Cultural Landmarks of Hamilton-Wentworth

Ivor Wynne

Ivor Wynne was born during 1919 in the small Welsh town of Dyffrun.  In 1924, his family immigrated to Canada from Scotland and resided at 80 Victoria Street South in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.  Ivor attended Stinson Street Elementary Public School.  However, his first organised football experiences occurred while attending Central Collegiate, where he played football for the school team.  Even though football seemed to be his favourite sport, he continued to play on other athletic teams, such as lacrosse and baseball between 1935 and 1940.  After high school, Ivor was accepted to McMaster University, where he received his Bachelor's degree in Political Economy.

Following his graduation from McMaster University, he was employed by Bloor Collegiate to teach and to coach athletic teams.  In 1942, Ivor enlisted in the Canadian Army and was given the rank of Lieutenant.  His main responsibility was to instruct soldiers in the use of artillery.  After he retired from the Canadian Army in 1946, he sought employment with Parkdale Collegiate and acted on the critic staff of the Ontario College of Education.  Between 1947 and 1948, Ivor was employed as an assistant to the physical education department and the director of intramural athletics.  Eventually, Ivor wanted to return to McMaster University to teach.  However, University policy clearly stated that any instructor hired must possess a Masters of Education.  Therefore, he entered into a Masters program at Syracuse University.  He graduated from the university in 1949.  After applying to McMaster University for a position, he was hired as the basketball coach.  Ivor's passion for athletics would be reflected in all his endeavours.  In 1954, he was hired by CHCH-TV to conduct colour commentaries, and covered all football games that were broadcast from Civic Stadium.

Ivor Wynne's dedication to the field of athletics fuelled his drive to develop a physical education course at McMaster University and the construction of a physical education complex.  He also understood the importance of the Hamilton's Civic Stadium and spearheaded renovations.  Essentially, the Civic Stadium did not meet the standards set by the Canadian Football League and fan capacity was dismal.  Therefore, Ivor suggested the addition of spectator bleachers on the north side of the stadium.  His efforts in the field of athletics did not go unnoticed.  In 1964, he was appointed Dean of Men by McMaster University and a year later he became McMaster University's first Dean of Students.  In 1965, he became the president of the Canadian Intercollegiate Athletic Union (CIAU) and maintained this position until 1967.  In 1966, Ivor was also appointed Chairman of the Hamilton Parks Board and he held this position until he died of a rare blood disease in 1970, one day before his 52nd birthday.  His accomplishments were commemorated by the renaming of the Civic Stadium to Ivor Wynne Stadium in 1970.