Fred Beavis

Frederick J. Beavis
57th Mayor of Toronto, acting
In office
September 1, 1978 – November 30, 1978
Preceded byDavid Crombie
Succeeded byJohn Sewell
Personal details
Born(1914-10-08)October 8, 1914
Toronto, Ontario
DiedJuly 11, 1997(1997-07-11) (aged 82)
Toronto, Ontario
NationalityCanadian
SpouseFrances Beavis
Occupationbusiness owner (Beavis Bros. Roofing)

Frederick J. Beavis (October 8, 1914 – July 11, 1997) was a longtime city councillor in Toronto, Ontario, who briefly served as interim mayor of the city in 1978.

Beavis operated the Beavis Bros. Roofing Co. with his brothers before becoming a full-time politician.[1]

Beavis became an alderman in 1961 in the city's Ward 1 (Ward 8 1974–1985, Metro Ward 8 1985–1988) for Riverdale, Toronto. Except for a brief period between 1975 and 1977, he served on the council until 1988. He served on several committees and sat on Metro Council as well. He was also a member of Metro's executive committee.

After mayor David Crombie had resigned in August 1978 to enter federal politics, city council became deadlocked with regards to voting in a new interim mayor.[2] Beavis and fellow councillor Anne Johnston each had an equal number of votes. With the consent of both candidates, the decision was made to put both names into a hat, and the name picked out of the hat would officially be pronounced interim mayor. Beavis won and became Toronto's mayor until John Sewell was elected by the public two months later.[3]

Beavis lost his council seat to NDP candidate Marilyn Churley in the 1988 municipal election.

Beavis died of pneumonia on July 11, 1997, at St Michael's hospital.[1] His wife Frances died in 1980. Their grandson, Michael Hainsworth, is a broadcast journalist.[4]

  1. ^ a b Barnes, Al. Longtime councillor Fred Beavis was Mr. Fix-it. The Toronto Star. July 12, 1997, page A6. 710 words
  2. ^ Baker, Alden. Crombie to leave Sept. 1 for federal race Beavis, Johnston vie for interim mayoral post. The Globe and Mail. August 12, 1978, P13.
  3. ^ Baker, Alden. Bubbly flows but Beavis calls for beer The Globe and Mail. September 2, 1978, P1; (ILLUST)
  4. ^ Freed, Dale Anne. Longtime politician Fred Beavis 'never gave up helping people' Family, friends say goodbye to 32-year veteran. Toronto Star, July 16, 1997, page A7. 315 words