Memorable Manitobans: George Charles Waight (1892-1985)

Actor.

Born at London, England on 23 June 1892, he emigrated to Canada where he worked as an accountant. During the First World War, he went overseas as a member of the University Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force. On his return to Canada, in 1919 he found work with the Bank of Commerce. During the Second World War, he served as a member of the Victory Committee and was one of the organizers of “If Day”.

He was a regular performer with Winnipeg’s Little Theatre, forerunner of the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre. He was the voice of Santa Claus on the Eaton’s Christmas radio show from 1935 to 1965, and was one of the founders of “Beer and Skits” by the Winnipeg Press Club, of which he was an Honorary Life Member. He was “Dr. Query” on Winnipeg’s first radio quiz show.

During his lifetime, he amassed a considerable collection of historical documents, some of which were sold to the Archives of Manitoba in 1974, including the journals of E. W. Jarvis.

He was father-in-law of Harold G. Macdonald.

In retirement, he moved to Victoria, British Columbia where he died on 13 December 1985.

Sources:

Attestation papers, Canadian Expeditionary Force, Library and Archives Canada.

Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press, 15 December 1985, page 25.

“Actor George Waight dead at 93”, Winnipeg Free Press, 15 December 1985, page 28.

We thank Mike Murtha for providing additional information used here.

This profile was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Profile revised: 21 December 2012

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