John Kay Armour, first director of York’s physical plant, died Oct. 14 in Toronto. Hired in 1961 when the Campus Planning Department was formed, the professional engineer guided the construction of the fledgling University. He retired in 1988 and, on York’s 40th anniversary in 1999, he was inducted into the York University Founders Honour Society.
Born in Toronto on July 26, 1927, Mr. Armour was educated at Upper Canada College and the University of Toronto. His life experience ranged from work on a steam ship, travelling in post-war Europe, building bridges and smelters in Uganda, working at the Stanleigh Mines in Elliot Lake, ON, and guiding the construction of York University, said an Oct. 18 notice in The Globe & Mail.
Mr. Armour is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sascha (Mavor), six children and eight grandchildren. A resident of Port Hope, Mr. Armour was actively involved in his community. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to the historic Capitol Theatre in Port Hope. At Mr. Armour’s request, no funeral will be held. Friends and family are invited to gather on Sunday, Oct. 26 at 2pm at 42 Bedford Street, Port Hope.