Two Toronto mayors who died suddenly while serving in office

On my walk through Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Toronto, I came across the graves of two former mayors who died while serving the City of Toronto — Sam McBride and Don Summerville.

Sam McBride was a two-time Mayor of Toronto, serving his first term from 1928 to 1929 and his second term in 1936 until his untimely death. A left-leaning politician, McBride’s notable accomplishments included helping to establish the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), overseeing the construction of the Coliseum at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), and playing a key role in stopping the construction of a tunnel to the Toronto Island, which had been proposed to facilitate an airport there.

McBride had a personal connection to the Toronto Island, owning a cottage there and representing the Island as its Alderman. In recognition of his contributions to the Island community, one of the ferries that operates from downtown Toronto to the Island was later named in his honour.

On November 10, 1936, Samuel McBride suffered a stroke and remained unconscious until he passed away four days later.

Samuel McBride died in Toronto on November 14, 1936. He was 70.

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Donald “Honest Don” Summerville, the 53rd mayor of Toronto, began his civic career in 1955 when he was elected Alderman for Ward 8 in the city’s east end, which included The Beaches. Before entering politics, Summerville had led a varied and colourful life. He served as a pilot with the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War and is remembered—half in legend, half in truth—for mistakenly dropping a practice bomb on the Canadian National Exhibition grounds during training.

As a young man, he also worked with the Toronto Maple Leafs as a practice goaltender, a common role in the era when NHL teams typically carried only one goalie.

Tragically, Summerville’s life ended in the midst of an act of generosity. On November 19, 1963, during a charity hockey game at George Bell Arena in support of muscular dystrophy research, he suited up as a defenseman for the Old Pros, playing against a lineup of NHL stars including Leafs great Frank Mahovlich. Summerville even scored a goal that night. But moments after the final whistle, he collapsed on the ice from a massive heart attack. He could not be revived before reaching the hospital.

Donald Dean Summerville died in Toronto on November 19, 1963, at the age of 48. Don Summerville was buried on the same day that John Kennedy was shot.

The Sam McBride ferry approaching the Island terminal.

Donald D. Summerville Olympic Pool in The Beaches and his grave with Toronto Maple Leaf sock and goalie stick in recognition of his role as a practice goalie with the Leafs.