Notable Cabbagetowner

Gordon Sinclair

Allan Gordon Sinclair was a Canadian writer, journalist and commentator. Born in Cabbagetown in June 3, 1900. After dropping out of school in 1916, Sinclair worked for a bank, Eaton's, and was a part time soldier in world war 1. In 1922 he was hired as a reporter by the Toronto Star, and quickly became popular. After travelling overseas to India for an assignment, he returned to Toronto to write his first novel "foot loose in India" published in 1932. He continued to travel and write best sellers about his experiences and knowledge gained overseas. Eventually let go by the Star, some questioned the validity of Sinclair's experiences he wrote about. He was again hired by the Star and continued travelling overseas until world war two. After writing and reporting a story about the Dieppe raids on CFRB radio, Sinclair was then fired again, due to the Star's policy of reporters not broadcasting on air. In 1943 he officially joined CFRB, becoming part owner until his death. in 1959 he started his television career on CBC's "Front Page", where he was a panelist for 27 years.  He caused an uproar in 1969 asking Olympian Swimmer Elaine Tanner if her menstration got in the way of her training. "The Americans (A Canadian's Opinion)" rose to #24 on the Billboard Hot 100, a radio broadcast Sinclair made in reference to the American Red Cross running out of money at the time, commenting that when in their time of need, America seemed to be on their own for aid. Sinclair became the 2nd-oldest living person ever to have a billboard U.S. Top 40 hit. This same broadcast was praised by Ronald Reagan and was even given light on the internet and in newspapers again after the September 11th 2001 attacks. In 1979 Sinclair was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. Passing away at the age of 83, while still working full time.