Memorable Manitobans: Wilfrid Lawrence “Biff” MacTavish (1891-1951)

Journalist.

Born at St. George, Ontario on 31 October 1891, son of Rev. Dr. William S. MacTavish and Margaret MacKay MacTavish, he was educated at Deseronto and Kingston then began newspaper work with the Kingston News and Times. During a length career in journalism, he served as editor of the Regina Province and the Saskatoon Star. He was editor of the Winnipeg Tribune from 1923 to 1938. During his residence in Winnipeg, he served as President of the Winnipeg Press Club, Canadian Club, and Empire Club. He was made Honorary President of the University of Manitoba Alumni Association. Poor health forced his retirement as editor of the Vancouver Daily Province in 1947. He died at Vancouver on 18 March 1951.

Sources:

“W. MacTavish dies; ex-Tribune editor”, Winnipeg Tribune, 19 March 1951. [Manitoba Legislative Library, Biographical Scrapbook B10]

“Former Winnipeg editor, W. L. MacTavish, 60, dies”, Winnipeg Free Press, 19 March 1951, page 14.

This profile was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Profile revised: 11 August 2011

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