Mining enthusiast enjoys behind-the-scenes work

While out to lunch the other day, some friends suggested that one Leon LaPrairie just might be an admirable subject for this column, pointing out how much behind-the-scenes good work this mining enthusiast carries out, day in and day out. An un-sung hero? He’s one of nine children (four of them mining engineers) sired by the late “Lap” LaPrairie, a beloved and respected explosive expert and renowned storyteller who regaled audiences at mining conventions across the land with yarns embellished by his native French-Canadian accent. As well, it was his “dad” who started the celebrated CIL Miner’s Oyster Party 68 years ago, a tradition that is still carried on with gusto.

A mining geologist, Leon has quietly carved his own niche.

Despite all the success his many friends wished him, Leon has never enjoyed much luck with the various mining ventures with which he has been involved, including such companies as Vedron, Cenex, Black Bay Uranium and Matt Berry Mines. Nor, to my knowledge, has he made any real killing on the stock market. But as a human being, he has been very, very successful.

Recently, for instance, on the opposite page we carried a story about a surprise birthday party for one Bill Reed to celebrate his 100th birthday. Organized in every detail by LaPrairie, it certainly was no ordinary affair, with some 300 guests.

Even the birthday cake, nearly five feet long, was unique. There was a bundle of simulated dynamite sticks atop, bound together by simulated (candy) fuse. And a few feet away was a detonator made of chocolate. When Reed, another famed former CIL explosive expert, pushed the chocolate plunger, it detonated a bank of sparklers, wafting a cloud of white smoke across the packed courtyard.

I phoned Reed the next day to congratulate him on that wonderful party. He immediately heaped praise on Leon, saying that he has visited him every Sunday morning for years, personally delivering a copy of The Northern Miner which he still reads avidly, then passing it along to other mining retirees at Belmont House. Leon, he added, was taking him (a former baseball pitcher) to Toronto’s Skydome that day to see the Blue Jays game — a sold-out affair. Good seats were quickly made available to Leon when he told the powers-that-be that his guest was celebrating his 100th birthday.

For years, parties arranged by LaPrairie at the Engineers’ Club of Toronto have been a legend, especially the annual St. Patrick’s Day bash and, in more recent years, a miniature Octoberfest celebration.

Another popular affair is his annual Santa Claus party for children (parents can come if accompanied by a child). Attended by upwards of 100 kids, they watch the big Santa Claus parade on University Avenue, returning to his nearby penthouse for more Christmas goodies.

Organized to the nth degree, he maintains a fabulous up-to- date computerized directory of hundreds of Toronto’s mining fraternity — address, phone number, business association, birthday and other data. When in doubt just ask Leon, many of us have learned.

We found him extremely helpful in organizing the annual banquet of the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame. He took on the task of arranging the reserved seating for the some 500 guests — and knew just about every one.

For recreation, he turns to boating. A member of the Humber Yacht Club, he is proud of his 30-ft. cabin vessel of the type used by New Brunswick lobster fishermen.

His prime interest still centres around his pet company — Peat Resources — which he formed 10 years ago and on which some $1.5 million has been spent to date, with government and Ontario Hydro assistance. His objective is the development of its vast peat deposits in northern Ontario to produce an environmentally attractive fuel for the generation of electricity at a competitive cost to imported coal.

This junior company has attracted the attention of both Inco and Corona, which are lending technical and financial assistance, as is the Ontario government.

“There’s no question, Leon LaPrairie is vitally interested in the mining industry. And he certainly has a broad knowledge of the people that represent it,” says Cassels Blaikie & Co.’s R. M. (Dick) Hogarth. “He can always be called upon for help.”