions affecting the welfare and progress of the race.
WILLIAM DOUW LIGHTHALL.
The position of William Douw Lighthall has for many years been one of leadership. He has exerted wide and beneficial influence on public thought and action and as lawyer, author and the promoter of various prominent societies his name has become known throughout the length and breadth of the land. He has been termed “a living example of good citizenship ... a man of high culture, refined tastes and exceptional literary ability.” His efforts along all the lines in which his activities have been put forth have been productive of far-reaching and beneficial results. He was born at Hamilton, Ontario, December 27, 1857, a son of William Francis Lighthall, who is the doyen of the Montreal notarial profession, and is descended from the Schuyler, Van Renssalaer and Van Cortlandt families, three of the most prominent Knickerbocker families of New York. The mother, Mrs. Margaret Lighthall, was the eldest daughter of Captain Henry Wright, of Chateauguay, who was a son of Major James Wright (McIntyre), the commander of the British settlers of the district in the War of 1812.