William Lyon Mackenzie King

He was the grandson of an Upper Canadian rebel who ended up as Canada’s longestserving prime minister. A lifelong bachelor, he communed with ghosts (particularly that of his deceased mother), and his closest companions were a trio of terriers, all named Pat.

Some see William Lyon Mackenzie King’s longevity as prime minister as a remarkable example of political acumen. Others consider him a bland opportunist who sought the middle road and the path of least resistance to majority governments.

Elected in 1919 as leader of the federal Liberal Party, King became prime minister in 1921 and helped to shepherd Canada through the Great Depression and the Second World War. He strongly advocated greater independence for Canada on the world stage while also maintaining close ties to both Britain and the United States. In November 1948 King retired and was succeeded by Louis St. Laurent. He died of pneumonia less than two years later in July 1950.

Despite his critics, King remains Canada’s most successful prime minister, serving three separate terms as Canada’s leader over a period of nearly twenty-two years.

Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King poses for a portrait in 1938 with two of his terriers, both of whom were named Pat.