Thomas Henry Pentland Molson (1901-1978)
Chairman of the Molson Brewery & Co-Owner of the Montreal Canadiens
He was born in Montreal and was educated at St. Alban's School, Brockville; Bishop's College School, Lennoxville; the Royal Military College, Kingston; and, Jesus College, Cambridge. Tom was a Master Brewer and having joined the family brewing business in 1922 he established the first laboratory in the company and insisted on quality instruction and equipment. He introduced the practice of giving brewing training to employees with university backgrounds and he made extensive use of consultants to reinforce the technological abilities of his own staff. He was Chairman of the Board and a director of Molson Breweries. From 1957 to 1968, he and his brother, Hartland, were the majority owners of the Canadian Arena Company and the Montreal Canadiens who during that time won three Stanley Cups. From 1936 to 1969, he was on the Management Board of the Montreal General Hospital and was instrumental in the planning and construction of the new building on Cedar Avenue. He was elected a Governor of the Alexandra Hospital in 1939 and served as its President from 1962 to 1971.
His extensive philanthropy benefitted local and national charities, hospitals, medical research, universities, and individual beneficiaries. In conjunction with his brother he established the Canada Council's "Molson Prizes" awarded annually in recognition of outstanding contributions to the arts, social sciences, humanities, or national unity. During World War II, he served as a Major with the Royal Canadian Artillery and - under the guise of personal use - bought a yacht from the United States for the Canadian Navy. After his father died in 1938, he lived for several years at his old home at 3517 Ontario Avenue before moving to 10 Ramezay Road, Westmount. He was married twice and had 4-children (two sons, two daughters) by his first wife and 3-stepchildren by his second.
His extensive philanthropy benefitted local and national charities, hospitals, medical research, universities, and individual beneficiaries. In conjunction with his brother he established the Canada Council's "Molson Prizes" awarded annually in recognition of outstanding contributions to the arts, social sciences, humanities, or national unity. During World War II, he served as a Major with the Royal Canadian Artillery and - under the guise of personal use - bought a yacht from the United States for the Canadian Navy. After his father died in 1938, he lived for several years at his old home at 3517 Ontario Avenue before moving to 10 Ramezay Road, Westmount. He was married twice and had 4-children (two sons, two daughters) by his first wife and 3-stepchildren by his second.
