R.S. "Sam" McLaughlin, C.C., 1871-1972
Born in nearby Enniskillen, McLaughlin apprenticed in his father's Oshawa carriage-works when he was sixteen. Convinced of the potential for growth of the automobile industry, he established in 1907 the McLaughlin Motor Car Company, the first major automobile manufacturer in Canada. This company became part of General Motors in 1918 with McLaughlin as president of the Canadian company and a vice-president of the American corporation. A noted philanthropist, he provided funds to build the McLaughlin Planetarium at Toronto, erect buildings at Queen's University, Kingston, and endow a medical foundation. His mansion, "Parkwood", begun in 1916, was designed by the Toronto architectural firm of Darling and Pearson. This notable house and distinguished gardens were bequeathed to the Oshawa General Hospital in 1972.
Plaque via Alan L. Brown's site Ontario Plaques. Full page here.