Laking, Leslie
Biography
Leslie Laking was born in Freelton, Ontario and received his secondary education at the Hamilton Central Collegiate Institute. He is also a graduate of the University of Guelph, holding a B.S.A. - Ornamental Horticulture degree. Graduate studies in Botany at the University of Toronto were interrupted after two years, by the outbreak of World War II. From 1943-45, Dr. Laking served with the R.C.A.F. as a Meteorologist in the Commonwealth Air Training Scheme. Upon discharge, he worked as a Soils Specialist with the Province of Ontario's Thames and Humber Valley Conservation Surveys. He joined the staff of the Royal Botanical Gardens in 1946, rising to its Directorship in 1954. In 1996, he was appointed Director Emeritus of the RBG. Through his program introductions, learned writings, radio and television broadcasting, and a 30-year university teaching career at both McMaster University and the University of Toronto, he has encouraged sustained relationships with leading horticultural organizations, and effectively promoted the RBG as a resource and service centre for provincial universities and colleges.
From: Hamilton Gallery of Distinction
Awards/Recognitions
1998 Gallery of Distinction Inductee
Other Information
Related Websites or Blogs
Hamilton Gallery of Distinction
Published Work
2006. Love, sweat and soil : a history of Royal Botanical Gardens from 1930 to 1981. Hamilton: Auxiliary of the Royal Botanical Gardens. (Nonfiction)
